Written by Nadia Jackson, owner of The Knight School South Charlotte
My introduction to chess came from my uncle, who took it so seriously that it felt more like a boring chore than a fun game. So, I only played occasionally—until the pandemic changed everything. Inspired by The Queen’s Gambit, I rediscovered the game and began to teach my kids.
Like many, I was forced to rethink my priorities amidst the whirlwind of balancing “Zoom school” and two jobs. It led me to seriously consider fulfilling a long-held dream of owning my own business, although I wasn’t sure what that would be. I did know, however, I wanted something enjoyable, flexible, meaningful – blending kids and STEM. I considered everything from science to coding, but somehow, it was never quite the right fit. Then, the chess concept was suggested to me. Funny how life works- I never thought a game that I wasn’t that into would be central to my future business. The Knight School checked all the boxes with its unique way of using chess as a tool for learning and growth, all while making it FUN!
Now I’m thrilled to offer this program to the community. Parents can feel great about enrolling their kids in an enriching activity for after-school or summer camp. Kids have fun while learning skills – like problem-solving and strategy – to help them thrive both on and off the chessboard.
Today, The Knight School offers limited scholarships and donates volunteer hours to some of our community partners. However, my ultimate goal is to secure funding so any child, regardless of background, can experience the joy and benefits of chess across the greater Charlotte region.
Check out how learning meets fun- Visit The Knight School and see how we make chess exciting for kids!
I recently took a leap of faith, trading the boardroom for the chessboard, to start The Knight School South Charlotte. It’s been rewarding to build something meaningful, and we’re all about making learning fun, building confidence, and teaching life skills through the amazing game of chess.
My goal is to increase accessibility in our community, and especially for our girls! So if you’re curious about chess and the amazing benefits it can have for your children, I’d love to connect!
