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, our work has allowed thousands of students the opportunity to carry a foundational knowledge of chess with them into their adolescent and adult lives. Through our ongoing partnerships with local school districts and city departments, as of 2026 PWC has offered tuition-free programs 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
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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.
5+
Annual Tournaments
We host 5+ annual tournaments for students from across the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools – the Carl Bowers Library Tournament, the 4-event CMSD League, and over the last two years the Check on Your Mate Chess Challenge with Steven Kwan.
Our Initiatives
Progress With Chess hosts free youth chess programs across the Greater Cleveland area, as well as 5+ free-entry annual tournaments for students from participating public schools
In the 2026-2027 school year, Progress With Chess CMSD programs include 4 weekly classes at Buhrer Dual Language Academy and 7 weekly classes at Harvey Rice Wraparound School – that’s over 10 hours of chess instruction, provided for over 150 students, every week throughout the school year. Students at these programs are preparing to compete in the annual CMSD League and the Carl Bowers CMSD Tournament.
The Harvey Rice Wraparound School Chess Program
The CMSD Chess League
The Carl Bowers CMSD Tournament
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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 and Akron Public Schools
