Providing free and inclusive chess programs for Cleveland youth
About us
The Progress With Chess Scholarship Fund provides free chess classes and tournaments for students attending Cleveland and Akron public schools.
The Progress With Chess Scholarship Fund is organized by Progress With Chess, the longest running chess teaching organization in Ohio. Founded in 2000 by National Master Michael Joelson, Progress With Chess has been serving the Greater Cleveland Area at 70 locations for over 25 years, with the experience, expertise, and connections to provide the most effective access to chess for Cleveland public school students.
Our Impact
Today, thousands of children have had the opportunity to take a foundational knowledge of chess with them into their adolescent and adult lives. Through our ongoing partnerships with local school districts and city departments, we have offered tuition-free programs to students at over 50 Cleveland and Akron Public Schools and Recreation Centers.
+1400 students participated in the CMSD District Competitions organized by Progress With Chess since 2019
+500 year-long US Chess Federation Memberships purchased for CMSD students
+10000 CMSD students have learned chess through Progress With Chess since 2000
+400 scholarships provided to CMSD students to join local and state chess championships since 2000
Donate
Sponsor
Register
Our Progress
Consistently advocating for chess education in Cleveland, and expanding our programs each year with your continued support.
40+
Schools Served
Your generosity has allowed us to facilitate chess programs at over 40 CMSD and APS schools since 2000.
300+
New Players in 2027
We have expanded our day program offerings, encouraging higher enrollment at a number of CMSD schools.
6
Annual Tournaments
We host 6 annual tournaments for students from across the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools.
Join the movement
Want to support our mission? Join the Foundation mailing list to keep up-to-date on our charitable initiatives, upcoming fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship availability, and more.
Our Partners
Promoting the benefits of chess in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
