Expert Chess Instruction in San Francisco

San Francisco is the home of the Berkeley Campus of the University of California and San Francisco State University. There's a lot of creative energy in this progressive city, and all the ingredients for a stong interest in the game of chess. People come to learn this game through books, by playing with their siblings, and by lessons in schools and in camps. Sometimes, if one is really good and shows a lot of potential, it's possible to be mentored by a real chess Master. I found some of the most active instruction venues and got a few details of information on them.

San Francisco State has partnered with Mechanics Institute and formed a chess club headquartered at 57 Post St. in the business district of downtown San Francisco. They have tournaments, marathons and instructive games. But they also have perform a wonderful service in their teaching of the game of chess to Bay Area youngsters. What began as a small program grew into an outreach program to some area schools. Every saturday there are tournaments at the Institute and all levels are welcome--even beginners. This year they are hosting monthly scholastic quads and the winner will receive trophies on Saturday, July 28th. Tournaments like these provide competitive experience and the credentials to get into higher competion. You can contact the MI chess club by calling (415)421-2258 or by email: chessroom@milibrary.org

Berkeley has summer chess camp for youngsters at all levels from beginners to those who have been playing for a while. If you contact them by email they will send an informational brochure. Their camps are located in Berkeley, San Ramon and Alamo, but check the web site to see all the other places they have instruction. They emphasize joy for the game, but encourage progress and enthusiasm. They'll have a full-day, 9-5 option this summer, 2007, in one week classes for four sessions. Cost is $195 per week for regular sessions and $245 for master classes. The full day program costs $320, and $370 per week. There is basketball, a play area and other physical activities incorporated into the camp, so it's well-balanced. Sessions start June 18th and they have two Grand Masters involved.
P.O. Box 10073
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-843-0150
bcschool@pacbell.net

This is an article quote I found from the San Francisco Chronicle, written in Feb., 2007. "Mr. Koltanowski, a gentleman of the Old World who made the world's most difficult game look easy, enjoyed introducing newcomers and children to chess as much as he enjoyed playing it. His column, which appeared in The Chronicle every day without interruption for 52 years, was the longest-running daily chess column in history." I have included it here to show how much interest in chess has been around this city for decades, not just recently.

I also found an interactive site for people who need answers to their questions about how to find a good instructor or club for their children. I have included this outside my article. In this site people Describe their requirements and get proposals for what trainers they need. They can select from among any of these services and they ensure that all the vendors listed with them are expert chess training professionals. However, the chosen vendors contact the people inquiring and not the other way around. This allows a direct contact which will be more useful in screening out those services that don't appeal to a person, even though all those vendors met the requirements on te questionnaire. This is an ingenious way to get services and have some help with local teachers.