Chess Mates Foundation

Mission

Our mission of Chess Mates is to provide scholastic chess programs, to enhance the core educational curriculum in Seattle area public schools and help children develop critical thinking skills.

Description

For over 30 years, Chess Mates Foundation has provided exceptional chess instruction to elementary and middle school students. Founded in 1989 by Henry Eisenhardt, Chess Mates Foundation believes that chess should be accessible to people regardless of language, physical ability, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Chess Mates organizes and provides after-school chess programs for elementary and middle school students in the Seattle area. Clubs meet weekly, October through May, at school facilities. Chess Mates provides all teaching materials and workbooks, chess equipment and a trained instructor. In the 2024-25 school year, CMF will serve 20 schools, roughly 300 students, through its chess club activities and 500 students and families through chess tournaments. 

Although it is an ancient game with roots stretching back 1,500 years, chess holds a unique ability to address some of the specific challenges faced by children today. As school administrators and parents search for ways to address issues of learning loss, decreased attention span, and lost peer connection in the wake of Covid, chess instruction provides an elegant and enjoyable antidote to these challenges. 

As a STEM foundational activity, chess teaches students analytical skills, strategic thinking, and patience. It also helps students develop decision-making skills in the face of incomplete information. 

Chess Mates Foundation provides a place for children to make friends, learn sportsmanship, practice patience and concentration, and learn STEM skills that will support them in their learning and for the rest of their lives.

Chess Mates is 501c3 non-profit organization funded by program fees and contributions from individuals, companies, and private foundations.

2025 GiveBIG Campaign

Chess Mates Foundation needs your help so that every child who wants to play chess, can.

Chess Mates Foundation provides 40 scholarships a quarter, allowing students to receive chess club at no cost.

Looking forward to the 2025-26 school year, CMF anticipates needing an additional $10,000 to meet the demand for free chess lessons for elementary students interested in chess.

We hope you will consider donating to Chess Mates Foundation to help us provide chess club to every student waiting to play.

Recognition

Chess Mates gives special thanks for the family of our Founder Henry Eisenhardt for many years of guidance and support. Special thanks to Henry O'Dell and family for many years of financial support.