CheckMates Chess Academy has a structured curriculum that is unique in its ability to present information in a way that is easy to understand and fun for kids. Teachers are not only trained in a variety of chess techniques, but also in a variety of ways to present each technique to a diverse crowd of students.

Each child is unique, has a individual set of skills and should be approached with chess in a manner that they would find interesting. CheckMates Chess Academy provides its instructors with the tools needed to make sure each child has a good time learning chess. Some of the teaching strategies we use are alternative chess games, incorporating music and physical activities into the lessons, and  incentives to make sure students who do well are rewarded. Combine this this a fast paced environment and kids of all ages can learn chess!

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.

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.