Come join us at the NCAC Chess Club! We will be meeting for general play and instruction. In case of a health emergency, we will meet via video call and play on ChessKid at the same time.
Ages: Players K-8 are welcome. Players in grades 9-12 will be considered on a case by case basis. Players are requested to come understanding that losing is learning, and ready to sit at the table and compete.
Levels: We are a multi level club. Games will be organized by ability rather than rank. Beginners, even complete beginners, are welcome. Parents do not need to learn how to play. More advanced players can test themselves against each other and our A-rated coach, Ms Jaimie. She will also be teaching chess strategy, how to read chess language and how to play through an instruction book.
Equipment: No boards are needed, but if you have a chess clock, feel free to bring it. All players are requested to have a tablet with the free ChessKid app downloaded on it. If your child does not know anything about how to play chess, they will need to bring the tablet with them to their first class. Players will belong to a ChessKid club organized by us and will compete against each other during the week. ChessKid also offers safe, anonymous play against other kids with no messaging. Our club will be able to message each other, but that is because we know each other, and all messages will be visible to coaches.
Formal tournaments: Students who reside within Charles County will have the option to attend the Charles County Public Schools chess tournament with us, either as a competitor or as an observer (yes, they do allow homeschool students). Parents whose child attends the CCPS tournament will be asked to help chaperone. We are not sure whether they will actually hold it this year, but in past years there have been a fall tournament near the end of October and a Winter tournament in February. More information will be forthcoming as we receive it.
Parent Volunteers: Parents will be asked to sign up to take turns volunteering at chess club. We will need two parents per club session and an alternate in case one of the adults can't make it. No playing ability is needed to volunteer.
- For Grades: K-12
- Instructor: Jaimie Blair
- Day and Time: Fridays, 4:30-5:30 PM
- Length: 6 classes
Dates: March 15, 22, April 12, 19, 26, and May 3
Tuition and Materials: $20
For those seeking a more advanced experience, please check out CSM’s Youth Chess experience. You may register here:
Clubs: Youth Chess