CheckMates Chess Academy offers the BEST CHESS CLASSES IN THE MIDWEST. We can be sure of this because nobody can make chess as fun or as educational as us. A few things that separate us from the crowd:

• Our Curriculum

• Our Teachers

• Our Approach

For more information on our classes and how to schedule, contact us.

 

Curriculum

CheckMates Chess Academy is the ONLY after school chess program with a set curriculum! We want to make sure that when children come to our classes, they walk out having learned something new. To insure this we have created a curriculum that makes learning chess both fun and easy.

We have 8 different levels:

Click on a level for specific information and practice problems.

1. Cadet

2. Officer

3. Captain

4. Lieutenant

5. Major

6. Commander

7. Colonel

8. Admiral

For each level, students receive a workbooks. Each workbook contains chess puzzles (practice problems) which must be completed. Students can work on these in class or at home, and with the completion of each level receive a prize.

 

Teachers

CheckMates believes it takes more than just a great chess player to make a great chess teacher. You wont find any boring old men here; our staff is young, energetic, and enthusiastic about making a difference in children's lives. Our staff includes educational professionals and internationally recognized chess players who all share a passion for chess.

When you see instructors at your school, you can be sure that they know:

• several different ways to present the same chess lesson

• several chess related games that use similar skills

• several chess related activities

• how to keep the classroom safe

 

Approach

CheckMates has a unique approach to teaching chess that involves a highly energetic curriculum. Chess instructors focus on spurring the child's interest in chess by using chess puzzles, chess related games, and by creating a warm, inviting environment. Once a child is interested in chess, instructors use numerous analogies to make learning chess theory easy and enjoyable.

        The CheckMates curriculum teaches everything from the basic rules of the game to chess theory used by the masters. Students learn to build upon their current chess knowledge and are encouraged to develop an individual style of play that emphasizes their strong characteristics. Students are taught to apply the chess theory they learn in class to their everyday lives; including sports, time management, and decision making.

        Although CheckMates focuses on chess, our instructors use many other games to develop chess skills. Specialized games focus on specific skills, whether it be learning how the pieces move or working with a team to analyze a position.

        Each classroom is also outfitted to create a friendly environment. Instructors are encouraged to incorporate music into their classrooms and students often times take it upon themselves to bring in their own custom chess boards or their favorite CDs.

        Chess instructors are taught to relate chess theory to your child's everyday life. Whether it be how to be more efficient, patient, or to have better self control, your child will walk out of our class not only a better chess player, but also a more rounded person.

Copyright 2007 CheckMates
Last Update: 02/21/2008