Ages 5–18 · Always free
The Youth Program
Building players and leaders, one move at a time.
Our youth program is free for kids ages 5 to 18 — boys and girls, any background, no experience needed. Each session starts with hands-on instruction and moves into open play, with boards, materials and snacks provided.
Chess is the doorway. What our young players really practise is patience, planning and belief in their own judgment, surrounded by mentors who look like them.
The program is paid for by our monthly community events and our donors, so families never pay a thing.
How to join
Email us at info@blackmenschessleague.com to sign up your child or ask about the next session. We’ll reply with the date, the place and anything you need to bring (usually nothing). Some sessions, like those at the library, ask families to register ahead of time.
Chess education
Hands-on lessons, from how the pieces move to opening principles and endgames, so every player gets real time on the board.
Mentoring
Young players learn from Black men in their own community — men who show up for the game, and for school, family and everything around it.
Youth development
Focus, patience and thinking ahead: habits built at the board that carry into the classroom and beyond.
How a session works
Sessions run at libraries and community spaces around the Bay, including the Springstowne Library in Vallejo.
Learn
Every session opens with hands-on instruction from members of the league.
Play
Then it’s open play, putting the lesson to work across the board.
Everything provided
Boards, pieces, materials and snacks are on us. Just bring yourself.
Always free
Funded by our community events and donors, never by families.
Sponsor a young player.
Your gift keeps the youth program free: boards, materials, snacks and instruction for every kid who walks in.