Rationale

For decades, studies have shown chess programs at the primary and elementary grade levels enhance many positive skills in children as young as 6 years old. Chess improves the ability to develop cognitive skills, think rationally and recognize patterns, therefore improving math and science scores. Chess can also build team spirit while instilling self-confidence in the individual.

Scholastic Chess in Northwest Ohio

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is the main governing body of scholastic chess in the nation. The Ohio Scholastic Chess Association (OSCA) is the governing body of all USCF-rated events in the state of Ohio. Though scholastic chess has existed for decades in Ohio at junior highs and high schools, it has only recently been established in Northwest Ohio at the elementary level. 

In 2004, the Montessori School of Bowling Green (MSBG), www.montessorischoolbg.com, created the first scholastic elementary chess program in Northwest Ohio to compete at USCF tournaments on a regular basis. In just four years, the MSBG Chess program has gained prominence with impressive performances at The Ohio State University, Carnegie-Melon University, at the 2007 United States Jr. Chess Congress and at both the Ohio State Grade Level Championships and Elementary Championships. The MSBG program has also recorded 4 state titles in the past 4 years.

Goal

The goal of the MSBG program is to create a fun, challenging and safe learning environment where students from Northwest Ohio can pursue their interests in chess without having to spend the time and expense required for traveling great distances to gain chess experience. Chess is one of the few universally understood games. You can go anywhere in the world and find someone to play chess. On the chessboard we are all equal.

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