DONATE

Chess programs for grades K-12

Two Rule the Board scholars at their boards at the Emory Castle Chess Grand Prix, clocks and scoresheets set up.

Rule the Board

A one-year scholarship for Odyssey scholars who want to keep going with chess. Coaching, tournaments, and a set of their own.

Weekly lessons plus optional office hours
Up to 3 Paid Tournament Entries
1-Year USCF Membership
Professional Chess Set & Chess.com Diamond
Apply for Scholarship
Read the scholarship document (PDF, opens in a new tab)
A Checkmate Your Summer coach explaining a position to a small group of students at Odyssey.

Checkmate Your Summer

Our summer class at Odyssey Atlanta, where most scholars play their first real game of chess.

Group Lessons: Openings, Tactics & Checkmates
Guided Puzzle Solving
Over-the-Board Play Against Peers
Small-Group Stations & Teamwork
Scholars must be part of Odyssey's summer program
Learn more

No prior experience required

Read the program document (PDF, opens in a new tab)

Why chess?

Chess makes you sit with a hard position and actually think instead of guessing. You lose, you work out why, and you set the pieces back up. Our coaches spend as much time on how a scholar approaches a problem as on the moves themselves.

It also travels. The patience it takes to calculate four moves ahead is the same patience a student needs on a long homework problem, and the scholars notice that before we point it out.

268

Lesson hours delivered to scholars this year.

1,961

Highest USCF rating reached by a Rule the Board scholar.

Students playing over-the-board games during a Checkmate Your Summer session.

Tournaments & Events

Our scholars compete in rated tournaments through the year. Here is where we have been.

Past Events

Scholars competing at the Emory Castle Chess Grand Prix, a tournament hall filled with chess boards.
Past Event

Emory Castle Chess Grand Prix

2026 SeasonEmory University, AtlantaCovered by scholarship

Our scholars played a serious field here. One beat a 1000-rated USCF player, and another got an unofficial game against the highest-rated player in the state.

Ready to compete?

The scholarship covers your tournament entries, your coaching, and your equipment. Applications are open for the next class of scholars.

Apply for the ScholarshipRead the Tournament Guide

First Tournament?

The questions parents ask us most before a first tournament.

What should my child bring?

Students should bring a tournament-regulation chess set and clock if they own one, though many events provide them. A healthy snack, water bottle, and a pencil for notation (if required for their section) are also highly recommended.

How long do tournaments last?

Scholastic tournaments typically run about half a day, depending on the number of rounds and time control. We provide a detailed schedule on each event’s registration page.

Do I need a US Chess membership?

For "Rated" sections, a USCF membership is generally required. For "Beginner" or "Unrated" sections, no membership is needed. Membership requirements are noted on each event’s details page.

Can parents stay in the playing room?

To maintain focus and integrity, parents and coaches are usually asked to wait in a designated area once rounds begin. You’re always welcome to help your child set up their board before the round starts.