Attention schools in the Rock Valley area

Want to start a chess club?

It's so easy! And the Rockford Chess Association is here to help!

We will provide help with equipment, materials, and advice. 

All you need to provide is an adult volunteer, space, and the kids.

You don't even have to know how to play the game. In fact, most school chess clubs in the area started off with someone just like yourself: A person who wants to make a difference in their school with a chess club but not knowing where to start.

How to get started

1. Get sets

2. Schedule a room

3. Make an announcement

4. Supervise the meeting

How to get sets

You may already have them! The Rockford Chess Association has already donated thousands of sets to every elementary school in Winnebago County and many elementary schools in surrounding counties. Check here to see if your school has already received them. If you're not on the list, contact rockfordchess@comcast.net on getting sets for your school.

Your school is not in our coverage area (Winnebago and all surrounding counties)? Just make "Donation of one chess set" price of admission for your club. It's cheap and easy and will get you started.

What about chess instruction?

You can get free instructional material here . You provide the teacher. Grandmasters need not apply. Teaching ability and being good with kids is more important than years of chess playing experience.

Should we plan on going to tournaments?

Tournaments can be pretty intense affairs. However the Rockford Chess Association sponsors a chess tournament specifically tailored for the new tournament player. It's low cost with lots of prizes and we celebrate the first-timer. And there is a special "first team" discount to schools who send a team for the first time. Check out the home page for the Rockford Chess Challenge.

So what are you waiting for?

What, you're still not sure?

What do we have to do? Give you advice and encouragement every step of the way?

OK, no problem! Just contact rockfordchess@comcast.net with your questions and concerns. You will have the full support of one of the greatest scholastic chess communities in the country!