Bring the benefits of chess to your school!

We are a leading after-school chess enrichment provider in Southern Indiana, organizing five school programs serving approximately 150 students in grades PK-12 in 2025-2026.

Email schools@hcachess.org or call 812-318-2875 to get started!

Fairview/Banneker (in partnership with City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation)

New schools coming soon!

We’re focused on equity, accessibility, and educational rigor.

We never impose fees on schools or districts for our services, and for most public schools, chess program registration is 100% free to families. If we do charge a registration fee, full scholarships are always available, no questions asked.

Email schools@hcachess.org or call 812-318-2875 to get started!

Chess is an educational tool for…

  • Logic

  • Problem-solving

  • Critical thinking

  • Metacognition

  • Patience

  • Flexibility

  • Impulse control

  • Collaboration

  • Sportsmanship

  • Resilience

  • Emotional regulation

  • Socialization

Students in our school programs…

  • Receive free entry to our Prodigy-in-Training Meets and Hoosier Chess Circuit Matches

  • Have the chance to compete for free in statewide championships with the potential to win trophies and college scholarships

  • Meet top local, state, and national chess players through in-person visits, virtual meetings, and pen-pal exchanges

  • Join a special circle of people who play and learn chess

Our instructors have a combined 40 years of teaching experience.

All instructional staff members are FIDE-certified School Instructors, knowledgeable about the most optimal teaching tools and methodologies for both educational and competitive chess instruction. Our team works hard to promote a rigorous, productive, and fun chess environment.

Email schools@hcachess.org or call 812-318-2875 to get started!

Components of our programs:

  • Ample peer-to-peer chess play

  • Small lesson groups tailored to the learning needs of individual students

  • Whole-group, interactive activities that get students up out of their seats, thinking creatively and collaboratively while promoting ownership of learning

  • Exposure to and practice with notation, clock use, and tournament etiquette

Kids in our school programs have…

  • Joined teams that have placed in the top three in state championships

  • Competed regularly in tournaments and rated matches

  • Grown US Chess Federation ratings from unrated to 1200+

  • Felt more confident in academic and social areas