We mentor chess players in the D.C. Metropolitan Area through both individual and group lessons. We also operate on-site after school programs for grades 2-6.
We teach not only how to play and win games, but employ chess as a tool for understanding valuable life skills, including:
- Critical thinking
- Discipline
- Focus
- Planning
- Etiquette
- Sportsmanship
- Resource management
- Problem Confidence*
*Problem Confidence is the ability to overcome situational intimidation.
In the classroom setting, we strive to maintin a mentor:mentee ratio of 1:17 or better.
We offer diverse syllabi which may include:
- Rules and basic instruction
- Puzzles
- History and trivia
- Strategy and tactics
- Annotation
- Timed play
- Tournaments
- Simuls*
- Giant chess
*During a simul a strong player will play multiple boards at once.
**We use a walk-on board with life-size pieces for hands and feet-on fun!
Lessons are tailored to the ability and preference of the student. Our energetic and attentive mentors try to engage every student and make the experience accessible and memorable for everyone!