About CFS

Helping children succeed, one move at a time

Chess for Success is a leading education organization where K-8th grade students learn skills that are often overlooked: critical-thinking, good decision-making, patience and understanding the consequences of their actions. Self-confidence increases when they play chess, students are seen as smart--and they start to see themselves that way.

Every day the students in our clubs face the very real challenges of living in poverty. And because they attend schools in low-income areas, they face low expectations and lack of opportunities that can be devastating. Chess can change both.

The students who participate in Chess for Success:

Score 17% higher in math

Score 10% higher in reading

Are more self-confident

35% girls (nationally, less than 10% of girls play chess)

Live at or below the poverty line at a higher rate than their peers