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Start A Chess Program At Your School or Summer Camp
Discover How Chess Empowers Youth On and Off The Board
At Big Chair Chess Club, chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for building critical thinking, STEM skills, life readiness, and emotional intelligence. Our Think B4U Academy Chess programs use Bloom’s Taxonomy and Social Emotional Learning SEL to shape students into strategic, future-ready leaders.
Programs We offer for Schools, Summer Camps, and After Care
♟️School Chess Club
Perfect for first-time programs, our Standard Chess Club is offered as an in-school or after-school experience that’s fun, structured, and beginner-friendly. Students learn the fundamentals of chess, develop early critical thinking skills, and represent their school with a branded team name that builds unity and identity.
- Great for K–12 beginners
- Small group focus (10–12 students)
- Builds confidence, focus, and sportsmanship
- Ideal launchpad for schools starting their first chess program
🏆 Scholastic Chess Club
Designed for schools ready to level up, our Scholastic Club prepares students for US Chess Federation (USCF) competition at the local, state, and national level. Students build tournament skills, track their official chess ratings, and compete with pride under their school’s name.
- Advanced tactics, strategy, and endgames
- Tournament preparation and rated play
- Cultivates school spirit and a culture of excellence
- Pathways to scholarships and elite invitationals
Curriculum-Based Chess Program
Our most comprehensive offering, this integrated model treats chess as a core academic subject aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy, SEL, and STEM standards. Students learn to apply chess principles to real-world thinking while benefiting from both recreational and competitive play—all during the regular school day.
- Combines instructional, competitive, and life skill elements
- Taught as an elective or enrichment block
- Includes assessments, projects, and data-driven progress
- Elevates chess from an activity to a transformative learning experience
Why Chess Why Us
- Boosts focus, memory, and math skills
- Teaches life skills and emotional regulation
- Develops strategic thinkers and leaders
- Proven success – over 30 years experienc
Recognition & Media Highlights
Big Chair Chess Club has gained national and international recognition for its impact on youth development, education, and community transformation. Our story has inspired audiences across film, media, and civic leadership:
Featured in the Film Life of a King
The true story behind Big Chair Chess Club was brought to life in the motion picture Life of a King, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. The film showcases how our founder used chess to teach discipline, purpose, and second chances to inner-city youth. It’s more than a movie—it’s our mission in action
TEDx Talk: The Power of Chess in Changing Lives
Our club has been featured in a TEDx Talk that explores how chess can develop mental strength, emotional control, and decision-making in young people—on and off the board. We use chess as a blueprint for leadership, life skills, and community building.
ChessKids Magazine Feature
We were proudly spotlighted by ChessKids Magazine, a leading publication in youth chess education. The feature highlights our innovative teaching approach, our deep commitment to underserved communities, and our success in preparing students for national competition and lifelong growth.
June 15: Big Chair Chess Club Day
In honor of our longstanding service to youth and families, the Mayor of Washington, D.C. officially declared June 15th as Big Chair Chess Club Day. This recognition celebrates our commitment to education, empowerment, and excellence through the game of chess.