Chicago Chess Foundation

This weekend’s tournament at De La Salle Institute was a great reminder of why we do this work. Congratulations to all of our winners and to every student who showed up ready to compete, think hard, and support one another throughout the day! ♟️🙌

We want to give a huge thanks to the chess moms and chess dads, the coaches who prepare students week after week, and the volunteers who helped keep everything running smoothly. Events like this don’t happen without a lot of care and coordination behind the scenes!

We’re especially grateful to De La Salle Institute for being such a welcoming and supportive partner. We’re proud to create spaces like this where young people can challenge themselves, build confidence, and grow ... on and off the board!

Happy New Year from all of us at the Chicago Chess Foundation! ♟️⭐

Here's to a new year with new possibilities. And may our students continue to make thoughtful moves, have bold ideas, and grow more in the year ahead!

Hey parents! Have you registered your chess student for our January tournament yet? ♟️👀

This event holds special meaning for our community as the Mike Cardinale Memorial Tournament, honoring one of our founders and a lifelong chess educator who believed deeply in the power of chess to shape young people’s lives. Mike’s commitment to students, schools, and access to the game continues to guide our work.

♟️Mike Cardinale Memorial Chess Tournament
📅 Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
📍 De La Salle High School (3434 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago)

We’d love to see your player at the board as we kick off the new year together. Registration is open now! Click here: https://chicagochessfoundation.org/2026-delasalle-tournament

As we wrap up Giving Tuesday, we're thinking about the classrooms where it all starts.

Your support helps us coach, provide equipment, and keep chess accessible in schools across Chicago.

Help us keep chess where it belongs — in classrooms shaping the next generation.
Donate here: chicagochessfoundation.org/donate

Thank you for giving, sharing, and supporting this work. 💛♟️

Chess is more than a game... it's a tool for growth! 🧠💡

Research shows it helps kids:
• strengthen focus
• build patience
• regulate emotions
• improve memory
• grow resilience

When you give to CCF, you support a child’s development on and off the board.
Donate here: chicagochessfoundation.org/donate