Chess

Pick up a lifelong love for the ultimate game of strategy or refine your understanding of chess.


What will I learn in this class?
Chess has been played for more than 1,500 years and has attracted some of the world’s greatest minds. In the past few years, the game has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, thanks, in part, to the 2020 show “The Queen’s Gambit.”

This new Club class is designed to introduce beginners to the game and help intermediate players improve.

Aimed at ages 6 to 12, the class for beginners guides rookie players through the board and pieces, the basic rules and tactics and time management. A comprehensive first move into the amazing world of chess.

For intermediate players, the class mixes theory and strategy to help players build a deeper appreciation for the game while mastering winning tactics.

What are the benefits of this class?
Players of all ages and abilities improve their chess skills in a fun, group-learning environment. Beyond the board, chess has been shown to improve concentration and memory, boost creativity, planning and logical thinking skills and help players become more patient. Chess also opens the door to meeting people from a wide range of countries and backgrounds.

Who will teach this class?
Originally from Kentucky, Nathan Summerville has been playing chess since he was 16. He has achieved a rating of over 1800 in both USCF and FIDE and has won a number of tournaments while living in Missouri and Tennessee, and in May 2024 he finished in shared first place in the Japan Chess Federation’s Golden Week Open. He is a senior instructor at the Tokyo Bilingual Chess Club and an instructor at Nishimachi International School’s Chess Club.

Details

Fall Term

  • Sep 2–Dec 9 (14 classes; no class: Nov 25)
  • Mon | 5–6pm | Ages 6 & above (all level) | ¥73,920

 

Winter Term

  • Jan 6–Mar 10 (9 classes; no class: Feb 10)
  • Mon | 5–6pm | Ages 6 & above (all level) | ¥47,520

 

Spring Term

  • Apr 7–Jun 2 (8 classes; no class: May 5)
  • Mon | 5–6pm | Ages 6 & above (all level) | ¥42,240