September class enrollment now open, email hello[at]wayoftheboard.org for inquiries.
"Chess is the gymnasium of the mind." (Blaise Pascal, mathematician)

Way of the Board Chess Club

About Us

The Way of the Board chess club has weekly club meetings for young beginner, beginner, intermediate, and advanced players to learn chess and play the game, and is a program offered by the Way of the Sword Fencing, Archery, and Chess Club. The club usually has a tournament once a month on Sunday afternoons for beginner and intermediate scholastic players. Private lessons available on weekends and weekday afternoons to help players elevate their gameplay. For all classes, players are required to solve at least 2-3 chess puzzles daily. Workbooks are suggested for each class and are available for purchase online or at the club.

Ridgefield Sunday Swiss (November 3rd)

Rated tournament for scholastic and adult players in September. Estimated event time is 2:00 - 6:00 PM. Registration open, register early for the early bird discount!

PTA Sponsored Chess Tournament

"A playful learning event the whole family can enjoy and participate in."

FAQs

Why chess for my child? Because ...
- chess teaches children how to win and lose. - chess helps children realize the consequences of their actions. - chess helps children focus. - chess helps develop creativity. - chess builds confidence. - chess helps develop problem-solving skills. - chess exercises both sides of the brain. - chess helps children learn how to be calm under pressure. Last but certainly not least, once you know how to play, chess is a lot of fun!
How much are club dues?
Club dues are $80/month for all programs, and ensure the ongoing development and operations of the club. First visit to our club is free!
What age is appropriate for a kid to join the chess club?
Currently we have advanced players (Rooks) in grades 3 to 8 who are actively learning and participating in our weekly club meetings. Intermediate players (Bishops, Knights) range from grades 2 to 5. Young intermediate players (Passed Pawns) range from grades 1st to 2nd grade. The new Pawns class is open to players in grades 2 - 5. Age is just one of many factors to be considered when deciding when is the right time to begin learning the game; others include a kid's interest, whether there are other chess players in the family, etc. Kids should be able to write in their workbooks, and... Read More
Are private lessons required?
If a club player is having difficulty participating in group discussions and lessons, private lessons are recommended. Private lessons are also helpful for a player to receive feedback on their game play and explore intermediate tactics and strategies, as most young chess players (and adult beginners) cannot self-analyze their games effectively.
How to contact Terry directly?
Send an email to hello[at]wayoftheboard.org, and include mention of the age of your child/children, and level of familiarity with the game. He will get back to you within one business day.
Is there a chess program for adults?
Currently, an adult program is not offered.
How to check whether a club meeting is cancelled?
Visit calendar.wayoftheboard.org.
Are there any evening or afternoon programs during weekdays?
The intermediate Bishops class takes place on Thursdays 5:30 - 6:40 PM. All other classes take place on Saturday mornings between 10:00 - 1:20 PM.
Is it possible for a player to come only occasionally, when another activity is cancelled?
Drop-in day passes are not offered, but for families who will be missing 2+ club meetings in a month (not just one) and send 2 days advance notice to hello[at]wayoftheboard.org, fees will be refunded on a prorated basis. However players who do not attend regularly may have difficulty staying with the group, so registering for a program for infrequent play is not recommended.
How can I find out more?
Visit our club Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Updates are posted regularly, and should give parents a better sense of what happens at our meetings. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out more about upcoming tournaments, the club chess classes, and other activities. Also, see the mailing list archives.

Location

Address
21 Governor Street, Ridgefield CT, 06877
Program Times
Young Intermediate - Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 PM Beginner - Saturdays 10:00 - 11:00 AM Intermediate - Saturdays 11:00 - 12:10 PM Advanced - Saturdays 12:10 - 1:20 PM