Chess Nuts is our TK and Kindergarten chess program, a fun and high energy introduction to chess that feels more like play than learning. Kids love the games, the silly moments, and the clock slapping chaos (in the best way), and we hear every week that chess is their favorite part of the week.
What makes Chess Nuts special is that we have built it specifically for younger kids. While our Chess Nuts students join the older kids for the big group activities (so they get all the energy, fun, and gags), they also have their own identity and support system along the way.
Chess Nuts kids wear bright orange shirts so our coaches know exactly who needs extra attention and encouragement. Each class includes a dedicated beginner’s lesson on the floor with the coach, giving Chess Nuts kids the fundamentals at their pace before jumping into the group. During our recurring activity “Yes, Junior?”, the Chess Nuts kids are the students while the older kids teach them a specific tactic. It builds confidence, bonds the group, and genuinely accelerates their learning.
Being mentored by the big kids (rather than separated into a different room) is the single fastest way we have seen Chess Nuts kids build chess skills. Our Chess Nuts students have told us for years that mixing with the older kids is way more fun than being on their own.
If you have a TK or kindergartner ready to try something fun, we would love to have them!