About Our Chess Program

Our chess program is run by highly qualified and well known instructors. We accept children of all ages and abilities, with the minimum requirement that the child needs to know the basic chess moves. We offer three 10-class Sessions during the school year, and a 6-week Summer session.

Our Chess Masters: Lou Mercury

From Lou Mercuri: I am actively teaching chess in the Boston area and in Metrowest.

6 of my students are rated in the top 100 for their age group in the US and compete in National Scholastic Championships.

As a player, I am a US Life Master and my rating has peaked at 2404 (Senior Master). I once defeated World Champion Karpov in a simultaneous exhibition at Harvard University in 1990. I have worked with and analyzed with many of our top US players throughout my career. I am also happy to work with adults on specific opening and tournament preparation. My teaching emphasis is on the enjoyment of learning and giving back what I have learned to others.

I was awarded the International Title of FIDE Trainer at the Turin Italy Olympiad in May 2006.This selective title is awarded to experienced chess coaches and trainers at the 2350 rating level. I am among the first chess trainers in the United States to be awarded this title by FIDE, the International Chess Organization. Leading chess trainers and coaches around the world are also being certified by FIDE to formalize and standardize the methods and qualifications for chess instruction.

• Students have won Massachusetts State Scholastic Championship and one National Elementary Championship
• 6 students have exceeded a 2000 rating—starting out at less than 1400
• Defeated World Champion Karpov in exhibition play in 1990
• Writer and publisher of theoretical opening articles
• Unsurpassed chess library (700+ books)
• Proven interactive techniques
• Consultation on computer programs, books, learning methods, tournament preparation

Our Chess Masters: Maryanne Reilly

Maryanne Reilly has taught scholastic chess in public and private schools in the Boston area for ten years. She was recently elected to her third term as President of the Massachusetts Chess Association, where she has served as Scholastic Coordinator for the last six years.

Winter and Spring Chess

Cost: $200 for a-10 class session

Instructor: Lou Mercuri

Winter Session Dates:

January 6,13,20,27 , February 3,10,24; March 3,10,17.

Spring Session Dates:

March 24, 31; April 7,14,28
May 5,12,19, 26; June 2

Time: 6-7pm

Enroll in a Chess Class

• Please email to info@metrowestschool.com
• Bring or mail tuition fee of $200
• If your child is not already registered, please download the Application form and return it along with the tuition fee.

Looking Ahead: Summer School Chess

Instructor: Maryanne Reilly

Summer Session Dates:

July 7, 14, 21, 28 August 4,11

Time: 4:45-6:15 pm

Chess FAQ

Q: How old are the children in the class?

A: We accept children of all ages,

Q: What are the minimal skill requirements to enter the Chess class?

A: We accept children of all abilities. The only requirement is that the child knows basic moves.

Q: How can children of difefrent ages and skills learn in the same classroom?

A: In chess, younger interested kids easily bridge the age gap. Even in competitive scholastic tournaments, most formats allow kids to play each other with up to a 4 year difference in ages. Within the class, children are grouped by age, and individual, skill-appropriate attention is given to each child.