Why Kids Are Falling in Love with Chess Again

Something surprising is happening in schools, afterschool programs, and living rooms everywhere: kids are rediscovering chess—and they’re loving it.

Not too long ago, chess was seen as a quiet, old-school activity, the kind you might picture being played in a park by retirees. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing interests among kids of all ages. Between school chess clubs filling up faster than ever, friendly competitions popping up in afterschool programs, and online platforms turning strategy games into a social adventure, chess is having a full-on comeback.

And parents are noticing the difference it makes.

Many families share that chess has helped their kids become more patient, more focused, and more confident in their decision-making. For parents of high-energy kids, it can feel almost magical watching them slow down, think carefully, and plan ahead. For quieter kids, chess becomes a way to compete and express themselves without pressure or noise. No matter a child’s personality, the game invites them in.

But it’s not just chess. A whole world of strategy games—like checkers, Go, Othello, and even modern board games such as Catan and Ticket to Ride—is capturing kids’ attention. These activities give children a chance to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes, and experience the thrill of seeing their strategy work out. It’s learning disguised as fun.

What makes these games so valuable?

For starters, they strengthen critical thinking. Kids learn to analyze patterns, plan several moves ahead, and anticipate the consequences of their choices. Strategy games also build resilience—because in chess, everyone loses sometimes. The important part is learning to reset, rethink, and try again. Many parents say they're seeing their kids become more confident and calm under pressure because of it.

There’s also a community element that’s easy to overlook. Chess clubs create friendships between kids who might never have crossed paths otherwise. Online tournaments let young players connect, compete, and learn from peers across the world. Even in a simple afterschool class, you’ll often find kids leaning over boards together, asking questions, offering tips, and celebrating victories big and small.

And the best part? Kids genuinely love it. They feel the progress. They can see themselves getting better. That sense of growth keeps them coming back week after week.

If you’ve been looking for an activity that blends fun, learning, and confidence-building, chess and strategy games are a great place to start. Whether your child is competitive, creative, thoughtful, energetic, shy, or somewhere in between, strategy games offer a space where every kid can shine.

Explore chess and strategy programs near you on BeAKid—you might be surprised at how quickly your young thinker falls in love with the game.