Chess Team

Chess sharpens thinking and strategy skills in ways that apply to many areas of life. At Harlem Academy, our vision is for students to be among the top players in the city and to compete in local, regional, and national championships. 
Harlem Academy provides tools to support that growth and achievement.  All students in kindergarten through second grade get classroom instruction and access to independent practice. And, students in every grade can choose to join the HA Chess Team, which meets on Monday afternoons and competes in weekend tournaments. The school not only pays for the coaching on Mondays but also for the registration fees for the weekend tournaments. 

Chess Team Requirements & Competition Info

List of 4 items.

  • Required Monday practices

    Sign up - In addition to signing up through Harlem Academy, all families should sign up at the ICN site: https://impactcoachingnetwork.org/chess-club-and-team/ha 

    Required Monday practices: 4-5:30 p.m.

  • Independent practice on ChessKid

    All students receive a gold membership at www.chesskid.com. 

    Login:
    • Username: [Firstname][Lastinitial]HA.  For example, Vinny Dotoli’s username would be VinnyDHA.
    • Password (same for everyone): icnchess
    Weekly requirement: Complete at least 75 activities. Practice is tracked on the Harlem Academy stat page. 
    • Puzzles (1 pt): Build tactical skills.
    • Lessons (10 pts): Fun but detailed material to advance levels.
    • Workouts (5 pts): Train on specific areas of chess. 

  • Tournaments - At least two competitions per month

    The team participates in tournaments that allow students to compete, play under pressure, and strengthen their rating. (Grades 1-8 + kindergarten students who are ready)
    • Frequency: At least two competitions per month
    • USCF membership (required to participate in tournaments and get a rating): $24/year https://new.uschess.org/join-us-chess 
    • Tournament fee waiver: HA families using the code HarlemAcademy. 
    • Local competition sign-ups: 
      • Grand Prix: Held every Saturday, students play an equally rated player and can attend for the morning (9-12), afternoon (12:00-3), or both. Sign up link.
      • Team Tournament: Held one Sunday per month - the whole team’s points add up, so the more participation, the better. Includes lunch. Sign up link.
    • Local competition Dates:
      • Fall Saturday 2026 Season Dates:
        *Please note, dates are subject to change
        • October 3th, 10th, 17th, 24th
        • November 7th, 14th
        • December 5th 
        • January 9th, 16th, 23rd
        Spring Saturday 2027 Season Dates:
        *Please note, dates are subject to change
        • February 6th, 13th
        • March 20th
        • April 3rd, 10th
        • May 8th, 15th, 22nd 
        • June 5th
      • Sunday Team Tournaments (subject to change):
    October 31st, 2026
    November 21st, 2026
    December 19th, 2026
    January 30th - Winter Cup, 2027
    February 27th - Winter Cup, 2027
    March 27th, 2027
    April 27th, 2027
    May 29th, 2027
    June 12th - Spring Cup, 2027


  • Championships - By invitation for top players based on commitment and skill.

    Competition
    Grades
    Location
    Dates
    Girls States Championships
    K-8 girls
    New York, NY
    Nov 14-15 2026
    Grade Nationals
    K-8
    Orlando, FL
    Dec 11-13, 2026
    Girls Nationals
    K-8 girls
    Chicago, IL
    April 9-11, 2027
    Elementary Nationals
    K-6
    Columbus, OH
    April 30- May 2, 2027
    State Championships 
    K-6
    Saratoga, NY
    TBA (March 2027)

    Harlem Academy covers registration fees. Families cover travel and lodging.

Upcoming competitions

List of 3 events.

View Calendar

Chess at Harlem Academy

Get to Know Our Partners: Impact Coaching Network

We’re proud to partner with Impact Coaching Network (ICN), a chess-focused organization that brings expert instruction and thoughtful coaching to our students.

Please reach out to Kanadia Lucien our Site Coordinator at klucien.icn@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Get to know Coach Gio

COACH GIO is a passionate chess instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience in private lessons, school programs, and special training events. A lifelong chess enthusiast, Giovanni has been playing since age 6 and brings both his competitive spirit and coaching expertise to every lesson. He specializes in helping players of all levels, from beginners to advanced, by assessing their current skills and guiding them through key concepts and strategies to improve their game. Giovanni's students have seen success in major tournaments, including multiple first-place finishes in regional and state competitions. 
Other club coaches: Coach David, Coach Ja'Nya, Coach Justin


Parent '33

The chess program is truly excellent. My son absolutely loves it and has learned so much—he even teaches the whole family! I also really appreciate how the program brings kids together across different grades. It’s helped Ace build friendships with older students, and now he has so many “big brothers” looking out for him. I love that for him—it’s building confidence, connection, and a true sense of community.
Harlem Academy
655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030

P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org

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Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K-8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.