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♟️ Summer Chess Camp: The Benefits of Learning Chess

By Frank Procopio, U .S. Chess Federation Certified Chess Coach, Academy of Chess, LCC April 8, 2019


Academy of Chess, LLC was founded in 2008 by Frank Procopio.  Mr. Procopio began teaching chess twenty years earlier, In 1988, to students in grades 3 through 8.  He joined the US Chess Federation and became a certified chess coach in 1990.  Using US Chess materials, he developed a ten-step curriculum designed to teach a complete novice the basics of chess and then numerous tactics and strategies to build student confidence.  Currently, Mr. Procopio is a PA certified teacher with current clearances.

Chess Improves Academic Performance1

  • Bradford, PA School District - A five-year study of 7th and 8th-grade students showed test scores of chess students increased by 17.3% compared to 4.56% for non-chess students taking “advanced” curriculum.
  • Roberto Clemente School (C.I.S. 166) in New York - Joyce Brown, Assistant Principal, and Supervisor of Special Ed Department reports studies that show increased ability to socialize.  The incidents of suspension and outside altercations decreased by at least 60%.

Chess Improves Cognitive Abilities 

  • Critical thinking - refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment
  • Logic - reason or sound judgment, as in utterances or actions
  • Problem-solving -The process of working through details of a problem to reach a solution. Problem-solving may include mathematical or systematic operations and can be a gauge of an individual's critical thinking skills.                                   

Chess Improves Self-esteem

  • Self-confidence - a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment.
  • Sportsmanship - fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest
  • Respect for others - Respect is defined as to feel or show esteem or honor for someone or something


Academy of Chess, LCC sponsors local chess camps during the summer for students in grades 2 through 8.  Students do not need to know how to play chess before signing up. The formal class curriculum teaches everything from names of the pieces and how they move to advanced strategy and tactics.  The class meets in the parish center of the SS. Peter and Paul Church, Hudson Road, Plains Township.  Camp lasts for five days (June 17-21 or July 15-19), from 9 am to 11:30 am.  There is a formal instruction period, followed by over the board chess matches.  For more information and to register for chess camp, please click HERE.  

  1. Source: US Chess and “New York City Schools Chess Program” by Christine Palmer, copyright 1990.


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