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TRANSFORMING LIVES, ON AND OFF THE BOARD

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

Mission & Vision

Renaissance Knights is a nonprofit organization bridging the educational opportunity gap for Chicago students by providing them with chess centered programs that supports their academic, social, career, and leadership success.

Our mission is to build community, foster intellectual and social development, and advance educational achievement of Chicago’s youth through the transformative power of chess education.

We envision a world where Chicago youth are critical thinkers empowered to make their own moves, succeed in college and career, and become leaders in their community.

Why We Do It

Chess is a transformational activity that helps young people make the right moves on and off the board, while preparing them for college and career success.

At Renaissance Knights, we believe in the power of chess to change lives. Chess helps students improve academically and socially, enhance STEM skills, develop critical thinking, improve concentration, and build self-confidence. In a safe environment, students learn to win and lose gracefully, building their resilience and confidence.

To date, we have taught more than 60,000 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 the positive feedback from classroom teachers and students in our annual surveys.


Program Survey

  • 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.

Impact

60,000+ Students Taught

500+ Schools Engaged

400+ Tournaments Held

School Year 2023 – 2024

We successfully sponsored 115 students from 17 countries across the Americas to participate in the 2023 Pan-American Youth Chess Festival, covering their lodging and meals.

Academic Chess

  • 111 Schools
  • 2360 K-12th grade students
  • 83 elementary schools
  • 28 high schools
  • 6 in-person tournaments
  • Weekly online Blitz Oct – May
  • Monthly online rapid Oct – April

Cops & Kids Chess

  • 25 Schools
  • 310 5- 12th grade students
  • 25 weekly classes between October – March
  • December event with 92 and 9 police officers
  • Year-End event with 140 students and 14 police officers

Summer Knights

  • 3-week High School camp for 25 students
  • 2-week Middle School camp for 30 students
  • 1-week Alll-Girls camp for 16 5-12th graders
  • Two 1-week Middle School intercession camps for 34 students
  • Albany Park
  • Archer Heights
  • Armour Square
  • Ashburn
  • Austin
  • Avalon Park
  • Avondale
  • Back of the Yards
  • Belmont Cragin
  • Brighton Park
  • Chatham
  • Chicago Lawn
  • East Side
  • Edgewater
  • Edison Park
  • Englewood
  • Fuller Park
  • Gage Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Hyde Park
  • Irving Park
  • Kenwood
  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • Lincoln Square
  • Logan Square
  • Loop
  • Lower West Side
  • Marshall Square
  • Montclare
  • Morgan Park
  • Mount Greenwood
  • Near North Side
  • Near South Side
  • Near West Side
  • North Center
  • North Lawndale
  • North Park
  • Norwood Park
  • Oakland
  • Portage Park
  • Rogers Park
  • Roseland
  • South Chicago
  • South Shore
  • Washington Park
  • West Elsdon
  • West Englewood
  • West Garfield Park
  • West Lawn
  • West Pullman
  • West Ridge
  • West Roseland
  • West Town
  • Pan American Youth Chess Championship – 645 players from 21 countries
  • KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship – 512 players from 34 states
  • Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship – 731 players from 4 states
  • CPS All-Stars – 344 players from 46 schools
  • CPS Jr Prep Bowl – 258 players from 36 schools
  • Cops & Kids Holiday Tournament – 92 students from 11 schools
  • CPS Kings & Queens – 294 players from 56 schools
  • CPS High School Championship – 190 players from 16 schools
  • CPS K-8 Playoffs – 535 students from 62 schools
  • CPS K-8 Championship – 108 players from 23 school
  • Cops & Kids Year End Event – 140 players from 16 schools
  • Weekly online Blitz Oct – May
  • Monthly online rapid Oct – April

What We Do

Renaissance Knights’ programs leverage the power of chess to foster the positive development of young people. Our approach is both intentional and comprehensive, focusing on engaging youth in meaningful activities that enhance their strengths and support their overall growth. We are committed to nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and social development of our participants, ultimately preparing them for success in various aspects of life. We achieve this through the following key components in all our programs:

  • Skill Development and Cognitive Growth
  • Character Building and Emotional Intelligence
  • Positive Relationships and Mentorship
  • Community Engagement and Social Integration
  • Opportunities for Achievement and Recognition
  • Prevention of Risky Behaviors

After-school chess clubs and competitive tournaments for Chicago students

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

Extends the impactful work we do through the summer for Chicago students

Youth explore their city and attend tournaments & cultural activites around the country

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

Extends the impactful work we do through the summer for Chicago students

Contact Us

Call: 773.844.0701
Email: INFO@renaissanceknights.org

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