About CHESS FOR KIDS
Our Story
CHESS FOR KIDS…began in 2005 when my son and I were seeking venues to play chess with other children. After weeks with no luck, we decided to start our own club though the Cub Scouts in our school library. Although we started out with plastic sets, no funding, nor any support, the club grew rapidly. Insurance requirements through the school prevented children outside of the Cub Scouts to be involved. We searched out another location to serve all the children who wanted to participate. We wanted everyone to have a place to play chess.
CHESS FOR KIDS met at several different coffee shops for the next few months, outgrowing each of them. We spent the summer at the Wednesday Night Market and various other fairs and festivals meeting new children and teachers. Many local business owners supported us and we continued to grow.
The club needed more structure and guidance. Elizabeth Shaughnessy, founder of 26 year old Berkeley Chess School, gave us the motivation and support to embark on the biggest dream of all; bringing the age old game of chess to the children of Sonoma County through quality chess instruction and tournament play.
Since our featured article in the Press Democrat in December of 2007, we have applied for a non-profit 501c3 status, acquired liability insurance, provided sponsored CHESS FOR KIDS tee shirts to participants, conducted two large tournaments, held several sessions of Friday evening classes, and taught in various schools throughout Sonoma County. WE HAVE JUST BEGUN!
The Benefits of Teaching Chess
In a 1977-1979 study at the Chinese University in Hong Kong by Dr. Yee Wang Fung, chess players showed a 15% improvement in math and science test scores.