PS 116 Thursday Chess Club & Team

Welcome to the PS 116 Chess Club & Team. Registration for the Chess Club & Team is now open!

Program Vision:

From complete beginners to advancing tournament players our goal is that all PS 116 players can experience both the joy & significant social/educational benefits of learning and playing chess. Our PS 116 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 tournament competitors).

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

• Queens: 700+ USCF

• Bishops: U700 USCF advancing tournament players with an eye for competitive play

• Knights: U300 & social developmental play

• Pawns: K-1, introductory coaching & play

* Each PS 116 program member will receive a team shirt and a www.chesskid.com gold membership.

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

Thursday Chess Club & Team

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

Fall Thursday 2025: September 18th - January 29th

• September 18th, 25th

• October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

• November 13th, 20th

• December 4th, 11th, 18th

• January 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

During regular school dismissal, PreK - 1st Grades are picked up directly from classrooms by coaches. Grades 2-5 players meet us in the cafeteria directly after-school for a light snack and class groupings. Lessons, training and practice play will take place in classrooms onsite PS 116. Chess Pickup is 5:00 PM outside the red doors on 33rd Street.

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 we see fit.

A high emphasis on participation, engagement and hard work will be placed on our most advanced classes.

PS 116 will have a weekly meeting where the past week’s success is recognized and upcoming events are emphasized. During these weekly meetings class expectations and team spirit is reinforced.

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

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

We will continue to welcome all players 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 PS 116 team will compete at local, City, State & National competitions.

Program Rates: $745 per Semester

• 10% sibling discount available (must register 2 or more children)

• Financial assistance available: email ps116chessclub@gmail.com

• Note that the school's 116Kids afterschool program is a separate program from the chess team.

Support PS 116 Chess:

Your donations help support peer scholarships, weekend team coaching expenses, team room expenses, and program development.

Contact Your PS 116 Coaching Team:

Email: ps116chessclub@gmail.com

Make sure to select a program option and a support PS 116 option in order to process the order.