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A dramatic black-and-white close-up of a chess king on the board, with other pieces blurred in the dark background.

Youth Chess Program

A free, weekly chess enrichment program for Inland Empire youth.

Join a Session

Program overview

More than a game

Our Youth Chess Program is open to any student in grades 3 through 8, no experience required. Beginners learn the rules and basic tactics alongside returning members who are prepping for their next tournament — everyone plays at their own level, and older members regularly coach the newer ones.

Chess turns out to be a surprisingly effective vehicle for the skills we most want kids to practice: sitting with a hard problem instead of giving up on it, thinking a few moves ahead, and losing gracefully often enough to keep playing anyway. We share tournament information, with locally organized tournaments coming soon.

In partnership with

Redlands Boys & Girls Club

Sessions are hosted at the Redlands Boys & Girls Club, whose staff, space, and after-school members make weekly practice possible. Every Friday afternoon, our volunteer coaches set up boards and open it up to any club member who wants to learn. See Redlands Boys & Girls Club's website for more information about their programs and membership.

Visit Redlands Boys & Girls Club

In partnership with

Micah House Redlands

We're excited to be building a new partnership with Micah House Redlands to bring STEAM enrichment to even more Inland Empire families. Program details are coming soon — visit their site to learn more about their work in the meantime.

Visit Micah House Redlands

When we meet

Redlands Boys & Girls Club
Friday
4:00–5:00pm
Grades 3–8

Micah House Redlands
Days TBD
4:00–5:00pm
Grades TBD

What kids learn

  • Opening principles & board vision
  • Patience under pressure
  • Win/loss sportsmanship
  • Tournament prep for club & regional events

“I didn't think I was a ‘chess person’ until Coach Danny showed me my first fork. Now I run the beginners' table.”

— Aiden, age 11, Club member

Chess pieces scattered and knocked over on the board at the end of a game.

Bring chess to your school or club

We're always looking for the next site partner. If your school, library, or community center has a room and an afternoon to spare, we can bring the boards.

Get in Touch