About The Chess Corner

Al's Message To Parents

Hi, my name is Al Massip. I founded the Chess Center in 1994 here in the heart of Orange County, California. Our teaching approach has really struck a chord. Word has gotten out that our students are among the best in the area.

The Chess Center is a think tank for children from 5 to 12 years old. We use chess to introduce life principles and to help develop analytical thinking in the child's growing mind. We are a family oriented club and do all we can to make the chess experience fun and satisfying. Note our disclaimer below.

Our junior students became Southern California Champions in 1995 and in 1996. We won our first national title in 1997 when one of our students shared the United States National Speed Chess Championship for the K-3 division. Our students have enjoyed many other titles. And, in 2001 we won the K-9 State Championship.

"As I travel around the state of California to different chess clubs and tournaments I realize that the truly successful Directors keep the fun in chess. A fine balance of firmness and happiness is needed for children to be well rounded in chess and in life. Being too serious eventually burns-out the child's enthusiasm. And, being too casual waters-down this precious game. My goal is to seek the balance of joy and discipline which makes the chess road worth traveling."

—Al on the chess road, April 2002

Our winning formula is:

Fun + Fundamentals = Success

Kids learn more when they are having fun. Chess is lots of fun especially as kids learn the fundamentals of the game. These fundamentals include important life-principles such as balance, creativity, courage, deep thinking and self-confidence. We've found that our students are not only successful "over the board" but in their home and school life as well.

I've seen these wonderful results with thousands of children. On a personal note, my son Joshua and daughter Becca are both straight A students. The critical thinking, problem solving and long attention spans they developed through chess have helped make them top students in the Saddleback Valley School District. I'm so proud of them both.

You are most welcome to bring your child to our Chess Center and discover for yourself. Your child will meet lots of great new chess friends. And, most importantly, I assure you that chess will benefit your child's mental abilities and personal choices. You're welcome to learn more about our junior chess classes.