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

Class Series with National Master Daniel Cremisi

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 their strategy, and finally convert winning positions into actual wins through a series of classes that focus on different aspects of the game.

• January 18 - February 22: Game Review & Practical Endgame Insights with NM Daniel Cremisi

Featuring Weekly Tournament Game Analysis + Focused Rook Endgame Lessons

Improving at chess is about focusing your time on the areas that deliver the greatest impact. Two of the highest-yield approaches are learning from your own games and mastering the endgame situations that most often decide results.

Each class will therefore follow a clear and effective structure:

1. In-Depth Game Review: Every session begins with the analysis of one tournament game played by a student in the class. Daniel will highlight the key practical lessons—opening choices, middlegame plans, and crucial decision points—showing how early play shapes the endgame that follows.

2. Weekly Rook Endgame Focus: Because rook endgames occur more frequently than any other endgame type, and because the endgame is often the most decisive phase of the game, each class will conclude with a practical rook endgame lesson. Daniel will break down essential principles, key theoretical positions, and practical techniques that every improving player should know. These short but powerful segments will help students convert winning positions, save difficult ones, and make smarter strategic choices in real tournament play.

This blended format ensures students not only deepen their strategic understanding through real-game analysis but also steadily build a strong foundation in the most important and common endgame family.

Perfect for: ambitious club players, tournament competitors, and anyone looking to strengthen both their endgame confidence and their overall game understanding.
 

This class will run for six sessions on the following dates: 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22.

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: January 18 - February 22, 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

• March 8 - April 12: The Art of the Trade: Strategic Decision Making in Chess by NM Daniel Cremisi  

Knowing when to trade—and when not to—is one of the most important skills separating strong players from the rest. In this insightful class, NM Daniel Cremisi breaks down the strategic principles behind exchanges, helping players understand the true value of trades beyond simple material count.

Through real-game examples and practical scenarios, Daniel will explore key questions every player faces:

When does trading simplify a position in your favor?

How do exchanges impact king safety, piece activity, and pawn structure?

What are the hidden strategic goals behind seemingly simple trades?

How can you evaluate whether a trade helps you—or helps your opponent?

Students will learn how to make confident, well-reasoned decisions in critical moments and develop a deeper, more strategic approach to piece exchanges across all phases of the game.

Perfect for: club players, tournament competitors, and anyone looking to elevate their strategic understanding and sharpen their in-game decision-making.

Join us and master the subtle art of the trade!

This class will run for six sessions on the following dates: 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12.

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: March 8 - April 12, 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
• December 14th - WIM Megan Lee

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.

Learn from a world-class player and educator at the oldest chess club in the country!

Schedule: Dec 15-19
Daily from 4:00-5:30 pm

Format:

Hybrid: In-person with option to follow the class via Zoom: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

Online only: Wed

Join Grandmaster and 2023 World Chess Open Champion Fidel Corrales Jimenez for a weeklong intensive course! Fidel's lectures have been very popular at our chess club, and we're excited to welcome him back for a fantastic class. The class will cover all phases of the game, with topics adjusted as needed based on the interests of registered players.

Potential topics include: 

• Scotch Game 
• Middlegame Plans
• Positional Play
• US Championship Endgames 

Players are expected to have a USCF rating of 1200+. Players with lower ratings may also be considered at staff discretion and should email chessroom@milibrary.org.

Fees:

• $200 for Mechanics' Institute Members
• $250 for Non-Members

Register via Jumbula.

This is a hybrid-format course, with Zoom links and recordings available for all days. Participants who join the classes via Zoom during an in-person day will have limited interactions with the GM.