Make Your Move.
Change a Life.
At A Step Ahead Chess, every move counts—especially yours.
When you support our mission, you’re not just donating to a program. You’re investing in young minds learning how to think strategically, lead with confidence, and grow through every challenge.
Why Give?
Every child deserves access to the tools that unlock their full potential. Chess is one of those tools.
Your gift helps us bring the power of chess to students in under-resourced schools and communities across Chicago, and parts of the country—many of whom are being introduced to the game for the first time.
More than a game, chess is a mindset. It teaches STORMERS to think critically, stay calm under pressure, and plan for what’s next. Most importantly, it teaches them how to learn from every setback.
Our Mantra
“It’s not a loss, it’s a lesson.”
This powerful belief is at the heart of everything we do.
At A Step Ahead Chess, our STORMERS don’t fear failure—they grow from it. Whether they win or lose a match, they walk away with a new skill, a sharper focus, and the confidence to try again.
Your support reinforces that message in every classroom and every community we serve. You’re helping a generation of STORMERS turn challenges into triumphs—on the board and in life.
Every Dollar Makes a Difference
$25
provides a Stormer with their first chess set and workbook
$150
covers one month of lessons for a Stormer
$500
provides complete Chess Swag for one Stormer (chess sets, chess clock, books, t-shirts, medals, trophies, and more)
$1,000
supports a 10-week coach-in-training program using our peer-to-peer model to develop future leaders
$1,500
sponsors a Stormer's participation in nationally ranked chess tournaments and cultural exploration trips that broaden their horizons
$2,000
covers the cost of chess lessons for one Stormer for an entire year
$4,000
provides complete program support for one Stormer for a full year
Ways to Give
One-time or monthly donation
Corporate matching and sponsorships
In-kind gifts and volunteer support
Legacy giving and foundation grants
Your support doesn’t just help STORMERS win games. It helps them win in life.
Be a part of something powerful. Give today.
