Education Through Chess

At the Saint Louis Chess Club, we believe chess is more than just a game — it’s a transformative educational tool. Chess cultivates essential developmental skills in students, from strategic planning and focused goal setting to enhanced spatial awareness and strong character development — all while they’re having fun!

These foundational skills extend far beyond the classroom. Through chess, students develop into confident, capable decision-makers ready to tackle any challenge. Our mission is to nurture young minds to excel not only academically, but also become thoughtful leaders in their community.

Education

Our Educational Programs for Learning Chess

Whether you prefer one-on-one coaching, self-paced study, or live events, we have the tools to take your chess game to the next level. The Saint Louis Chess Club is proud to be a 501(c)(3) educational organization.

St Louis Chess Summer Camps for Kids

K-12 Chess Summer Camps

Chess Summer Camps may introduce chess to new students, deepen understanding of the game for established players, or offer intensive instruction for aspiring chess masters.

Educational Events

From beginner-friendly events to the biggest tournament play in the country, STLCC makes it easy to improve your skills, meet fellow players, and experience the game!

Private chess lessons at the St Louis Chess Club

Private Chess Lessons

Get personalized instruction from Saint Louis Chess Club experts. Whether you're brand new or looking to level up, 1:1 coaching helps you improve faster.

white chess board pieces

Educational Resources

Master the fundamentals with guides, videos, and tools designed to make learning chess simple and engaging—at any skill level.

black girls playing chess

K-12 School Programs

Our school chess programs in the greater St Louis region teach strategy, critical thinking, and sportsmanship through expert-led instruction—both in-person and online.

Child with large chess pieces on field trip

K-12 School Field Trips

The STLCC offers scholastic field trip opportunities to all schools who have the desire to visit our internationally recognized chess campus in the Central West End of St Louis, Missouri.

Indian girl with Henna playing chess

K-12 Scholastic Tournaments

The Saint Louis Chess Club hosts a series of Grand Prix Tournaments for students K-12 during each school year from October through April.

St Louis Chess Club Select Chess Training Program

K-12 Select Chess Training Program

STLCC offers its Select Chess training program to qualified K-12 students with the objective of training them into titled chess players.

Scouting Chess Merit Badge Workbook with Scouts

Chess Merit Badge Workshop

STLCC offers virtual and in-person workshops for your scout to earn their Scouting America Chess Merit Badge anywhere in the United States.

First Responders Chess

First Responders CHESS

A Greater St Louis Regional program bringing K-12 students and frontline professionals who serve our community together through playing chess.

Learn to Read and Write Chess Booklet

Learn to Read & Write Chess

This one-of-a-kind workbook is meant for anyone learning chess notation! Developed by Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, co-founder of STLCC, and translated into many languages.

STLCC Digital Classroom

Digital Classroom

Explore our online chess programs for all children, teens, and adults, including intermediate to advanced training with Grandmaster instructors. Check out our YouTube channel for free online chess lessons.

Cairns Chess Queens Award graphic

Cairns Chess Queens Award

The Cairns Chess Queens Award is designed to encourage more US female chess players to become Grandmasters. Through 2029, we are awarding $100,000 for up to five players who earn the GM award.

Grandmaster Maurice Ashley Keynote Speaker

St Louis Chess Conference

The Saint Louis Chess Club, US Chess Federation, and Kasparov Chess Foundation hosted the first St Louis Chess Conference in 2024. We welcomed chess researchers, educators, and enthusiasts from over 14 countries and 32 US states.

Chess Board

Chess Research

The Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to gathering and sharing knowledge about the impact of playing chess on student outcomes.

Learning at Every Level

No matter where you are in your chess journey, there’s always a next move. If you’re just starting, explore beginner-friendly events and step-by-step resources to build confidence. Looking to improve? Private lessons and strategy guides can help sharpen your skills. Ready for a challenge? Advanced training and competitive play will push your strategic thinking. Wherever you stand, the Saint Louis Chess Club has the tools to help children and adults grow.

Learn with STL chess club
Learn chess st louis chess club
Susan Polgar visit learn with st louis chess club