Chess lessons at Southbury, CT, and surrounding areas

Welcome to the Western Connecticut Chess Academy, where budding chess players come to learn, grow, and thrive! Our academy is a chess school that caters to students of all skill levels, offering private lessons and chess tournaments for both children ages 6-14 in Redding and Southbury, CT.

At Western Connecticut Chess Academy, our passion for chess is only matched by our commitment to offering high-quality chess education that’s inclusive for everyone that wants to learn. We’re fully dedicated to giving students the tools and training they need to boost their skills and confidence while having fun.

Online chess classes

Meet Jim Santorelli


Jim Santorelli
, is a nationally renowned authority on chess in education with over 30 years chess instruction experience whose passion for chess continues to help players to improve their skills and ability. Jim has successfully guided his students to 13 National Championships!

 

Chess Lessons– At Western Connecticut Chess Academy, our private lessons and curriculum are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, from beginner to advanced levels. Instructor Jim Santorelli will work with your child one-on-one to help you learn key chess principles, develop strategies, and improve cognitive and analytical skills. We strive to provide a challenging yet engaging learning environment to help each student reach their full potential.

Chess Tournaments- At Western Connecticut Chess Academy, we also offer chess tournaments for children that will help students apply their skills, build confidence, and make new friends. Our tournaments are fun, inclusive and competitive, with players competing against others of similar skill levels, ensuring that each player’s experience is rewarding and fun throughout the entire event.

Aside from gaining confidence and building bonds with their peers, students also will develop a sense of responsibility and respect. We believe that chess tournaments go beyond teaching a mere game, but also important life lessons. And with 30 years of experience in both teaching and organizing children’s tournaments, we’re confident that our tournaments are designed to encourage all age groups and skill levels to participate.

Southbury Parks and Recreation: Chess by Western Connecticut Chess Academy: Ages 6+ (myrec.com)

Please view the two sample classes below:

 

CHOOSE A CHESS CLASS

Class placement is determined by age and chess experience. There’s an option for the absolute beginner (at least age 6) all the way to the tournament player. Review the material below to find out which level best suits your child or teen.

WCCA offers a variety of chess lessons based on your playing ability. Chess Classes are available for kindergarten, elementary school, junior high, high school and homeschool students.

PAWN – BEGINNER

Students will learn all the rules of chess and basic strategies.

KNIGHTS – ADVANCED BEGINNER

Students must have a playing knowledge of the game. They will learn advanced strategies and all aspects of tournament play.

ROOKS – INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS

“With chess, children can practice deductive reasoning and use it in day to day situations. The idea with increasing the number of curricular programs is to improve children’s critical thinking skills and analytical abilities.”
Playing Chess as a Tool in Learning
By Merri Rosenberg
Oct. 11, 1992

A USCF Expert, Jim emphasizes strategy and planning in his chess and in his well-prepared classroom lectures.

Jim Santorelli

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Our proven approach to chess instruction is an excellent low cost, all age distancelearning activity aimed at improving your student’s personal best. Jim’s passion for chess continues to help players to improve their skills and ability. All ages welcome.

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A key benefit of playing chess is that it improves focus which helps students in every area of study. Adding chess to the curriculum improves academic success. Each day, teachers look for new ways to get students excited about learning and new ways to help them retain the information they learn.  In addition to educational advantages, students experience social growth and learn patience and sportsmanship. 

It was Benjamin Franklin who said, "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired and strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready on all occasions."

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Terrell Bell wrote in his book, “Your Childs Intellect,” that imparting some knowledge of chess is a way to develop a preschooler’s intellect and academic readiness.

TESTIMONIALS

Jim is an excellent chess teacher who combines rigorous practice to help students improve their playing skill with lessons on the theory behind the moves. I highly recommend him for students of all ages. My son and I have enjoyed learning together and playing against each other!

James Blanco

Ever since I began playing chess at the age of 5, I have noticed how sharp my thinking became. I have no doubt that chess has been instrumental in helping me concentrate, plan ahead, problem solve and excel academically.

Shirley BenDak

I started taking chess lessons with Jim when I was in the third grade. I’m 19 now and looking back I can say that chess improved my focus. Chess has helped me with pattern recognition and day to day problem solving. Highly recommended.

Nielsen Gordon 

Jim is truly an exemplary figure in the field of chess in education and has passionately devoted himself to spreading his knowledge and love for chess to children for the past 30 years. I had the pleasure of working with Jim for over 10 years as a fellow chess instructor/coach. Through his mentorship, I can honestly say I learned to be a better teacher, motivator, and player. I highly recommend Jim if you are looking to improve your chess knowledge and work with one of the most experienced and sought after chess coaches out there!

Nolan Kordsmeier

Some people spend years at school learning the art of teaching, some people are just born with an innate gift to be able to connect with people ....especially young people. Jim Santorelli has proven to be the latter. My son was under performing in school and was being pulled into the world of gaming. It was interfering with his ability to function and reason correctly. We tried to go the route of studying chess. At first it was a difficult transition but as time went on interest became stronger and skills were developed. Jim brought a passion and insight to the game. He also had a sense of humor and a grounded sensibility. The game really seemed to improve some of my son's cognitive skills and we noticed an improvement in math and reasoning abilities. He went from being online and wasting time to developing positive, productive learning. I chalked a good deal of it up to the change and experience he had online with Mr. Santorelli. Sincerely

Don Antaky

We started the chess as a lunchtime class at PEARLS Hawthorne school. Coach Jim taught the class, he is an amazing teacher and has a lot of patience with the kids. Starting with the basics, he moved on to go over strategies and tactics of the game. This was very educational, my son loved it. It helped him organize his thoughts, anticipate next moves and move the pieces based on a strategic plan. When the schools closed due to the corona virus outbreak, we wished to continue the chess classes and signed him up for virtual sessions, and he’s very happy about it.

Azin Alireza

Thank you for visiting and being a part of our fun and educational online chess lessons. Word of mouth is the key to our success. Prospective clients benefit from seeing positive reviews from satisfied clients like you. Your opinion matters to us and to other customers, so we really appreciate it when you take a few moments to provide a review of our services.

Why Choose Western Connecticut Chess Academy in Redding and Southbury, CT

 

Looking for a top-notch chess academy for your child? Look no further than Western Connecticut Chess Academy.

We’re committed to offering high-quality chess education and private lessons that teach children in a fun and interactive way. Instructor Jim Santorelli is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about the game, and his teaching techniques are effective and personal, leaving a long-lasting impression on every student.

Our private lessons are designed to give students individual attention that allows them to learn and progress at their own pace. Our coaches are patient, supportive, and encouraging, and our lessons are fun, competitive, and energized, ensuring that every player has an enjoyable experience, even while competing.

Western Connecticut Chess Academy is perfect for children who are passionate about chess and looking to learn, play, and improve their skills in a supportive environment. That’s because our goal is to help our students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the game and in life.

So is your child ready to become a better chess player? Then Western Connecticut Chess Academy is ready for you!