4 Week Youth Chess Session, Mt Prospect

We completed our second four week session at the Kiddie Academy, Arlington Heights location. Throughout this class we saw kids develop and learn chess skills over a course of a month. Kids learnt about the game, had fun, made connections, and developed lifelong skills.

This summer, we welcomed a wonderful group of young minds to our four-week chess session, where ten enthusiastic kids took their first steps into the world of strategy, patience, and fun. Meeting once a week, each 60-minute session was carefully designed to foster not just chess skills, but also confidence, focus, and community.

Each class followed a consistent and engaging structure. We began with 10 minutes of settling in—kids had time to work on chess-themed puzzles, color fun illustrations of pieces, and connect with their peers. The core 40 minutes were then dedicated to hands-on learning in small groups, tailored to each student's level and pace. We wrapped up with a 10-minute group recap, where students shared what they learned and helped tidy up the classroom together.

The curriculum was structured to build skills progressively:

• Week 1: Introduction to the chess pieces – names, appearances, and basic functions.

• Week 2: Learning the board layout and piece movements, including special rules.

• Week 3: Reinforcement through guided gameplay and a focus on capturing and defending.

• Week 4: Introduction to checkmates and full gameplay, encouraging independent decision-making.

Throughout the month, students not only learned the foundations of chess but also developed critical thinking skills, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. The laughter, "aha!" moments, and thoughtful silences over the board made this session one to remember. We're proud of every student and look forward to the next session as we continue to grow our community of young chess players.