We believe that chess is most fun and beneficial when studied properly and played competitively. In 1999, the International Olympic Committee officially recognized chess as a sport! Unlike other activities, chess provides a pure decision-making arena where players receive clear feedback on each of their choices. This makes it an ideal vehicle for developing lifelong thinking and learning skills that advance academic, personal, and career success.

Academically, the benefits of chess are well known. It helps students with their focus, work ethic, critical thinking, self-awareness, self-control, and patience. After playing a grueling six hour tournament game, sitting through SAT or AP testing feels like a walk in the park! Chess provides a microcosm in which students practice exerting themselves mentally. They study and build concrete skills, having fun and embracing failure as part of the learning process.

Personally, chess promotes healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle. The life skills chess develops—patience, forethought, sportsmanship, self-accountability—are highly relevant outside the classroom. Scholastic chess is often played in a co-ed team setting, so all of the social benefits of team sports are included as well. As one of the most popular games on the planet, whenever they visit a new country, city, or culture, students can connect with other people through chess.

Career-wise, chess is one of the most compelling extracurriculars to list on a résumé. Being exposed to the mathematical logic of the game is helpful in quantitative and STEM careers. Also, significant creativity is involved at the chessboard. Marcel Duchamp famously stated that “while all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists.” Chess builds self-confidence as the player develops awareness of her strengths and how to improve weaknesses.

We have big exciting plans for the future, and we hope to see you there!

Larry Sivitz, National Master, Program Director and Head of Curriculum.
 
Larry was awarded the National Master title by the U.S Chess Federation in 1989 and has been a teacher, coach and tournament player. He managed the best-selling Play Winning Chess series of chess books for Microsoft Press working with Seattle International Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan and fabled chess instructor Jeremy Silman. He is also a member of the Chess Journalists of America.