Benefits
Creative Problem
Solving
Tactical studies and puzzles stimulate the imagination and provide a framework for developing spatial reasoning and calculation skills. Students will learn to be a “Tactics Detective” to identify tactical targets and use practical solving techniques, logic, and candidate moves to discover answers.
Enhanced Memory
Memory is one of the key components of chess ability. Students will train their memories through position recall workouts, the study of opening systems and traps, and visualization practice.
Growth Mindset
We consider a growth mindset one of the pillars to chess improvement. We encourage students to see each challenge and setback as a learning opportunity. Students will discover how to learn from their losses through move-by-move game analysis.
Strategic Thinking
Students will develop their ability to think ahead by learning to create middlegame plans and evaluate outcomes of candidate moves. Through activities like Guess-the-Move, students will follow the footsteps of masters and gain insight into foundational strategic principles.
Study Skills
Our teachers excel at inspiring students to strengthen their study skills. Chess provides the ideal opportunity for students to enhance their ability to focus, practice patience, and approach goals and tasks with an organized thought process.
Self-Confidence
Our teaching style encourages students to discover their capacity to rise to challenges through effort, resourcefulness, and persistence. We aim to help recognize their unique strength and individual growth.
Meet your Teacher:
Hana Itkis
Hana Itkis is a New York based chess Instructor and Woman FIDE Master, who has been teaching after school programs, summer camps and private lessons for the last 13 years.
Hana has a background as a competitive chess player, she broke Bobby Fisher’s Record when she qualified for the U.S Championships at 12 years old, she has represented the USA in the World Youth Championships and won the Pan- American games receiving her WFM title. She has trained and studied under some of the best coaches in the world.
Today, Hana focuses her energy and time designing her after school programs to facilitate the needs of her students whether they are rising chess masters, or just beginners sitting down at the board for the very first time. Chess was a defining part of her childhood, and the skills imparted on her have shaped the person that she is today. She wants to be able to do the same for her students, to help them develop patience, study skills and a growth mindset by creating a supportive and encouraging environment.
