The grand old state of North Carolina, or as the jolly, one-eyed pirate Captain Checkmate likes to call it, "The Land of Checkers and Chess." It stretches from the deep, blue sea, where Captain Checkmate lands his ship, ‘The Knight’s Rook’, to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, home to the legendary Chess Yeti. It's a land filled with the sassiest of BBQ sauces, the most twiddly banjo tunes, and the swiftest, cleverest chess players this side of the Mississippi. The kids of North Carolina, known as the "Checkmate Champs," are no ordinary children. Fueled by hushpuppies, sweet tea, and a love for strategy, they spend days immersed in intense battle on the checkered battlefield of chess. From Asheville to Outer Banks, these brainy buccaneers are notorious for their brilliant bishops, ruthless rooks, and naughty knights, ready to strike at any moment. In the coastal city of Wilmington, you'll find Billy "Bishop" Beaufort. With his eyepatch borrowed from Captain Checkmate and a freckle-speckled face, he could checkmate you faster than a seagull swoops on a hotdog. Up in Charlotte, you'll meet Emma "En-Passant" Edwards. She's got ginger pigtails that explode like fireworks and a laugh that could scare a hyena, but her signature move is slicker than a greased pig on a water slide. So, if you ever find yourself in the Tar Heel State, be prepared for a chess duel at every corner. With a twinkle in their eyes and a mischievous grin, these Checkmate Champs are always ready to play. But beware, like Captain Checkmate always says, "In North Carolina, even the squirrels know how to castle."
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Welcome to Portland's premier interactive museum and event venue, Experiment PDX, where imagination and creativity know no age limit! Conveniently situated in the heart of South East Portland on Stark St., within the elegant Luxury Bread Building, this remarkable space is dedicated to the exploration of arts, science, and the limitless boundaries of inquisitiveness. Proudly rooted in Portland, Experiment PDX is a treasure trove of geeky delights, facilitating a unique blend of education and entertainment. Our interactive museum of science and art invites children, families, and adults to indulge their curiosity and creativity through hands-on exhibits. But that's not all; we also provide a diverse range of classes, workshops, and talks led by local artists, academics, and cultural enthusiasts. And yes, we haven't forgotten about the fun-loving adults! At our 21+ events, beverages are available for purchase because, let's face it, who says adults can't have a bit of fun too? Experiment PDX is not just a museum, but also an exceptional venue for hosting children's birthday parties with exciting science and art themes. In addition, we offer event spaces for rent, perfect for a variety of functions. We look forward to welcoming you to a world of learning, creativity, and fun at Experiment PDX!

At our academy, we pride ourselves on the commitment to our students. Our program is designed to help each individual reach their greatest potential. We strive to create a positive and supportive environment for our students, motivating them to strive for success in all aspects of their life. Our team of experienced instructors and coaches are committed to developing strong, confident individuals.