Chess NYC

These are amazing people! My son, who is not anyone’s idea of the quiet, chess-​playing type, has developed such skill and such a love of the game that I wish these people had been around when I was his age. (I am not a chess player.) He’s participated in the after-​school program, the weekend tournaments, and the summer camp and he ADORES it. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

I came across Chess NYC on Unilocal after my 5 year old expressed desire for learning Chess. I enrolled her for the Summer Camp this year and I am not exaggerating but this has been her best summer yet and its all because of this camp.
Signing up was a breeze. We opted for the Upper East Side location which is held at PS 183. First day of dropping her off I was nervous like hell seeing how casual everybody was. There were children of all ages in the same room. I mean she is 5 year old and she has always been in a very protective day care kinda camps and this camp was anything but that. When I went to pick her up that day I knew I had made the right decision. Three months into the camp and she still is as excited about it as she was on the first day.
Michael and his team of coaches do a splendid job in creating a perfect stimulating and engaging environment for the kids. They work on creating their self esteem and giving them the boost of confidence while teaching them Chess. Within just two of going to the camp she had mastered the basic moves of the all pieces. Somehow they seem to do all this so effortlessly and in a fun way. Open communication and socialization fosters a very positive and rich environment for the kids.
Special shout out to Michael, Coach David, Karina and Jessica for making my daughter summer at Chess NYC so memorable. We are not thrilled about the fact that its her last week at the camp. Cant wait to go back again next year.

Chess NYC is a wonderful program and has a amazing group of people who run it. My daughter started playing chess in Irina’s girls class last year. Michael and Russ are great with the children and know each child by their first and last name. They have been a lifesaver by providing holiday and summer camps when school is closed. She would rather go to Chess NYC camps than any other program because she has so much fun in a nurturing and educational environment.

My son has always been interested in chess. Starting at age 5, he wanted to learn all its possibilities. Since I only know the basics, I had to look for a place to teach him, and found it Chess NYC. He started out with camps– that grew to lessons, first with Rebecca and now Tal – then to tournaments. Now I feel like we sleep, eat and live chess. :) What Michael and Russ do is amazing. I’m not sure they get much sleep given that they seem to always be working, but I do know they don’t just teach kids how to play chess (though they do a kick butt job of that), they teach them that it is okay to lose, how to work hard for a win, how to focus and not get distracted, and how to grow as a person. My son has learned so much with Chess NYC. Our family loves them!

My children love Chess NYC. They participate in our local elementary school’s after school chess program run by Michael. It’s a great program! My kids love playing chess and they look forward to each Friday and every tournament. Not only does Michael teach them the game of chess – more importantly he raises their self esteem, teaches them good sportsmanship, critical thinking, respect, and I almost forgot – to have fun! Michael is committed to the kids; he genuinely cares about them, is always professional, and is a great role model.

I have to agree with the person who suggested not sending children here. Michael was abrasive and rude. I won’t be bringing my child back.

Don’t send your children here. Michael should not be around children. There are plenty of chess teachers and programs where you don’t have to be concerned about the psychotic episodes of the owner.

I am a coach at Chess NYC and it is a blast! We have fun chess tournaments, chess camps and chess programs for all ages. A great chess community in NYC for everyone. Come play!

Chill place to learn and great staff. Would recommend!