This fall, Huntington Children’s Museum is excited to welcome Chess Champs, a new casual chess club for children ages 7 and up, facilitated by members of the St. Joseph High School Chess Club.
Beginning October 14, Chess Champs will meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The club is free with Museum admission, no previous chess experience is required, and all supplies will be provided.
As Huntington Children’s Museum continues to grow, we are looking for more ways to create meaningful opportunities for older children. That includes not only giving them programs designed with their interests in mind, but also creating spaces where they can take the lead, share what they know, and build connections with younger children.
Members of the St. Joseph High School Chess Club will serve as mentors and facilitators, helping younger players learn the game while creating a relaxed space to practice, play, and make new friends. For the high school students, it is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, share something they care about, and see firsthand the impact they can have on younger members of their community.
The idea for Chess Champs grew from the personal experience of St. Joseph High School Chess Club founder Miles, who has seen throughout his own childhood how powerful a simple game can be.
In Miles’ words:
My grandfather taught me chess when I was around 8 years old. He loved chess and collected chess boards from garage sales. Shortly after that we moved across the country, My grandfather passed away and Covid struck shortly after our move. This was a very stressful and anxious time for me in my childhood. Chess helped me in this stressful time in my life because when I played chess, all of my worries started to melt away. When I play chess, all that I can think about is the 64 squares and 32 pieces. Chess also helped me the next time that I moved. I was able to join the chess club at my new school which helped me make friends and get adjusted to the new area. When we moved for the final time to West Virginia, I founded the St. Joe’s High School chess club because I wanted to have a place at St. Joe’s where all my classmates could share the joys of the game and make friends. I am so pleased to start “Chess Champs” at the Huntington Children’s Museum” in order to help children
Miles’ story reflects exactly what we hope programs like Chess Champs can create. Sometimes connection begins with something very small. A chessboard. A shared interest. Someone willing to sit across the table and teach you what they know.
For younger players, Chess Champs offers a chance to try something new, build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and meet other kids. For the high school students leading the program, it offers the chance to turn their own interests and experiences into something meaningful for someone else.
Huntington Children’s Museum believes children learn best when they are given opportunities to explore, create, take risks, solve problems, and connect with others. As our audience grows beyond the early childhood years, we are especially excited to make room for older children not only as participants, but as creators, leaders, and mentors.
Chess Champs
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Starting October 14
Ages 7 and up
FREE with Museum admission
No experience needed. All supplies provided.
