Become a chess apprentice and grow skills in a structured environment!
Earn 150 HCA points for every PIT Meet you attend!
Prodigy-in-Training (PIT) Meets are monthly, instructional chess sessions designed to help students in grades 2-8 build foundational chess skills, develop critical life skills, and grow steadily as players and future champions. PIT Meets are non-competitive and are ideal for beginners and developing players, but players of all strengths are welcome!
PIT Meets are structured, supportive, and intentionally paced to help every child focus, stay engaged, and enjoy the learning process.
We call students who participate in our PIT Meets “Apprentices”—they are on a chess journey with many exciting twists and turns ahead!
1:30-3:30pm, first Sunday every month
Faith Lutheran Church, 2200 S High St, Bloomington, IN
Grades 2-8 divided into skill-appropriate groups for the best learning experience—all children welcome
$10/meet, $5 for unlimited siblings, first visit free and scholarships available year-round
F.A.Q.
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PIT Meets run as a two-hour program with clear age- and maturity-based groupings:
• 1:30–2:30 PM: Younger & developing Apprentices (shortened time block)
• 1:30–3:30 PM: Older & more experienced Apprentices (full time block)
Some younger Apprentices may stay for the full two hours if developmentally ready. Families may also opt for a one-hour experience (1:30–2:30 PM) when appropriate. HCA staff will work with and advise families to ensure a positive learning environment for all students.
Families attending a PIT Meet for the first time will be asked to provide essential contact information and indicate photo consent preferences. Hoosier Chess Academy takes family consent choices seriously and honors them at all times.
We have some important expectations for Apprentices to ensure Meets run safely and smoothly:
• Apprentices are expected to engage respectfully and follow instructions
• Consistent attendance leads to the best progress
• Families should communicate absences or early departures in advance
Parents are welcome to stay and observe in the chess room, wait in the church lobby, or step out and return later. If leaving the building, families must notify HCA staff in advance so we are aware of student supervision plans.
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• Participate in engaging, differentiated lessons
• Engage in interactive chess activities
• Study tactics and strategy
• Play guided practice games and casual games with peers
• Review games with trained coaches
• Practice chess notation and clock use
Apprentices are encouraged to think carefully, take their time, and reflect on their games.
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1:30–2:00 Free chess play with fellow Apprentices and coaches
2:00–2:10 Award ceremony for students who reach thresholds on the HCA Leaderboard
2:10–3:00 Lesson groups
3:00–3:30 Whole-group activity