Northeastern Women and Girls Regional Championships
We start off the school year with our women and girls tournament on the last Saturday in September. This tournament draws large numbers in comparison to the national average and is sponsored by the United States Chess Federation. Women and girls are underrepresented in chess, and PCS would like to see that change. Past speakers and guests have included; WGM Jennifer Shahade and State Representative Elizabeth Fielder.
- Year one, 36 girls participated
- Year two, 55 girls participated
PCS Girls Club Rooms
From October until February, we partner with Masterminds Chess Club to facilitate monthly Girls’ Club Rooms at their tournaments. The purpose of these Rooms is to create a safe space for mentoring and community-building. Every month, there is a strong female role model to go over girls’ games. There are also snacks, prizes, and fun activities.
- Year one, averaged nearly 40% girls in tournaments (national average 14%)
National Championships
In the Spring, PCS partners with ASAP to take teams from Philadelphia to National Chess Championships. Trips to Nationals are life-changing. Kids learn just as much about themselves and the world as about the game of chess. Kids experience many “firsts”. They become more confident and sure of themselves. Trips change how kids think about the world and their place in it. These experiences encourage the kids, resulting in increased confidence and the motivation to imagine a world of bigger dreams and possibilities.
- 2017 SuperNationals VI - Nashville, TN (80 kids)
- 2018 High School Nationals - Columbus, OH (45 kids)
- 2018 All-Girls Nationals - Chicago, IL (17 kids)
- 2019 High School Nationals - Schaumburg, IL (32 kids)
- 2019 All-Girls Nationals - Chicago, IL (16 kids)