Free chess sets in every elementary school classroom
in Winnebago and surrounding Illnois Counties

Phase 1: Two chess sets in every elementary classroom in Rockford    COMPLETE

The “Chess for Kids” community project was started as a chess club project by the ML King School Chess Club in Rockford to put 2 chess sets in every elementary school classroom in the city of Rockford. Donations were solicited and received from businesses and individuals.

In January 1999, the monetary goal was reached. Chess sets were ordered from Pressman Toys. Then, in a single day,  teams of parents from King, Montessori and Lutheran Academy at Gloria Dei chess clubs came together and delivered over 1600 chess sets to every elementary classroom in the city. (see article).

Phase 2: Two chess sets in every elementary classroom in Winnebago county   COMPLETE

In 2002, the Rockford Chess Association has picked up sponsorship and decided to take it to the next level: Provide free chess sets to every remaining  schools in Winnebago county. The project was declared complete at 12:50 PM on 5/25/2004 when the final school Prairie Hill Elementary in South Beloit received their sets. Over 1000 sets were delivered in this phase.

The Rockford Chess Association has already given a number of sets to Boone elementary schools. In March 2005, chess sets were purchased for the remaining schools in Boone County and kindly delivered by the North Boone High School Chess club (coach: Glen Gratz).

Phase 4: Two chess sets in every elementary classroom in neighboring Ogle county  COMPLETE

A couple of schools received sets in earlier phases.  In March 2005, chess sets were purchased for the remaining schools in Ogle county and kindly delivered by the Stillman Valley HS Chess Club (coach: Phil Bratta) and Byron HS Chess Club (coach: Mike McHale).

Phase 5: Two chess sets in every elementary classroom in neighboring Dekalb county  COMPLETE

In June 2006, sets for all the elementary schools in Deklab county were delivered to Gil Morrison, regional superintendent. Gil then organized subsequent deliveries to all the schools for the beginning of the school year. (Thanks, Gil!)

Phase 6: Two chess sets in every elementary classroom in neighboring Stephenson county  COMPLETE

In June 2006, sets for all the elementary schools in Stephenson county were delivered to the regional office of Stephenson County. Marie Steifel. regional superintendent, arrange for subsequent deliveries to all the schools in time for school year. (Thanks, Marie)

Thanks to everyone for the help

Chuck Beach
Chess For Kids Project Chairman
 rockfordchess@insightbb.com