My natural tendency was to see junior chess through the prism of my own experience as a state association builder and program innovator, and primarily as an extension of USCF's own mission statement viewing youth chess as the foundation for the future of USCF , in other words as a companion for life. I maintain that focus today. The ICA-Warren Junior Chess Program is a reflection of my state association's commitment to chess excellence. Let me tell you how it works. Classes are conducted both within the school day, often after school hours, sometimes in early evening or even on Saturday, depending on the schedule requirements of school and master teacher.
Classes are limited to twenty students.
The curriculum is determined by the teacher, fitting the level of instruction to the ability of the students. The second part of the program provides individual tutorials by masters for kids on USCF's Top Fifty By Age groups in Illinois, also on a matching funds basis, renewable for as long as the youngster remains on the Top Fifty by Age list. During the just completed academic year GM Dmitry Gurevich, IM Enrico Sevillano, seven masters, and several experts participated in the program at sixteen schools, reaching hundreds of kids. In addition to providing instruction, the ICA-Warren Program awards grants to kids for summer chess camps, assists our Denker qualifier financially, donates prizes to top scoring juniors in open tournaments and in the national scholastics. Naturally, we're proud of the achievements of our individuals and school teams who have won national titles, reflections of the dedication of our teachers and kids.