Welcome
Welcome to the Chess Quarter - fun and positive kids activities.
Sharpening young minds while learning the great game of chess...Chess lessons, Chess camps, Educational enrichment
Happening NOW
What a weekend the Rook Stars chess team had. -----
The team participated and was successful in two tournaments (incl. the National Grade Championship)
Up next : No over the board tournaments at this time. Check back here soon.
After-School Chess Programs for the 2021 -2022 School Year
East Village Community School After-School Chess Program enrolling now.
East Village Community School After-School Chess Program enrolling now.
East Village Community School After-School Chess Program enrolling now.
Have critical-thinking skills ever been more needed? The EVCS after-school chess program will help increase students' critical thinking abilities, build self-confidence while enjoying this great educational enrichment activity with friends. In the after-school program, for one day a week, students can learn everything from the basics of chess to more complex strategies and tactical elements. It will be fun and beneficial. The program will include problem-solving, puzzle competitions, match play and team building activities, and fun chess variations.
Sessions are taught by an experienced chess teacher and occasionally guest lecturer ( in the past we have had some of the top chess players in the world lecture ). You can enroll for the Monday sessions, 2:50 pm - 4:30 pm, beginning March 7 until June 13, 2022 (12 classes).
Due to demand - we added a second day - Wednesday (on school days), from 2:50pm - 4:30pm, March 9, 2022 - June 22, 2022. Students are welcome to bring a snack and bottled water. The cost for this program is only $275 and includes 15 scheduled sessions .
Here is the link to register for the After-school Chess Program.
What people say about our program
East Village Community School After-School Chess Program enrolling now.
East Village Community School After-School Chess Program enrolling now.
"Congrats on leading the team to victory. Thank you for all of your work. Thank you for sharing your expertise, talent, good humor, patience and leadership with the kids."
"congratulations on Nationals! That is completely amazing! Thank you for your incredible work. What a huge feat."
"Thanks again for organizing the tournament yesterday. It was a great experience for both of my girls!..The girls really want to do it again"
"I love what you’re doing!! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. So cool to see kids smiling even after losing matches, all because of what you state, at the end they made visions for themselves, problem solved, used creativity and they should most certainly not be robbed of that opportunity to come into their own. "
"Hi Stephanie -- The kids are loving chess, so I take that as a great sign. You're really great at the online management of kids and getting them to participate - it's really impressive."
Back to School Sale on Private Lessons and EVCS Chess Club
1hr Private Lessons- 5 for $275 (from $325)
EVCS Chess Club $275 (from $295)
Sale ends when school starts.
More About US
Coach Stephanie
For a dozen years, Stephanie has been teaching the game of chess to students of all ages. Her past coaching efforts have produced numerous winning programs and very successful teams. Although winning chess teams are an ultimate goal, the importance of providing a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants is the essential imperative.
Educator
Chess is an incredible tool in developing the scholastic abilities of students. Stephanie has focused her training and education in psychology and applied behavior analysis into using chess to expand the student's critical thinking skills, enhance concentration ability and stimulate interest in learning. Stephanie's background includes:
- working with the Susan Polgar Institute of Chess Excellence at Texas Tech University, where Stephanie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology.
- Training in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Child Study Institute in Fort Worth, Texas where she was employed working with Autistic children.
- Chess instructor at Tarrant County College's College for Kids.
- Instructor at John Hopkins University' Gifted and Talented Programs among other programs.
Motivator
Always a young woman in hurry to achieve, Stephanie finished high school in three years and college in three and one half years. Stephanie Ballom has inspired many young people to pursue their dreams, first as a scholastic chess competitor, where she won National Championships. And today, she continues to inspire students as the chess teacher/coach for school programs, private lessons. Stephanie has also volunteered time working with the Boys and Girls Clubs and Special Olympics. As a chess competitor, Stephanie inspires young players to achieve by example. Her record of success includes: winner of scholastic national championships - The First Kasparov Chess Foundation National All-Girls Championships, U-18 Section, the 2000 Junior Open U-15 and winner of the Texas State Girls Championship. Winner of college scholarships for chess and academic excellence.
