Chess (Drop-In)

Introduction to Chess: This course is designed to teach chess to children or adults who have no knowledge of the game and for students who already know the basics of how to play chess. Students will learn pawn and piece movements as well as the fundamentals of the beginning, the middle and the end game. Students will always touch and use equipment. Part of the class will be board demonstrations and part practical interaction. Eventually, principles of tactics and strategy will be taught to prepare students for more rigorous competition.

All ages are welcome! There is no registration required for this class. Sign-in sheet will be available.

SCHEDULE: Tuesdays, April 2 to June 25, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

LOCATION: Robert A. Steen Community Centre, 980 Palmerston Avenue

FEE: Free

AGE GROUP: All Ages Welcome

Advanced Chess: Welcome to “Rapid Chess Improvement,” an intensive course designed for intermediate to advanced chess players aspiring to elevate their game to the level of an expert or strong tournament player.

This course is meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive approach tailored to individuals with good chess experience. Led by chess coach Jordan, this class delves deep into advanced strategies, tactical intricacies, and positional nuances that are essential for chess mastery. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your opening repertoire, sharpen your endgame skills, or refine your middle-game tactics, this course offers a structured curriculum aimed at rapid improvement. Get ready to immerse yourself in a stimulating learning environment where you’ll analyze grandmaster games, participate in challenging tactical puzzles, and engage in strategic discussions, all geared towards transforming you into a formidable chess competitor. Join us on this exciting journey, where your passion for chess meets expert guidance, propelling you towards becoming a proficient tournament player. We will continue to host tournaments and occasionally have local masters occasionally join us for simultaneous exhibition events! (everyone will play the master a game at the same time! Good experience.)

*There will be light homework weekly of playing one classical game of chess of 30 minutes or more with recorded game score, and tactical chess problems to train calculation.

All ages are welcome! There is no registration required for this class. Sign-in sheet will be available.

SCHEDULE: Wednesdays, April 3 to June 26, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

LOCATION: Robert A. Steen Community Centre, 980 Palmerston Avenue

FEE: Free

AGE GROUP: All Ages Welcome

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Beginners and intermediate players are welcome, taught by a Chess Expert. Instructor and Trainer Jordan Constantino has over 20 years of playing and winning local chess tournaments and has achieved a Canadian Chess Federation Rating personal best of 1988. He learned chess at 16 and then won the Grade 10 Chess and Math Provincial Championship, representing Manitoba at the Nationals twice. Jordan has played tournament chess from coast to coast in Canada, and in the United States. Jordan often likes to play chess online these days, 2200-2300+ elo rating strength on major platforms, and occasionally beats a Grandmaster or Internal Master!

Jordan is passionate about the benefits of chess to the developing mind. Recent studies have confirmed what educators have known for nearly 40 years: that chess improves academic performance, concentration, logical thinking, judgment, creativity, problem solving, emotional intelligence, and social skills.

Open Gym

Open Gyms are free drop-ins for families and patrons of the community. Everyone of all ages is welcome to utilize the gym. Independent formal teams will be turned away as this is a space for the individual community members to use collectively. If you require a gym to rent for practice please email [email protected]. Limited equipment will be handed out upon request from the staff as patrons enter. Please be mindful that not all equipment can be given out to prevent injury or damage. We ask that everyone be mindful and care for the gym. There will be no direct supervision provided by staff. Younger children should be accompanied by their guardians. Please wear gym appropriate shoes that leave no scuffs, and do not eat or drink in the gym, unless it is water.

*Days subject to cancelation due to rental requirements*

SCHEDULE: Mondays, April 1 to June 17, 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM. (No Gym on May 20) AND Thursdays, February 1 to April 18, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

LOCATION: Robert A. Steen Community Centre, 980 Palmerston Avenue

FEE: Free

AGE GROUP: All Ages Welcome