Harlem Academy Chess Club & Team

Welcome to the Harlem Academy Chess Club & Team Registration for Chess Club & Team is now open!

Program Vision:

From complete beginners to advancing tournament players, our goal is that all Harlem Academy players can experience both the joy & significant social/educational benefits of learning and playing chess. Our Harlem Academy Team will prepare for local, City, State & National Competitions.

Our in-person programming will match players into groups based on skill, interest level & grade. This allows coaches to identify and create the right training environment for each player (complete beginner - advanced competitors).

ICN class groupings (subject to change based on program enrollment):

• Kings: 1200+ USCF

• Queens: 800+ USCF

• Rooks: U800 (300-799 USCF)

• Bishops: U300 players with an eye towards competition

• Pawns: 1st through 4th Grades, Introductory Coaching & Play

• Each Harlem Academy Club & Team member will receive a team shirt

• Every Harlem Academy student will receive a gold membership to www.chesskid.com.

• We will continue to follow all protocols as outlined by the NYC DOE regarding in person programming.

Monday Chess Club & Team

Spring Monday 2024: February 6th - June 10th

(WE FOLLOW NYC DOE SCHOOL CALENDAR: DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*)

• February 5th, 12th, 26th

• March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

• April 8th, 15th

• May 6th, 13th, 20th

• June 3rd, 10th

Players will meet in the Cafeteria directly after-school. From there they will have a light snack in the cafeteria. Training and play will take place in classrooms onsite at Harlem Academy. Pickup will occur at 5 PM cafeteria.

Lateral movements will occur, as we experiment with class grouping and activities to identify the optimal training opportunities for our players. Players will be promoted throughout the season as coaches feel fit.

A high emphasis on participation, engagement and self-study will be placed on our team groups.

Harlem Academy will have a weekly opening meeting, where past week’s success is recognized, the upcoming events are emphasized and expectations and team spirit is reinforced.

Program leadership will ensure a single thread of Harlem Academy team spirit and standards in each class. Coaches will get to know each player in the program and be able to speak on each ones strengths and weaknesses as their relationship with the program evolves over time.

We want each player in our weekly training to feel connected to the program and enjoy pride in the program. Recognizing collective success is encouraged and serves as inspiration to players from all classes and groups.

* Even as we continue to grow our program and competitive team, there remains the opportunity for more social, less competitive play as well.

We will continue to welcome all students and find the right balance for each and every one. We want everyone to engage with the chess program at their comfort level, where the entire student body can enjoy the great benefits of this incredible game.

Team Competitions:

Our Harlem Academy Team will compete at local, City, State & National competitions.

Program Schedule: Monday Chess Club & Team

• Grade 2- 11:30 to 12:15 (45 min.)

• Grade 4- 12:20 to 1:15 (55 min.)

• Grade 1- 1:20 to 2:05 (45 min.)

• Grade 3- 2:30 to 3:25 (55 min.)

Chess Club and Team- 3:30 to 5:00pm

• If there's any scheduling concerns, please contact HarlemAcademyChess@gmail.com.

• Each Harlem Academy Club & Team member will receive a team shirt

• Every Harlem Academy student will receive a gold membership to www.chesskid.com.

Support Harlem Academy Chess:

Donations can be made towards peer scholarships, weekend team coaching expenses, team room expenses, and program development.

Contact Your Harlem Academy Coaching Team:

Email: HarlemAcademyChess@gmail.com

Make sure to select a support Harlem Academy and late pick-up option in order to process the order.