Chess Classes and Programs

Welcome to the Chess Café!
Mondays | 4:00 – 5:30 PM (PT) | Online via Zoom | FREE for All

The Chess Café is more than just a chess discussion—it's a relaxed, welcoming space to chat about chess, life, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, you're invited to join a rotating group of chess enthusiasts from across the country in an open, engaging conversation. We cover the latest in the chess world, share stories, ask questions, and simply enjoy the game we all love.

All skill levels are welcome, and there’s no pressure—just good conversation and a great community.

🗓 When: Every Monday (except major holidays)
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM (Pacific Time)
💻 Where: Zoom (register to receive the link)
💸 Cost: FREE

👉Register

We’d love to have you join the conversation—see you at the Café!

Whether you're brand new to chess or looking to strengthen your foundation, this welcoming class is the perfect place to start. Led by Lead Chess Coach Marcie Yang, you'll explore the fundamentals of the Royal Game in a supportive, hands-on environment.

You'll learn everything from the basics—how the pieces move, capture, castle, and the elusive en passant—to essential strategies that will build your confidence and enjoyment of the game. We'll also cover:

• Common checkmating patterns
• How to think in the opening
• Middle-game plans and ideas
• Endgame principles that every player should know

Our goal is to open up a world of fun, challenge, and discovery through the magic and beauty of chess.

Open to all ages and skill levels. Just bring your curiosity—we'll provide the rest!

Class Details:
🗓 Six Thursdays
🕠 Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Onsite in the Chess Room at Mechanics’
💸 Cost: FREE for Mechanics’ Institute Members

Upcoming Classes

Struggling to Convert Winning Positions? You're Not Alone.

If you're rated 1600 or below, you've probably experienced it:
You reach a winning endgame—you're up material, confident… and then it slips away.
Or you’ve developed your pieces, reached a solid middlegame, but suddenly have no clear plan.

It’s frustrating—but fixable.

Join National Master Daniel Cremisi in an interactive class designed specifically for developing players looking to break through common plateaus. Daniel brings years of experience helping under-1600 players gain confidence, sharpen strategy, and finally convert those winning positions into actual wins.

In this session, you'll explore:

• Practical endgames — the realistic, non-technical ones you actually get in tournaments (and sometimes draw by accident)
• Strategic planning in the middlegame — how to go from “all developed” to “here’s the plan”
• Real-game analysis — where things go wrong and how to fix it

These topics are carefully chosen based on the most frequent struggles Daniel sees in club-level and scholastic play. Whether you're looking to dominate the U1600 section or just play with more clarity and confidence, this class is for you.

This class will run for six sessions on the following dates: 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, and 11/23. All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. Class will be recorded and shared with the participants.

Questions? Reach out to us at chessroom@milibrary.org.

Course Details:
🗓 Dates: Oct 19 - Nov 23, Six Sundays
🕕 Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Location: Online via Zoom -- meeting link will be shared with those who registered and recordings will be shared with participants the following day.
💸 Cost: $120 for Members | $150 for Nonmembers

👉Register

Unwind from the week with fellow chess enthusiasts at our monthly Chess Socials. Whether you're a casual player or a serious competitor, this is a great space to meet new people, test your skills, and enjoy a shared love of the game.

We'll have rousing game replays on the big screen, snacks, and lively conversation. Wine will be available for purchase in the Meeting Room before CinemaLit at 6:00 pm—feel free to stick around for the film!

Details:
🗓 When: First Friday of every month (Note: July session is canceled due to the July 4th holiday)
🕔 Time: 5:00–6:00 pm
📍 Where: Onsite in the Chess Room
💸 Cost: Free – just show up, no registration needed
♟ What we provide: Boards, sets, and clocks – everything you need!

Come connect with other players, make new friends, network, and play a few games in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Any questions? Email us at chessroom@milibrary.org.

Join Our Free Online Chess Class for Women and Girls!

Every Sunday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon) | On Zoom

We invite women and girls of all ages to be part of a supportive and empowering chess community! This free weekly class is led by FIDE Trainer Sophie Adams and is designed for players who already know the basics (piece movements and checkmates) and are looking to improve their skills.

Special Guests in the Fall:

• Sept 7 - WGM Sabina Foisor
• Oct 12 - WGM Jennifer Shahade

What to Expect:

• Expert Coaching from a certified FIDE Trainer
• Community-Focused Learning with other women and girls
• Optional Online Play on platforms like Chess.com
• Interactive Sessions on Zoom (link provided after registration)

🗓 When: Every Sunday
🕓 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
💻 Where: Zoom (register to receive the link)
💸 Cost: FREE

👉Register

Join our Women’s Club on Chess.com:
https://www.chess.com/club/mechanics-institute-womens-club
Please request to join with your full name, or send us your Chess.com username and we’ll invite you directly.