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WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF THE PREMIER CHESS ORGANIZATION IN CHICAGO

Visit our dedicated website for Chicago Public Schools Academic Chess program www.cpschess.org

About Us

Renaissance Knights is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to bringing the many educational benefits of chess to diverse communities across Chicago by providing opportunities for elementary & high school students to participate in vibrant chess programs. Since 2005, we impacted the lives of over 60,000 students.

Through our thriving partnership with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Police Department we annually impact the lives of thousands of students from over one hundred schools through after-school Academic Chess Clubs, the Chicago Cops & Kids Chess Initiative and our local, regional, national, & international tournaments. Visit our dedicated website for Chicago Public Schools Academic Chess program www.cpschess.org.

Mission Statement

Renaissance Knights fosters the intellectual and social development of disadvantaged youth in diverse communities throughout the City of Chicago through vibrant chess education programs, tournaments and events.

Impact

60,000+ Students Taught

150+ Schools in Chicago

15+ Tournaments Annually

School Year 23

CPS Academic Chess Programs

  • 101 Schools and 1800 students total
  • 76 elementary schools = 1500 students
  • 25 high schools = 300 students
  • Participation in weekly classes between October – March & in 3 or more chess competitions
  • 670 players from 59 schools participated in the CPS Championships
  • 490 students from 54 schools attended the City Championship
  • 100 Students from 24 schools attended the US Chess Federation’s High School National Championship

Cops & Kids Chess Initiative

  • 19 Schools
  • 270 5- 12th grade students
  • 25 weekly classes between October – March & in 2 chess competitions & year end event
  • 100 students from 25 schools, and 30 police officers participated in the annual tournament at CPD headquarters
  • 140 students from 16 schools, and 32 police officers participated in the year end event
  • 3-week summer camp for 25 High School students
  • 2-week summer camp for 35 5-8th graders

Tournaments

  • All-Girls National Championship
  • Greater Chicago K-12 Championship
  • CPS All-Stars
  • CPS Jr Prep Bowl
  • Cops & Kids Holiday Tournament
  • CPS Kings & Queens
  • CPS High School Championship
  • CPS K-8 Playoffs
  • CPS K-8 Championship
  • Cops & Kids Year End Event
  • Selected to organize the 2023 Pan American Youth Championship

Why Chess?

At Renaissance Knights, we believe in the power of chess to change lives. To date, we have taught more than 50,000 of Chicago’s most underserved children, inspiring them to greater achievement. Each day, we are proud to help kids grow, one move at a time. Our impact is demonstrated by classroom teachers and student responses to our annual surveys:

  • 94% Chess had a meaningful positive impact on students.
  • 91% Chess developed students’ analytical and logical skills.
  • 89% Chess improved students’ math skills.
  • 94% Chess helped my students concentrate better.
  • 91% Girls and boys are equally interested in chess in my class.
  • 97% Off students want to participate in chess next year.
  • 93% Chess enhanced my students’ cooperation skills.


Chess requires you to think hard, analyze, plan, and execute. Problem-solving and learning become a game! Studies conducted over the last 30 years show an increase in student IQ’s, and test scores improve after less than a year of systematic chess study.

Chess is also valuable due to its intellectual brand attributes: Chess is known to be a smart person’s game, and kids who play chess believe they are smart. Why is this important? Because what kids believe can be self-fulfilling.

Programs

After-School chess clubs and competitive chess tournaments for K-12 students

Promoting non-violence and increase positive relationships with youth and police

Thru summer programing we are able to extend the work we do during the summer

We organize local, regional, national & international tournamets in Chicago

Leadership

David Heiser

has nearly 30 years of combined expertise within law enforcement and nonprofit management, developing innovative programs that enrich the lives of Chicago’s youth, while engaging them towards positive community relations.

As President and Founder of the Renaissance Knights, he has successfully brought the multi-faceted benefits of chess to over 60,000 children within the Chicago Public School system.

He also serves as the Chess Advisor to the Chicago Public Schools’ Academic Chess programs.

Sheila Heiser

has extensive experience working in the non-profit sector and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from DePaul University.  She is retired and was the co-founder of Renaissance Knights along with her husband.