Chess Wizards

Being a Chess Wizard is the best! Watching young minds pick up the game is incredibly rewarding. As a wizard I try to put on a show for the kids to make chess fun! Everyone has a great time and the hours fly by. The job is only part time but we have classes every day after-school so scheduling is pretty flexible. Good for Performers, musicians, and people who aren't into the 9-5. The head wizards look out for us by helping make each class the best and checking in to make sure everyone is having fun. The pay is great, I make as much in one hour as I do in a six hour shift as a part time baker. If you are good with kids, enjoy board games, and like to have fun at work then this is the job for you! more

This program directly influences students into the right direction in life. Grades rise, reasoning is stimulated, and students grow both morally and cognitively through visual and fun teachings of the game of chess...plus the instructor dresses up like a real wizard! How can you beat that?! more

That review should refer to the DC location only, not be listed under the Chicago location. I have also been told that steps are being made both in the their administrative procedures, and in the case of the non-faculty staff member that seemed sexist. more

I am told that changes are being made in the administrative system and software to eliminate scheduling errors. I am also told that the supervisor who ignored the female students will be receiving and education in feminism and pedagogy. The actual classes are great -- the kids have a lot of fun, learn to both play chess and to think critically, build self-confidence, and they really enjoy working with their instructors and peers. more

This really is a fun way to get kids to think critically and learn to be good sports. I'd recommend their programs to any student. The instructors I've worked with have been good, and a few are truly great teachers. The problem is for those of us setting up after school programs. No matter how clear you are with your schedule, the teachers are often told the wrong days or times, if they remember to assign you a teacher at all! Emails and phone calls are unanswered. Also I've noticed that one of the DC area supervisors, who sometimes visits our classes will put all the girls in the beginner group, despite how they're assessed. The other instructors don't do this. I asked why he was moving the girls to the beginner group, despite them having already worked their way up into intermediate and advanced groups, and was told it was because they were younger than the other students - but this was the first grade class. Very odd. You can get a great instructor and a great class from Chess Wizards, but some of their supervisor/manager level employees need training! more

My sons Mark (6) and Matthew (8) first approached me about Chess Wizards after their friends had taken it and they wanted to join. Their instructor had no problem letting me watch one of their lessons and seeing my boys and all of their friends so excited to play chess pretty much forced me to sign them up. They both have been in it for a year now and their enthusiasm for the game hasn't left them. It's great to see them stick to something so well and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Chess Wizards to anyone. more