Chess in the Schools

Chess in the Schools is one of the most impactful chess organizations in the United States, and the oldest urban chess education nonprofit in America. Founded in New York City in 1986, they have taught chess to more than 500,000 underserved children across NYC public schools over four decades.

The organization runs structured chess programs in approximately 48 elementary and middle schools annually, reaching around 6,000 students per year. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Chess in the Schools has documented graduation and college enrollment rates that are remarkable for the communities they serve: 100% of their high school participants graduate on time, and 96% go on to college.

Their programs go well beyond learning the rules. Students develop critical thinking, patience, discipline, and confidence through chess. The organization trains instructors to teach in low-income schools where chess would otherwise not be accessible, removing economic barriers to one of the most cognitively enriching games ever invented.

Chess in the Schools also hosts an annual scholastic tournament, the Greater NY Scholastic Chess Championships, which brings together students from across the city. The event is a celebration of how far these young players have come and a proving ground for NYC's next generation of chess talent.

If you want to support chess education for kids who need it most, Chess in the Schools is one of the most proven and trusted organizations doing that work.