HARNESS THE POWER OF CHESS.

Introduction

ELEVATing A NEW GENERATION OF STRATEGIC, INCLUSIVE, & CIVICALLY-MINDED LEADERS THROUGH THE POWER OF CHESS. 

Since 2014, Queens Gambit has used chess as an influential tactic in building the next generation of leaders. Founded on the belief that chess offers captivating and meaningful learning opportunities that transform the way in which youth can acquire knowledge, develop their thinking abilities, and engage with the world, we serve approximately 2,000 youth, grades 1-12, per year. Our program sites are located in the underserved communities and reach young women and girls and students of color, who predominantly fall in areas on or below the poverty line. 

Testimonials

WHO WE ARE

FOUNDED BY CHESS CHAMP ASHLEY LYNN PRIORe

Ashley began playing competitive chess at the age of four. By the time she was eight, she was already teaching others and quickly realized the inaccessibility of chess. When she was 14, she founded Queens Gambit to ensure youth had access to the powers of chess. Today, Queens Gambit stands as a prominent model for fostering community through the game of chess. Ashley put Pittsburgh on the map as a chess powerhouse.

how we serve

EMPOWERING YOUTH TO RECOGNIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL 

Over a decade, we meticulously crafted our curriculum, infusing the World Health Organization's 10 key life skills and key social-emotional learning practices. Developed by our founder and chess experts, our curriculum harmonizes chess education with life skills cultivation. Our curriculum is the foundation for our programs.

out-of-school time Programs

Queens Gambit actively engages with out-of-school time organizations that align with our principles and operate within, or offer services to, communities that have historically been marginalized or underfunded. Through robust partnerships, we provide enriching programming across approximately 10 partner sites each quarter, aligning with the seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Our dedicated staff visit these sites on a regular basis, delivering programming sessions between 4-6pm over two to three days per week. These engagements are consistent and robust, offering high-quality enrichment services centered around chess and strategic thinking training. 

our vision

WE ENVISION AN EQUITABLE COMMUNITY WHERE THOUGHTFUL, INTENTIONAL, AND INCLUSIVE LEADERS SOLVE SOCIETY’S BIGGEST OBSTACLES.

Some corporate sponsors