It's time to develop toward the center.

A world-class city deserves a full-time chess center . . . in the city.

More than one-third of Chicagoland residents live in the city of Chicago, yet 90 percent of all rated chess competitions in Chicagoland take place in the suburbs.

Chicago is the only urban area among the 10 most populous in the nation which does not have a primary metropolitan chess club serving the center city as well as the surrounding areas.

Educators have known for nearly 40 years that chess improves academic performance by developing young people's problem-solving skills. Older brains also benefit from the challenge and stimulation of chess. Additionally, chess players have an insatiable appetite for over-the-board discussion and analysis—one of the chief means by which they deepen their understanding of the game, aside from conventional teacher–student instruction. Because area chess organizers have largely bypassed Chicago in favor of the suburbs, city residents of all ages have missed out on many of these benefits.

We love chess, and we love Chicago. Our goal is to create an attractive and comfortable destination and gathering place for chess players of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, both local and visiting; to provide regularly scheduled chess instruction and training; to serve players in both the city and the suburbs with the fullest calendar of USCF-rated tournament chess in Chicagoland; and to be the focal point of an active, vibrant and expanded chess scene . . . a place where the benefits of chess are accessible to all.

Donate now to help us open our doors by fall 2013. Your generosity will help us secure a lease on a site, obtain furniture and equipment, and begin offering classes and events. Contribute $250 or more to become a member of our Founders’ Court and receive all the benefits of membership plus free instruction, access to exclusive events and more—or give whatever amount you can afford. And please feel free to contact us for more information.