How to get started

The mission of Chess in Christian Schools Foundation is to assist Christian schools in starting and sustaining a chess program so that each interested student is able to learn to play chess, and to advance and compete at the highest level determined by the student’s capability. At present we are limited in our mission to the Houston metropolitan area (including Galveston). If you would like to have a chess program at your school, please contact Jim Marcely via our Contact Us page.

CICSF raises funds from philanthropic foundations and the publicto support chess in Christian schools.    We intend to provide the following at no cost to the school

  • chess equipment (sets, boards, chess clocks, travel bags, and demonstration boards)
  • chess tutors/coaches
  • trophies, plaques and medals
  • team shirts
  • scholastic memberships in the U. S. Chess Federation (USCF)
  • team access to chess learning websites (such as chesskids.com)
  • audio-visual aids (projectors, screens)
  • motivational materials (CD’s Brooklyn Castle, The Queen of Katwe)

Our ability to provide these goods and services depends on our success in raising funds. First priority in support is given to schools serving low income (Title 1) neighborhoods.  We may or may not be able to respond immediately with a funded program to every school, but we will not forget you.  We will also support schools in more prosperous neighborhoods, as funds are available.  Please be patient.  

We have available to every interested school the free guide, How to Have a Chess Program at Your School.  It has all the nitty-gritty details for principals, coaches, tutors and team managers.  

Phase 1.  CICSF helps schools that do not have a chess program to start a chess club.  There are some minimum requirements that a school must meet to receive CICSF support.

  • The chess club must meet in a quiet location with flat tables/desks (library? classroom? lunchroom?) that is not being used at the time for another purpose.
  • The chess club must have the full support of the school principal.
  • A responsible adult representing the school (faculty sponsor/team manager) must be present during CICSF-supported chess club sessions.

Phase 2.  CICSF assists schools that already have a chess club in forming a chess team from its stronger players to compete in interscholastic scholastic chess tournaments.  A Phase 1 school is expected to become a Phase 2 school in its second year by competingin at least four USCF-sanctioned interscholastic chess tournaments a year.