Renaissance Knights

After-school classes are held in elementary schools, Junior High Schools, High Schools, park districts and recreation/community centers. Community programs at various locations including Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival and The Taste of Chicago

Founded in 2004, Renaissance Knights began by providing weekend chess instruction and tournaments. From its modest beginnings, we have evolved into Illinois ' Premier Chess Organization. In 2007, we expanded to include after-school youth development programs in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Our community programs have included Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival, Sports Taste at the Taste of Chicago, Chicago 's The Art of Play summer programming, and the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Book Release Festival.

Renaissance Knights provides all materials and teaches new lessons each week in a positive and nurturing environment. Classes run 60 minutes per week and increase children's chess abilities, self-confidence and self-esteem

Renaissance Knights teaches chess, an activity that improves children's analytical and critical thinking skills which has a direct effect on academic achievement and life skills. Chess is the one great equalizer in education, in which students with determination to succeed can excel. Chess is extremely beneficial in raising children's self-esteem, teaching determination, self-motivation, sportsmanship, and teaches students to think logically and take responsibility for their actions and consequences, provides rules, order and opportunities for intellectual and social growths. Chess is one of the few positive extra-curricular activities for students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Not all children can play sports but all children can play chess.