In the sunny, alligator-filled world of Florida, there exists a troupe of brainy kids who are masters of a truly magical game. This game, my friends, is not about speed or strength but about wits and strategy. It’s Chess! Now, don't go yawning or rolling your eyes! The Chess Players of the Sunshine State, as they are fondly known, are nothing short of super-cool heroes battling on ivory and ebony squares. Let me introduce you to their jolly leader, Checkmate Charlie. Charlie isn't your average kid. He's got a funky head of curls, a freckle constellation on his nose, and a grin that could outshine a Key West sunset. No, he doesn't fly or shoot lasers from his eyes. Charlie's superpower lies in his brain. He can see a chessboard in his mind, with pieces moving like clockwork, always ten steps ahead of his opponent. In Florida, where oranges are sweeter and the sun shines brighter, kids from Miami to Tallahassee join Charlie on this epic chess journey. Some swim through the swampy Everglades, while others dodge the eccentric tourists in Disney World, all to reach their sacred chessboard. They're not just kids; they're knights and queens, rooks, and bishops, all engaged in a thrilling dance of strategy and intellect. Each Chess Player is as unique as the state's diverse species of turtles, and together they bring a special kind of magic to Florida. It's where flamingos strut, dolphins flip, rockets launch into space, and where kids, just like you, make chess pieces dance to their tunes. And remember kids, in the chess world of Checkmate Charlie, it’s always fun and games until someone loses their Queen!
Read morebest chess programs in Sarasota, FL

We are thrilled to bring you some fantastic news! For the first time, we are launching our STEM Summer Camp Program in Torrance, marking our debut in the South Bay and Orange County areas. This is a significant milestone for us, and we hope it's just the beginning of our journey to expand to many other locations. This summer, we are offering your child an unprecedented opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of STEM. Our camp will be buzzing with interactive experiments and creative challenges to fuel your child's curiosity and keep them engaged. It's an ideal environment for kids who have an insatiable desire to learn, explore, and grow. We also want to stress our commitment to small group learning. In order to ensure that every child gets the focused attention they need, we're capping the number of spots available. Don't let your child miss out on this incredible opportunity at our exciting STEM Summer Camp. Book their spot today! Our special Science Club program is meticulously designed to cater to children from grades K-6. Each lesson in the Club SciKidz program is crafted to engage students in activities like observation, measurement, identifying properties, and conducting experiments around life, earth, and physical science concepts. Each unit is thoroughly researched by our team of science educators, with valuable inputs from teachers and children. The result is a set of lessons that not only entertain students but also foster genuine learning. Join us for a summer of science that promises to be full of fun and learning!

Welcome to the Manasota Chess Center, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall in Sarasota! Our center is the only active US Chess Federation affiliate in the Sarasota metro area and one of only fifteen US Chess Federation Gold level affiliates nationwide. Since June, 2021, we have been providing the local chess community with a diverse selection of chess programs and services, including in-person casual chess games, competitive monthly USCF-rated tournaments, weekly chess ladder, chess study groups, private and group lessons, and scholastic coaching options. Our unique dedicated location and our experienced USCF certified coaches, including FIDE Grandmasters, have allowed us to serve the Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties chess community with a safe and permanent building. With more than 100 members, the Manasota Chess Center continues to grow and welcomes new players to join us.