Harlem Academy Chess Team

Welcome to the Harlem Academy Chess Team registration page. Registration 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.

Players will meet in the Cafeteria directly after-school at 4:00 PM.

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.

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.

Monday Chess Club & Team

Fall Monday 2026: September 14th - January 25th

(WE FOLLOW HARLEM ACADEMY SCHOOL CALENDAR: DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*)

• September 14th, 28th

• October 5th, 19th, 26th

• November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

• December 7th, 14th, 21st

• January 4th, 11th, 25th

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.

Chess Club and Team- 4:00 to 5:30pm

• Middle School Programming Starts at 4:15

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

Contact Your Harlem Academy Coaching Team:

Email: HarlemAcademyChess@gmail.com