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-week sessions during the school year, and will offer two 6-week summer options in 2013.

Our Chess Masters: Lou Mercuri

Mr. Lou Mercuri is actively teaching chess in the Boston area and in MetroWest. His students continue to improve and play at the highest levels for their age groups. Currently six of his students are rated in the top 100 for their age group in the US and compete in National Scholastic Championships. As a player, he is a US Life Master and his rating has peaked at 2404 (Senior Master). He 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. He is among the first chess trainers in the United States to be awarded this title by FIDE, the International Chess Organization.

• Lou's students have won Massachusetts State Scholastic Championship and one National Elementary Championship
• Six students have exceeded a 2000 rating—starting out at less than 1400
• Lou defeated World Champion Karpov in exhibition play in 1990
• He is a writer and publisher of theoretical opening articles
• He maintains an unsurpassed chess library (700+ books)
• Lou uses his own proven interactive techniques
• He has served as a consultant for various computer programs, books, learning methods, and tournaments

Vadim Martirosov

Vadim is a highly experienced Chess Master (Highest Fide rating: 2345; Current: 2250). He studied chess in the USSR  under the supervision of Oleg Privorotsky (G. Kasparov’s first coach).  Vadim immigrated to the United States, and has been teaching chess full time here for almost 20 years. He has taught hundreds of students from all age groups in elementary, middle and high schools, and has mentored many of them from beginners up to master level. Many of his students have won various tournaments throughout New England and United States. Vadim will teach chess class during Summer 2013.

Register Now for SUMMER Chess!

Summer Chess runs for six weeks, July 8 through August 12, and will be offered at two levels: Chess I for beginner & intermediate instruction, and Chess II for competition preparation. Admission to Chess II requires approval of the instructor, Mr. Vadim Martirosov. Chess I will meet on Mondays from 4:00 - 6:00PM and Chess II on Mondays from 6:15 - 8:15PM. Register by clicking "Enroll" on our summer page. Simply write in "Summer Chess I" or "Summer Chess II" in the comment section. Payment of $276 via cash or check will be accepted at the office upon registration.

SPRING Chess will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 with Mr. Lou Mercuri on the following dates: March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 24, and May 1, 8, and 15.

FAQs:

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 classes?

A: In the beginner class we accept children of all abilities. The only requirement is that the child knows basic moves.

Children will progress as the class goes on.

Q: How can children of different 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.