Through our chess exploration trips, youth explore their city and attend tournaments around the country, where they are given unique opportunities to deepen their connection to their local community while also gaining exposure to different parts of the nation. Exploring their city allows them to discover local landmarks, cultural institutions, and historical sites, enriching their understanding of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and its role in the broader context of the nation.
Attending tournaments around the country offers them the chance to travel, compete at a high level, and interact with peers from different backgrounds. These experiences not only sharpen their chess skills but also promote independence, adaptability, and a sense of adventure. Through these journeys, students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and see themselves as part of a larger, interconnected world.
Past trips have included:
- 2018 High School Chess Nationals (Schaumburg, IL)
- 2021 North American Youth Chess Championship (Hilton Hotel, Chicago, IL)
- 2022 High School Chess Nationals (Memphis, TN)
- 2023 High School Chess Nationals (Washington, DC)
- 2023 Pan American Youth Chess Championship (Chicago, IL)
- 2024 High School Chess Nationals (Baltimore, MD)
These Chess Exploration Trips provide valuable experiences that extend beyond the chessboard, helping students to grow academically, socially, and culturally.
EXPLORE
We believe in providing opportunities for youth to step outside their comfort zones and explore new communities, cultures, and cuisines to gain a greater understanding of their city, their country, and their world.
EXPERIENCE
We believe in encouraging youth to fully immerse themselves in new experiences, continuously soaking up new knowledge and expanding their network.
EVOLVE
