More than a game - chess builds skills kids carry for life

Join the 120,000+ kids that have learned to play chess with Silver Knights

click here for the online academy

OR

click here for in-person programs
WHAT WE DO

In-person chess programs for kids in the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area, and an Online Chess Academy for kids all over the world.

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Online Classes

The United States’ leading Chess Academy program for tournament players, serving students in all 50 states and producing 11 scholastic state champions around the country in 2025!

join the academy
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In Person Club

School-based chess clubs in 350 elementary schools throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

Join local club
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Chess Camp

150 week-long chess camps throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

find a camp
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Tournaments

Tournaments for players of all skill levels throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

tournaments

ABOUT US

Adam Weissbarth – founder story

In 2004, Adam Weissbarth was an enthusiastic chess player and a full-time graduate student in statistics. A friend came across an ad from a local elementary school looking for a chess coach and passed it along. Adam responded to the ad and took the job.

Our Story

Student Spotlight

More than 50 of our students have become state or national champions, but for most kids, it’s all about learning, growing, and having fun along the way.

Read about our students here!
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Amelia

Virginia State
Primary Champion
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Gustav

Rhode Island State
Middle School Champion
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Sachit

Illinois State

Elementary Champion

What Parents Say

My daughter loves Silver Knights Chess Academy! She started this year as a newcomer to chess, but has learned so much, even getting checkmate once in the first season of classes. Great for all levels. I received weekly status updates on what was covered each week, along with a list of who managed to get a checkmate. She's excited to start up again in the spring!

meghan mchone, parent

What Parents Say

My kids have learned so much with Silver Knights! We’ve done the after school programs and the online academy and my kids have improved their chess playing skills much further than we could have expected. It’s a great way to learn the game!

Kathleen Scofield, parent

What Parents Say

My son had an amazing experience at the chess summer camp hosted by Silver Knights Chess Academy. He enjoyed both the learning experience and the opportunity to practice with other campers. Coach Brandan was fun, supportive, and fantastic with the kids, regularly updating parents on their progress throughout the day. The management team clearly cares about the kids' experience and strives to make the camp engaging and enjoyable. This camp has sparked my child’s love for chess, and I hope it becomes a lifelong passion.

Chau m, parent

What Parents Say

Silver Knights Chess Academy has instilled a life-long love of chess in my son. He asks to go back again and again because of the fun environment and how much he learns! His skills have greatly improved over the last 2 years. Communication with the coaches is also phenomenal!

Jamie Snyder, parent

What Parents Say

My son has been in the academy for around 3-4 years. It has helped him play chess A LOT! He started from 1400 online and is now almost 2000 online!

Mary Yuan, parent

What Parents Say

My daughter had a wonderful time at the Silver Knights Chess Academy chess camp! It was her first time playing chess, and the coaches made her feel very welcome. She was excited to learn and play the game, and every day she came home telling us what she learned.

Stefanie Ali, parent

blog posts

Read the latest from the Knight’s Corner

Silver Knights Wins 2025 US Chess Scholastic Service Award
September 11, 2025

Silver Knights Wins 2025 US Chess Scholastic Service Award

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) has chosen Silver Knights Chess Academy as this year’s recipient of its prestigious Scholastic Service award, which recognizes individuals and organizations who have made...
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SKCA's Biggest Wins of 2024-25
September 05, 2025

SKCA's Biggest Wins of 2024-25

School's back in session, and another great year of scholastic chess at Silver Knights is about to begin! Last year was big for us–and for our students. Here are some...
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Silver Knights Visits the Perpetual Chess Podcast
June 13, 2025

Silver Knights Visits the Perpetual Chess Podcast

Our founder and CEO Adam Weissbarth stopped by the Perpetual Chess podcast to talk about how the company survived the pandemic, how to run a successful chess business, and more....
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READ THE BLOG

keeping chess accessible

Scholarships

It’s important to us to keep chess accessible to students and we’re proud to have a need-based scholarship program that gives out more than $50,000 of free and discounted classes each year.