Group Class Program

Our guided chess curriculum improves concentration and academic confidence.

Weekly 1-hour classes. Supervised peer play. Rank-based promotion system.

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How Chess Enables Success

Graph visual for increased focus through chess using black, gold, and blue bars

Increased Focus

Animated visual for social enrichment through chess, represented by two figures sharing a high-five

Social Enrichment

Animated visual for improved calculation for math and logic through chess, represented by a black calculator and lit buttons

Calculation

Animated visual for improved memory and visualization using a illustration of a brain, gear, and floating chess pieces and abstract shapes

Memory and Visualization

More than Just a Game

Why are parents and educators choosing chess as an extracurricular?

Since 1974, researchers have been studying the benefits of chess in child development and education. For students struggling to adapt in a traditional classroom, “chess teaches the rewards of concentration as well as provides immediate penalties for lapses” (Dauvergne, 2000).


Schools implementing chess programs have seen a soaring improvement in math and reading (Palm, 1991), as well as the development of “intellectual, esthetic, sporting, decision-making, concentration, and perseverance skills”(Deyermond, Superintendent for North Tonawanda City School District).

Promotion System

  • the intro class logo for beginners at chess

    New to Chess

    This class is best suited for students with completely new to chess and still need instruction on the basic rules.

  • Pawn Beginner Level

    USCF Unrated-199

    Pawn class is best suited for students who have no formal classroom experience with chess, but already understand piece movements, check, checkmate, and how to castle.

  • knight level logo for intermediate chess level kids

    USCF 200-399

    Knight class is a great fit for students who have prior competitive chess experience or have received formal lessons for three or more months.

  • bishop level logo for intermediate chess level kids

    USCF 400-599

    Bishop class is designed for students who have about a year’s worth of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.

  • rook level logo for advanced chess level kids

    USCF 600-899

    Rook class is for students with more than 2+ years of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.

  • queen level logo for advanced chess level kids

    USCF 900-1199

    Queen class is best suited for students with 4+ years of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.

  • king level logo for experienced players

    USCF 1200-1599

    King class is a great fit for students with 5+ years of either formal chess lessons or competitive chess experience.

How can my student promote into the next level?

Visual for the promotion exam for TCC's rank-based chess classes

  • When your student has remained long enough within a level or by coach’s discretion, they will be administered a promotion exam. You may also request for a promotion exam to be taken, if your student has not already taken an exam within the last month.

Visual for the method of promotion through US Chess Rating for TCC's ranked-based chess classes

  • Your student can promote to the next level based off their US Chess Rating. They can gain a rating by acquiring a US Chess ID and attending over-the-board tournaments.

Visual for the method of promotion through instructor feedback and discretion for TCC's ranked-based chess classes

  • Your student may also be promoted by a coach’s discretion. Our coaches pay close attention to students during class, and if your student is preforming above their classroom level, a coach may recommend a promotion.