Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

The Chess Club is open to all students grades 4- 8 and takes place after school every

Tuesday 3:45 – 4:45.   Mr. Patrick Burdick is the Chess Club Coach/Coordinator.

Each meeting will begin with a problem to solve and a short lesson followed by chess play.  Chess is one of the oldest and most challenging games. Remarkably, the game has also proven to be an invaluable educational aide.  Through the game of chess, children learn the analytical and disciplined thinking skills which are useful in most other academic and life pursuits.

More than any other game, chess has the potential to transform a child. Chess can become a student's driving force, helping him/her in every aspect of critical thinking development.  Chess is also extremely beneficial in raising self-esteem, teaching determination, self-motivation and sportsmanship. It's one of the few positive in-school and extra-curricular activities for students of all ages and from all backgrounds. Chess is the one great equalizer in which anyone with determination to succeed can excel.

Check out what the experts have been saying about chess as a key component in a child's education:

• A 2-yr study conducted in NY by IBM found that learning chess improves reading test scores and reading performance in elementary schools. Source: Dr. Stuart Marguilies
• Grades increased in all subjects for young students taking part in a chess experiment. Source: Education Ministry of Moldova
• Learning chess improves both memory and verbal reasoning skills. Source: Dr. Robert Ferguson: A one year study in Bradford, 6th grade children
• Learning chess improves mathematical problem solving abilities. Source: Louis Gourdreau
• Learning chess had a positive influence on the development of both numerical and verbal aptitudes. Source: Albert Frank: A one year study of high school students in Zaire
• A knowledge of chess is encouraged as a way to develop a preschooler's intellect and academic readiness. Source: Terrell Bell, former US Secretary of Education
• Learning chess promotes earlier development of intellectual maturation and cognitive abilities. Source: John Christian: A study of elementary school students in Belgium
• In just one year, chess instruction will improve a student's learning abilities, concentration, application, sense of logic, self discipline, respect, and the ability to take responsibility for his/her own actions. Source: Garry Kasparov

If you are interested in the Chess Club please contact the school office at 517-647-7551.