❄️ Make the most of winter break - the perfect time to get started! ❄️
Previously known as Chess at Three (same great stories, fresh new name!)
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Story Time Chess

Maryland

Our award-winning chess program brings imaginative lessons and lasting life skills to children across Maryland.

School
Classes

Bring Story Time Chess into your child’s school. We partner with schools to make learning fun, engaging, and part of their daily routine.

Story Time Chess poster guide for classroom use

Community
Classes

Join us at local libraries, children’s centers, and community spaces for playful group lessons where kids learn, laugh, and grow together.

Private
Classes

Looking for something more personal? We offer one-on-one and small group lessons tailored to your child’s pace and schedule.

Build skills that last a lifetime

Our story-based chess lessons go far beyond the board. With every move, kids strengthen the core life skills that support academic success and personal growth—from focus and memory to problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.
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National Partners

Ephicient logo2020INC logoOE logoThe Goddard School logoThe New York Public Library logoEphicient logoThe Goddard School logoEphicient logoThe Goddard School logo

Meet Tatiana & Sam

Maryland Franchise Owners

Tatiana and Sam live in the Baltimore, Maryland area with their son and daughter. As a family, they enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring different cultures and cuisines from around the world. They believe every child deserves access to engaging educational experiences that help build confidence, patience, focus, creativity, and critical thinking. Having seen firsthand how storytelling can spark a child's curiosity and love of learning, they are passionate about creating a fun and welcoming environment where children can develop these skills through chess.

Story Time Chess introduced their son to chess at age four and sparked a love of the game that eventually led him to compete in state and national tournaments. Inspired by the positive impact it had on their family, Tatiana and Sam are excited to help other children discover the joy of chess and the valuable skills it can help develop.

FAQ's

From schedules to sign-ups, here are the most common questions parents ask us about our lessons. Still curious? Head to our FAQ page for the full scoop.

How can I register my child for school-based programs?
Most school programs are registered through your school or PTA. If we’re not there yet, email maryland@storytimechess.com to bring us in!

Do you partner with schools?
Yes! We partner with schools, libraries, and learning centers to bring engaging, curriculum-aligned enrichment programs.

Is there a commitment for school sessions?
If for any reason you do not wish to continue after the first lesson we will refund you in full. So the first lesson is very much like a trial lesson in this regard. Please note that after the second lesson we consider this a commitment and the full semester is non-refundable.

Who do I contact about school partnerships?
Email maryland@storytimechess.com or call (847) 922-7673 (Mon–Fri, 9am – 5pm EST).

How We
Compare

Story Time Chess official color logo 2024
Traditional Chess
Classes
General Enrichment
Program
Story-Based Curriculum
Designed for Ages 3+
Tutors Certified in Award-Winning Curriculum
Keeps Children Fully Engaged
Focus on Life Skills
(Empathy, Focus, Confidence)
Curriculum Style
Original storytelling curriculum designed to build cognitive and emotional skills alongside chess
Standard chess curriculum focuses on rules
Often not sequential or skills-based
What Kids Say About It
"I love King Chomper"
"Can I play more chess today?"
"It’s hard."
"Do I have to go?"
"It was fine."
"What was that again?"
Traditional Chess Classes
Story-Based Curriculum
Yes
No
Designed for Ages 3+
Yes
No
Tutors Certified in Award-Winning Curriculum
Yes
No
Keeps Children Fully Engaged
Yes
No
Focus on Life Skills (Empathy, Focus, Confidence)
Yes
No

Stay in the loop!

Sign up with your email to get updates on upcoming classes and events—straight to your inbox.
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See what other parents are saying!

"Story Time Chess tutors have done an excellent job cultivating a love of chess and creating a positive and safe environment for our kid to learn - he never wants to miss a class ! Staff is responsive and kind. Love having Story Time Chess in our after-school rotation."
Elizabeth
Parent
"The lessons are the highlight of my daughter's week. The Park Slope Club is incredibly organized and well-run and is a very charming and joyful place with kind, nurturing and supportive leadership, instructors and staff. A+++ all around."
Sherri P.
Parent
"Both of our children love Story Time Chess! Classes are taught by supportive and illustrative teachers, and the center is run by Kim, who is responsive, thoughtful, and equally kind towards the families."
Lee T.
Parent
"My daughter had no prior chess experience and immediately fell in love by going through Story Time Chess's storytelling style of teaching. Now the chess club becomes her favorite class after the school and she can’t wait to play with the next character when it is introduced."
Christine N.
Parent
"I have seen so much personal and social growth in my son from Chess. Along with chess tactics, the tutors are teaching my son life skills like strategy, sportsmanship and imaginative thinking, and I couldn't recommend them more."
Aviva G.
Parent

Let’s chat!

Whether you’re curious about classes, scheduling, or just want to learn more, our team is here to help.

Community Events in Maryland

Story Time Chess participates in local events across the Maryland area. Come meet us, watch a demo, or let your kids play a game!

Coming Soon

Fall 2026 Events

Check back soon for upcoming community events, pop-ups, and open houses in the Maryland area.

Coming Soon

School Open Houses

We partner with local Maryland schools to host chess demos and free trial sessions for families.

Coming Soon

Library Pop-Ups

Join us at local Maryland libraries for free story-driven chess demos open to all ages.

Want to bring Story Time Chess to your event or community space?

Get in Touch