Partner Schools
Chess education built for real school communities.
Chess Rabbits makes it easy for schools to bring high-quality chess programming to their students. Our instructors are experienced, carefully vetted, and selected for their ability to work reliably and professionally in school environments. We handle required background checks, program planning, curriculum, materials, scheduling, and ongoing communication so that schools can offer a strong chess program without creating extra administrative work. Whether Chess Rabbits is providing an after-school class, enrichment program, chess club, or tournament-focused program, schools can expect thoughtful instruction, dependable staffing, and a program built around their students and their community.
Selected Partner Schools
Brooklyn, New York — Multi-year after-school chess instruction serving elementary and middle-school students, including the 2026–27 school year.
Brooklyn, New York — School-year chess programming for high-school students, including structured instruction, supervised play, and long-term skill development.
Newark, New Jersey — High-school chess instruction emphasizing team development, tournament preparation, and connections to the wider chess community.
Manhattan, New York — Chess enrichment designed to fit naturally into the school environment while building thoughtful, independent play.
Melville, New York — Chess instruction within the Crestwood school and camp community.
Flatiron District, Manhattan — Multi-year chess instruction for students at this French-American bilingual school.
Different Schools. Different Programs.
Every school is different, so Chess Rabbits does not force one format onto every partnership. Programs may take the form of after-school classes, enrichment periods, lunch chess, chess clubs, team coaching, tournament preparation, or a broader school-year program.
What stays consistent is the goal: helping students become more chess-literate — better at anticipating, recognizing patterns, analyzing positions, staying patient, and learning from mistakes.
What Schools Say
— Shawn Dominguez, Project Coordinator, Uncommon Charter Schools, Newark
“When we brought Chess Rabbits into Uncommon Charter, Newark, we got more than chess instruction. Phil’s idea of ‘chess literacy’—using chess skills beyond the board—really came through in the classroom. He regularly used discussions with the students to connect chess concepts to situations in their own lives. Phil was exceptionally reliable, professional, and committed to the program. He brought consistency, thoughtfulness, and real substance to every class.”
— Risel Jemur, second grader mom
“Phil understood our son’s neurodiverse approach to learning at an intuitive level. It was amazing to see [name withheld]’s focus come to life, without running often into his oppositional traits. [Name withheld] has found his ‘thing’ and we are delighted that it’s chess.”
— Juliette, Mom of an 8 year old, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
“My daughter tends towards being distracted if she’s bored with an activity. It was surprising to see how much she zoomed right in on chess and stayed there for as long as my husband and I would let her. Phil insists this has everything to do with neurology and not much to do with him. He’s a gentleman.”
— Mika Hatsushima, parent
“Phill is very patient and have a great sense of humor that kids just enjoy so much not only playing chess but speaking to him. It’s very philosophical:)”
Bring Chess Rabbits to Your School
Chess Rabbits works with schools throughout New York City and the surrounding region to build chess programs that fit the students, schedule, and school community.