Learning to play chess is one of the most rewarding activities a child can discover. It  has the benefits of increasing a child's cognitive perception, reasoning capability and it will heighten their ability to concentrate on a particular task and/or function.  In addition, chess teaches our children responsibility, social skills and how to be a good sport.  Winning and losing is a life lesson that every child must learn in order to integrate effectively into society and groups responsibly with an excellent attitude.

Other benefits of chess include:

Abby Junior Chess Club Place: Abbotsford Community Library, 33355 Bevan Avenue, Abbotsford, BC Time: Sundays, 2:30pm - 4:30p.m. Contact: Chana (778-242-6250) or Monica (604-857-3724) Open to children 5-17 years of age. Bring chess boards to improve chess skills. No teaching or instruction provided. Friendly games, tournaments and free parking. Children under the age of 7 must have adult supervision. You are welcome to donate towards purchasing tournament size chess mats. Although we have some chess boards in the club, we would appreciate if you bring your own. Abby Junior Chess Club on Facebook

Ho Math and Chess Ho Math and Chess is the world's largest and leading child education franchise dedicated to teaching children math through its trademarked and copyrighted, one-of-a-kind math and chess integrated workbooks. Ho Math and Chess invented the world's first math and chess truly integrated workbook (Canadian copyright number 1069744) and unique, effective chess training set for children as young as 4 years old.  604-263-4321  http://www.mathandchess.com

In addition, chess is fun and exciting, offering wonderful opportunities to grow a child's self respect and build valuable social skills. Encouraging your kids to study the game of chess is a great initiative.

Children that are gifted, have lesser abilities and who may struggle in school will all benefit from the challenges that chess has to offer.

Let's not forget though - chess is fun!! Kids have a blast playing their friends, siblings, and schoolmates, family and relatives. Experience your first chess tournament and you will see that chess teaches your children alot, and is a great opportunity for children to socialize, compete, and challenge themselves.