Chess Classes and Programs

The Chess Cafe is a meeting place to talk about chess, life, and everything in between. Join a revolving cast of folks from around the country in a fun and casual atmosphere to discuss the latest chess developments and for the pure love of the game. The Chess Cafe is suitable for ALL level of players and FREE for everyone.

Chess Cafe is held every Monday except on major holidays. Register to receive Zoom information to join.
Time: 4:00-5:30 pm
Location: Zoom
Cost: FREE for all
Register here.

Join us - beginner or intermediate player - and learn the fundamentals of the Royal Game with Lead Chess Coach Marcie Yang. From the basics of how pieces move and capture, castling, and en passant; to more advanced strategy of checkmating patterns, how to think in the openings, middle-game strategy, and what to do in the endgame. This goal of the class is to open up a new world of fun and joy through the magic and beauty of chess. 

Introduction to Chess Class is available for Mechanics' Institute members at no cost. Register to join the class. Open to all ages!

Dates: Thursdays, Next Session TBA (six sessions)
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: Onsite in the Chess Room
Cost: FREE for Members
Register here.

Celebrate your finest victories and learn from heart-wrenching defeats! The key to success in chess lies in understanding our own games.

How do I determine my path forward? Where did I go wrong? Why wasn't that the best move and what could I have done instead?

By analyzing missteps, broadening strategic knowledge, and strengthening personal style and beneficial chess habits, we can all improve our game.

Each session includes reviewing game theory, assessing participants' games, as well as improving tactics, strategies, and techniques for opening, middlegame, and endgame play. This class will take your game to the next level. Ideal for TNM and club players who want to improve their game and perhaps get a few plans in place for their next match.

Students will be expected to send .pgns or bring in scoresheets to the class.

Dates: Thursdays, March 20 - April 17 (five sessions)
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Location: Onsite in the Chess Room
Cost: $100 for Members, $120 for Nonmembers
Register here.

Coached by FIDE Trainer Sophie Adams, this class is for women, girls, and gender expansive individuals looking to develop their chess skills with a community of women. Knowledge of piece movements and mates is expected. Registration is required so we may send the links for players to join. Zoom will be required to participate, and we will include optional links to participate in online platforms like chess.com if players would like to play with each other online. Be sure to join the Mechanics' Institute Women's Chess Club on chess.com here.

We are proud to offer this opportunity to bring communities together through chess.

Women's, Girls', and Gender Expansive Individuals Online Chess Class is held every Sunday except on major holidays. Register to receive Zoom information to join. Additional details here.

Dates: Ongoing Sundays
Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Cost: FREE for all
Register here.

Unwind from the week with fellow chess players. We'll have rousing game replays on the big screen, snacks, and lively conversation. Wine available for purchase in the Meeting Room provided before the CinemaLit program. Stick around for CinemaLit at 6 pm!

Dates: First Fridays of the month, every month (July Cancelled due to July 4th!)
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Location: Onsite in the Chess Room
Cost: FREE for all
No registration necessary.