U.S. Chess Center

The U.S. Chess Center promotes self-confidence, social skills, and academic success for all (by teaching chess).

The U.S. Chess Center was created in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) organization with the purpose of teaching chess to high-risk youth as a means of improving their academic and social skills—a mission it has fulfilled for 28 years so far.

The U.S. Chess Center has taught nearly 40,000 children the rules, strategy and etiquette of chess in weekly programs during the school year and in summer camps. We have introduced chess to tens of thousands of others through exhibitions in schools and in public places such as the Smithsonian Institution, local YMCAs and Recreation Centers.

Many of our students have earned scholarships, including two who became Rhodes Scholars and another who received the Trachtenberg Scholarship to The George Washington University. Our organization has received numerous honors, both local and national. In 2013, the District of Columbia Council praised our work in a ceremonial resolution. The United States House of Representatives recognized our work in 2017, and the national US Chess Federation has honored us with numerous awards, including the prestigious Scholastic Service Award in 2012.