Chess Team

Chess is part of our core curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, but opportunities don’t stop there. Students at all grade levels can join the chess team, where they receive tailored instruction based on skill and age and compete in matches with their peers. Team members put their skills to the test in weekend tournaments against other New York City schools, and the most dedicated players have the chance to compete in the state championship. These competitions help students learn to think ahead and approach each match with a strategic mindset - skills that serve students beyond the chessboard.

Chess Team Requirements & Competition Info

List of 4 items.

  • Required Monday practices

    • Primary and elementary school: 4-5 p.m.
    • Middle school: 4:15-5:45 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. 
    • Location: PS33 (281 9th Avenue New York, NY)
    • Types: 
      • Grand Prix: Held every Saturday, students play an equally rated player and can attend for the morning (9-12), afternoon (11:30-3), 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:
      • Grand Prix (fall and early winter):
    December 6, 20
    January 10, 17, 24, 31
      • Sunday Team Tournaments:
    Jan 25 (Winter Cup)
    Feb 22 
    Mar 29
    Apr 26
    May 31
    June 7 (Spring Cup)


  • 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 15-16, 2025
    New York Metro Area Championships
    K-8
    New York, NY
    Jan 3-4, 2026
    Girls Nationals
    K-8 girls
    Chicago, IL
    April 10-12, 2026
    Elementary Nationals
    K-6
    Baltimore, MD
    May 1-3, 2026
    State Championships
    7-8
    Saratoga, NY
    Mar 7-8, 2026

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

Upcoming competitions

List of 3 events.

View Calendar

Saratoga State Championship

In March, the State championships will be held upstate New York in Saratoga. Last year we brought a team to compete for the first time, and this year we will be representing Harlem Academy again! For families interested, now is the time to start planning for the weekend of March 7th and 8th. Reach out to Kanadia Lucien our Site Coordinator at klucien.icn@gmail.com if this is something you have questions about.

If you know for sure that this is a tournament you would like your child to play in, please confirm with Kanadia so she can put them on our registration list.

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 experience teaching through private lessons, school programs, and special training events. A lifelong chess enthusiast who has played since age 6, he brings both competitive insight and thoughtful coaching to every lesson. Coach Gio works with players of all levels, helping them build skills and master key strategies. His students have achieved impressive success, including first-place finishes in regional and state tournaments.
Other club coaches: Coach Mike, Coach David, Coach Raydily, Coach Ja'Nya

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.