Bring the Power of Chess to Your School

Chess for Children provides engaging after-school chess clubs, enrichment programs, and tournament coaching that help students develop focus, confidence, and critical thinking skills.

🏫 Trusted by Schools Since 1996
♟️ Thousands of Students Taught
🎓 Led by National Master Ernest Colding
📚 Programs for Elementary, Middle & High Schools

Why Schools Choose Chess for Children

 "Trusted by schools and families since 1996."

        🏫            25+ Years Experience Trusted by schools since 1996

   ♟️        Thousands of Students Taught Across New York City and beyond

        🎓            National Master Instruction Led by Ernest Colding

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K-12 Programs

Grades K–12

School Chess Programs

After-School Chess Clubs

Weekly chess instruction for K–8 students.

Enrichment Programs

Chess integrated into educational and enrichment activities.

Tournament Coaching

Preparation for local, state, and national chess competitions.

"Trusted by Parents, Schools & Community Organizations Since 1996"

"For more than 25 years, Chess for Children has helped thousands of students develop confidence, concentration, critical thinking, and sportsmanship. Here's what parents and community partners have to say."

Parent Review – Agnes (Parent of Biruk)

"I'm not sure if Biruk found chess or chess found Biruk. My daughter first started playing in Kindergarten as part of PS/MS 282's in-class chess program, and by first grade her teacher, Mr. Colding, encouraged her to join the chess team.It's been an amazing journey ever since. Not only has chess sharpened her strategic thinking, but it has taught her that practice, persistence, and patience pay off. Through a lot of hard work and determination, she and her teammates earned second place at the National Chess Tournament in Dallas.The most important part of the program, though, is that Biruk loves it. Mr. Colding, Ms. Davis, and Mr. Jeffrey have been amazing mentors—patient and caring, yet challenging when needed. Even though each player competes individually, they draw strength from their teammates, especially during tournaments.I've been blown away by this program, and I'm thankful every day that PS/MS 282 values and supports it."

Parent Review – Neot (Parent of Maya)

 "I first learned about the school chess program when Maya was in kindergarten. She immediately fell in love with chess and insisted on joining the team. A week after her first tournament at PS/MS 282, she won her first trophy—and since then she has been on a mission to earn more!With the help of Mr. Colding, Maya has learned important life lessons about perseverance, determination, and overcoming setbacks. Chess has strengthened her analytical thinking, critical-thinking skills, and confidence in using her mind.What makes the program truly special is that it is about much more than chess. It is a family. The friendships, teamwork, and supportive community have helped shape Maya into a better person. Tournaments feel like exciting adventures with friends, and the entire chess family is always there to encourage one another.I am so thankful Maya insisted on joining the team. It has been one of the best experiences of her childhood."— **Neot, Parent of Maya**

Olympian & Founder of PISTE

 "Mr. Colding has been our trusted chess coach at PISTE and has played an important role in supporting our mission of helping young people develop discipline, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence.Our students are consistently engaged by his enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to make chess both educational and fun. Keeping the attention of 3rd–6th graders can be challenging, but Mr. Colding's lessons are always captivating and intellectually stimulating.Beyond his teaching ability, we appreciate his reliability, flexibility, and genuine commitment to uplifting young people, particularly those from underserved communities. He is an inspiring mentor who makes a lasting impact on our students, and we are grateful to have him as part of our program."— PISTE Youth Development Program

Meet National Master Ernest Colding

National Master Ernest Colding has taught thousands of children over more than 40 years through school programs, after-school clubs, private lessons, tournaments, and community chess initiatives.

Ernest
is the author of Teach Your Child Chess in 10 Easy Lessons, appeared in Searching for Bobby Fischer, and served as a producer on Shelby Lyman's PBS chess broadcasts.

Since 1996, Chess for Children has helped students develop confidence, concentration, critical thinking, and sportsmanship through engaging chess instruction.

✓ National Master Chess Instructor
✓ Teaching Students Since 1996
✓ Thousands of Children Taught
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