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After School Programs

Intelligent Minds Chess

Learning Through Chess -- year-round chess instruction with a track record of nationally-ranked TNS students.

Program details

Ages / Grades
Kindergarten through 5th grade (older beginners may join with approval)
Days
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Times
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Onsite at TNS
Cost
Tuesday (Beginner, 10 sessions): $600 -- Wednesday (Multi-Level, 9 sessions): $540 -- Thursday (Multi-Level, 9 sessions): $540 -- Drop-in: $75/class -- Two-day packages with 10% discount: Tue+Thu $1,026 / Wed+Thu $972

The Intelligent Minds Chess Program at TNS runs year-round, with Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Students can join any session, and there are three weekly tracks tailored to skill level:

Tuesdays -- Beginner to Advanced Beginner. Best suited for scholars with no chess experience, under 2 years of chess classes, or a USCF rating under 300. Designed for students who plan to participate all year.

Wednesdays -- Multi-Level (Intermediate to Advanced, including tournament players, USCF rating 700-1600). Recommended for students who play tournaments or are interested in starting.

Thursdays -- Multi-Level (Older Beginners to Intermediate to Advanced, USCF rating 500-900, with advanced players welcome when paired with Wednesday). For kids with and without tournament experience.

Classes combine group instruction, small-group work, and tournament-style play. Students also learn chess history, world champions, and rising U.S. stars.

About the coach

Adia N. Onyango, MA, is a FIDE Certified Chess Instructor, USCF Certified Tournament Director, and nationally ranked US Chess Expert with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has competed in over 200 rated tournaments worldwide and serves as Chair of the United States Chess Federation Women's Committee.

Coach Onyango holds a BA in Psychology from Vassar College and a Master's from SUNY Buffalo (ABD toward a PhD in Child Clinical Psychology). Her background in Behavioral Health Sciences shapes a coaching philosophy that pairs rigorous chess instruction with confidence-building, resilience, and the kind of psychological preparedness students need to handle pressure, setbacks, and losses.

National tournament results

TNS students coached by Intelligent Minds Chess have placed in the top 10 nationally multiple years running:

  • 2025 Super Nationals (Orlando, FL): K-6 U1200 Team National Trophy, 8th place
  • 2024 National Elementary (Columbus, OH): K-6 U1000 team, 8th in Nation; Indy Simil 5th place individual K-6 Unrated
  • 2023 National Elementary (Baltimore, MD): K-3 U700 team 8th in Nation; K-5 U900 team 10th in Nation; Oscar Tobias 3rd place individual K-3 U700
  • 2022 National Elementary (Columbus, OH): K-5 U900 team 5th in Nation; K-3 U700 team 6th in Nation; Isabel Cornillon 3rd place individual K-6 Unrated

Spring Session Half-Day Chess Camp

There is a separate Spring Session Half-Day Chess Camp on April 17, 2026. Registration is separate -- contact Coach Onyango for the form.

How to register

Spring 2026 registration: https://forms.gle/2jqUrSr8k6JrwSHS7 The program runs throughout the school year with three sessions: Fall: Sept 16 - Dec 18, 2025 Winter: Jan 6 - April 1, 2026 Spring: April 14 - June 18, 2026 No class on school closures, half-days, or holidays. Drop-in classes ($75 each): complete the registration form and text (646) 326-8472 at least 24 hours before the class. Payment is due before attending. Payment: Zelle to chessconnections@hotmail.com, or cash in an envelope with your child's name and the amount. Full payment due by the second week of the session. Payment plans available -- ask at registration. If school goes virtual, chess continues online via Zoom and lichess. Questions: chessconnections@hotmail.com or text (646) 326-8472.

Contact the program

Adia N. Onyango, MA -- Founder

Sign-up is handled directly by the program — TNS does not enroll students on your behalf.