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CFS After School

Our after-school program is designed to help all students, but especially those who are in areas with limited resources and opportunities. We do this at schools and community centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington.

Students typically spend two hours each week, from October to April, learning from our chess coaches using our specialized curriculum. Kids who join our program can play in our chess tournaments for free. Students also get a Chess for Success T-shirt, and they even get a chess set and board to bring home to their families.

Program Benefits

  1. Through chess, kids learn about and practice important life skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.

  2. CFS clubs offer a safe and inclusive community for students. They develop friendships beyond just playing chess and create a sense of belonging and support.

  3. Chess can help students do better in school. Research shows that when kids play chess regularly, they get better at thinking, solving problems, and paying attention.

Chess for Success has built such a confidence in my son who is neurodivergent, dealing with social and emotional anxieties.

It has provided an outlet for him to shine, an activity which is quiet and not a sensory overstimulation. He is able to show his strengths and skills of thinking mathematically and strategically. I couldn't be more proud of him. Chess for Success has really allowed him to thrive.

CFS Participant Parent

How it Works

Chess for Success (CFS) chess clubs are available at schools and community centers across Oregon and Southwest Washington. These clubs meet twice a week after school for one hour, typically running from October to March. Kids of all skill levels, whether they're new to chess or have been state champions before, are welcome to join through a partner school.

To sign up, kids can register through their schools, and in many cases there is no cost for families to participate. Most clubs meet either on Tuesdays and Thursdays or on Mondays and Wednesdays, right after school. The specific days vary depending on the location and coach availability.

All our clubs are led by trained coaches, who could be teachers, school staff or community members. Our coaches use a special chess curriculum that includes elements from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With this unique curriculum, they not only help students become better at chess but also provide them with valuable tools to help with their mental and emotional growth.

How to Participate

  1. Check with your school (or on our website) to see if they already have a CFS Chess Club.

  2. If yes, reach out to the school for more information. You will sign up directly with your school or coach.

  3. If not, fill out a request form (linked below) and we will contact your school to see if we can start a program there.

Find Your School Contact Us

Our Schools

Check out the map and listings to see if we have CFS programs at your school!

Find Your School

We have programs in 95 different sites across 19 different school districts.

Want your school to be one of them? Learn how to refer your school and start the process today.

Refer Your School

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