Chess Club

Chess has been proven to enhance creativity, academic achievement in math and reading, self-esteem and a host of other qualities that every parent and teacher desires.

Virtually every parent I’ve talked to wants to improve their child’s focus, concentration, memory and critical thinking skills. There’s never a simple answer to a complex question like this, but there is an activity that has been proven to significantly improve focus, concentration, memory and critical thinking — it’s chess!

Focus & Concentration

Not only can chess improve critical thinking and logic, but it also helps kids with focus and concentration. “If you don’t pay attention in school, you might not see the consequences right away,” says Tom Brownscombe, scholastic director of the U.S. Chess Federation. “If you lose your queen in chess, it forces you to pay attention.”

Learning from Failures

Many parents also view chess as an activity with social benefits. You have to be a graceful loser–and winner–in front of peers. In addition, rather than focusing on winning and losing, students can be taught to view losses as “opportunities to learn”. Careful analysis of games played helps students learn and grow and prepare do better the next time.

Anyone Can Excel at Chess

Most people naively believe that any child who becomes proficient at chess must be a prodigy. On the contrary, with the right coaching, any motivated 10 year old can become a proficient player. Skills acquired by playing chess are not just for the select few; they are trainable skills for all.

Club Details

Our chess club is coached by Life Master Chuck Diebert with over 30 years experience. It is open to novice to intermediate players and students can join at any time. The hour is split between instruction and guided play. Homework assignments are given so students can practice at home during the week. Students earn rewards for completing assignments and can earn additional credits for playing at home or online. Students in chess club can track their progress on our “ladder”. Coach Diebert helps students to develop the confidence to play in tournaments.

Chess Club Ladder