In this visually stimulating, interactive introduction to Chess FUNdamentals, master the rules, learn strategy, explore opening and closing games and play with friends!

New students will learn chess fundamentals; solve for checkmate; and be introduced to strategies, tactics, and critical thinking.  

Intermediate and returning students will work on advanced strategies, tactics, and technique. 

There will be a balance of learning and playing in every class.  

Instructor Sharon Ellen Burtman is the 1995 United States Women's Chess Champion and has over 30 years of chess teaching experience.

If your child needs specific accommodations or if there is information you would like to share, please let us know so that we can support your family. Contact us at family@jccgb.org.

Class Dates: September 7th - December 7th, no class on November 30th

About the Instructor:

Sharon Ellen Burtman is the 1995 United States Women's Chess Champion and has over 30 years of chess teaching experience. She attended Rhode Island College on a full chess and academic scholarship.  Sharon was the keynote speaker at the Massachusetts Chess Association Education Expo in 2014 and 2015, exhibited at the Boston Museum of Science on Pi Day in 2018 and 2019, and exhibited at the Massachusetts Conference for Women in 2024. Titles include National Chess Master (NM), and Woman International Master (WIM).  Sharon also competed in two Women's World Chess Championships (Soviet Union, 1990 and the Republic of Moldova, 1995).

Photos may be taken at this program and used for promotional purposes, including social media. If you prefer not to have your photo or your child's photo taken, please inform event staff when you arrive.