Chess is fun! It can be learned quickly and easily. Chess helps improve critical cognitive skills such as concentration, spatial intelligence, and problem-solving. Beyond academia, chess influences social behavior including self-esteem, respect for others, patience, and good sportsmanship. The Berkeley Chess School is a nonprofit organization offering chess instruction from kindergarten through high school since 1982. We are an affiliate of the US Chess Federation. Over the years our students have won many state championships and several have gone on to become National Masters, FIDE Masters, and International Masters.