After School | Group Programs | One-on-One Coaching
The Chess Rabbits Mission
Our mission is to make chess a lifelong pursuit for every child—ensuring that every one we connect with attains fluency in its language, the capacity to apply its modes of thought into adulthood, and to obtain an insider’s familiarity with its culture and humor. Some few become champions along the way, and that’s not an accident. You may be the parent of the next Bobby Fischer, but even if you’re not, let’s agree that our mission statement is your goal too. If it is, let’s set up a chat right now.
Competition, Sportsmanship and Community
Chess offers students a unique balance of competition and connection. Kids learn sportsmanship: How to celebrate victories with grace, and to accept losses with respect. Competitions writ large, and even personal rivalries against opponents you play with regularly, foster resilience, respect and friendship. A core philosophy of Phil’s and therefore Chess Rabbits, is to embrace the idea that a loss in a game is an opportunity to learn. Observing how your opponent checkmates you, seeing a brand new tactic for the first time, and beginning to connect those new tactics with long term strategies, are the benefits of losing. For some, it’s the toughest lesson of all to learn, and all the more worth it for the effort needed to be spent.
ADHD and Other Neurodiverse Learners
Chess can be and often is a bridge for neurodiverse and ADHD learners. It provides a space where they can channel their energy, sharpen their concentration and grow their confidence. As an ADHD learner himself, Phil is especially in-tune with the needs of kids who look and sound just like he did at that age. It might be difficult to believe for some parents, but ADHD and its neurological cousins, are often an advantage against those who lack the super-human ability to focus for many hours, even at the youngest ages. That’s right. Your child is a super-hero, just waiting for the right people and activities to come along and unlock their potential. Let’s get started right now.
