Skyrocketing interest in youth chess over the past few decades can be explained, at least in part, by its unique ability to rivet our attention and simultaneously teach important life skills. Anyone who has watched a scholastic tournament can see the intensity of concentration engendered by this classic battle game. First-time observers typically comment on how quiet the playing room is. More important, the academic literature is now rich with studies showing that chess improves academic performance, strategic thinking, consideration of alternatives, and social skills (see The Value of Chess). It is no wonder that kids continue to flock to the game when given the opportunity, that their parents encourage it, and that chess has been incorporated into many schools’ curricula.
There are many excellent chess programs in Illinois. Most are run by dedicated teachers, parents, coaches and community volunteers. Other programs are run by private service providers, both for-profit and not-for-profit. At the same time, the chess world in Illinois has been described as islands of largely disconnected programs, and many areas of the state are largely unserved. Our purpose here is to bring together a variety of resources intended to help organizers connect with each other, start new chess programs, and improve those which already exist.
A wealth of information about chess already exists, both in hard copy and online. Our goal was to sort through it, pick out some of the best, and add useful and practical material from our own experience.
In “Learning Chess,” we begin with some basics, including how to decide whether a student may be ready for a chess program. We then summarize the research on the value of chess and include links to video clips which show the pride that can result from a successful program. A parent of a top Illinois player then describes both typical starting points and the many paths toward advancement in chess. We next recommend some of what we consider to be the best teaching material available, list coaches and tournament directors who offer their services, and conclude with information on chess camps and classes.
We hope you find this material helpful. Most of us on the ICA Youth Committee have started programs and are prepared to help newcomers to Illinois’ chess scene and others with questions. We are a varied group. Some of us are chess professionals, but most are parents of chess players, teachers, amateur players interested in promoting the game, or retirees who enjoy working with kids. Feel free to get in touch with us at youth@il-chess.org. If we cannot answer your questions ourselves, we will find someone who can.
Special thanks to the many people who have made significant contributions: Kevin Bachler, Chuck Beach, Jay Dembsky, Betsy Dynako, Louis Fogel, Hector Hernandez, Paul Kash, Colley Kitson, Mike Leali, Herb Lichtman, Brad Rosen, Andi Rosen, Garrett Scott, Joe Splinter, Jennifer Stevens, Maret Thorpe, Leo Vilker, Phil Yontez, Mike Zacate and Pattie Zinski.
— Jerry Neugarten
Learning chess
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Getting Kids Started
Will your child like chess? What chess players tend to have in common, and how to keep the early games fun.
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The Value of Chess
What four decades of research say about chess and academic performance, thinking skills and social development.
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Videos: What Chess Does for Kids
Short videos from kids, teachers and school officials about the effects chess has had on kids’ lives.
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Progressing in Chess: The Continuum
A parent of a top Illinois player on the paths from first moves to clubs, tournaments, instruction and camps.
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Resources for Learning
Recommended software, online courses, books and free curricula for beginning and intermediate players and their coaches.
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Coaches and Tournament Directors
Illinois coaches and tournament directors who offer lessons, coaching and event services.
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Camps and Classes
Chess camps, classes and lectures on the ICA calendar.