How do we leave a lasting impact on the lives of children? By creating life changing experiences that expose them to the world, boost their self confidence and challenge them in ways they’ve never known.
A STEP AHEAD CHESS
IN THE BAY
CONTINUING TO BUILD BRIDGES
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Mechanics' Institute
Visiting were the legends have played at the oldest chess club in the United States.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Proving once again, that #smartisthenewcool.
Google tour
We hung out on the Android Lawn, spent hours exploring just a portion of the 3.5 million square feet of office space there, ate a healthy lunch and then had the time of our lives playing chess with Google staff!
bay area chess young people’s tournament
Bay Area Chess is ranked the #1 chess club in the country by the United States Chess Federation, and the tournament we were a part of had nearly 200 players competing. Despite the odds, our players stepped up BIG time, and spent the rest of the their time in the Bay…
As Champions!
A STEP AHEAD
CHICAGO
The Sky is the Limit
Looking down from 103 floors up - The Chicago Skydeck in the Willis Tower, the 2nd tallest building in the world.
A Chess Lesson in Glenwood, IL
Our young players had an opportunity to test their abilities and learn from a great group of men. We won’t tell all of what happened, but as one of the Glenwood Chess Club brothers said, “They came in looking like sweet children, but they were really assassins!”
We all entered as strangers, but left as a family.
navy pier
Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel is an iconic part of the Chicago skyline. Soaring to heights of nearly 200 feet, the Wheel offers visitors unparalleled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
“Chess helps me to think more efficiently because I need to be patient before I make moves. Chess also helps me to visualize both my opponent’s and my moves before they happen.”
“Chess helps me to think slowly and wisely because in chess you have to make the best move and must stay calm even when you are in tough situations.”
A STEP AHEAD
NEW YORK
Bridging education with cultural experiences
Taking a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge before sunset.
“Personally, the experience of Times Square was a shock. For the first time I saw so many skyscrapers in one area. We arrived at night but all of the lights made it seems as if it was day. It was an amazing experience.”
A New York Taxi Ride
“My most favorite part of the NY trip was when we took a New York Taxi which was a bike and carriage.”
ANCIENT EGYPT
Exploring Art Across Ancient Cultures Guided Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest art museum in the United States.
Tri-State Chess Championships
A beautiful outdoor tournament held in Bryant Park in New York City. Our players came away with 3 individual top place trophies and 2 team trophies, including the only player to go undefeated at 4-0, becoming the tournament champion in his section. Not bad for our first competitive tournament!
“It was fun and exhilarating at the competition to play four different opponents from different parts of the world and to think hard about what I would do when they moved.”
A STEP AHEAD
WINSTON-SALEM, NC
first snow!
What do you do when you see snow for the first time in your life? Have a snowball fight, of course!
College Tour
A great college tour at Winston-Salem State University. Go Rams!
north carolina chess state tournament
They say girls are not as good as boys. Well this young lady was the only girl in her division at our chess tournament with Atkins High School in Winston Salem, and went undefeated, being crowned the top girl player of the tournament!
What we have achieved
300 plus youth exposed to playing chess
40 plus youth competing in USCF rated tournaments, with dozens competing internationally
Over 10 years chess coaching experience
Over 11,000 miles traveled
Over $22,000 raised
7 individual top place trophies
5 team trophies
Two 1st Place Advanced Section Tournament Champions