Every move you make in chess uses the exact same thinking that software engineers use to build complex systems. Learn both simultaneously—no computer needed.
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Most programs teach chess as 16 toys on 64 squares. We teach it as a computational organism. The board is a coordinate system. Piece moves are algorithms. Tactics are design patterns. Strategy is system architecture. When a child learns to see the board as a living system, they are already thinking like a Senior Software Engineer.
Two disciplines. Two experts. One unified framework.
Coach Lamont installs the execution. Pieces, tactics, biological strategy, and full-scale tournament pressure.
Kareem extracts the logic. Mapping the exact chess mechanic you just learned directly to real-world software engineering principles.
Coach Lamont
Brooklyn, NY
Top 1-2% chess player on Chess.com (rated 2216) with years of experience teaching youth in Brooklyn, NY. Coach Lamont designed every lesson to build both chess skill and life skills.
Through Working Wonders Starting Home Inc., Coach Lamont brings chess education to schools, community centers, and after-school programs — combining tournament-ready strategy with social-emotional learning.
"Chess teaches you how to think before you act. I've seen kids transform — not just on the board, but in the classroom and in life."
Software Engineer with real-world experience at the EPA and FedEx. Coach Kareem builds the CS Bridge that connects every chess concept to the way engineers actually think and build.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Kareem partners with Coach Lamont to show students that chess and code are two sides of the same brain — pattern recognition, systems thinking, and decision-making under pressure.
"The same move you make on the board, I make in code every day. Once kids see that connection, they stop asking 'when am I gonna use this?' — because they already are."
Coach Kareem
Brooklyn, NY
What students actually extract from the 50-week protocol.
Chess teaches children to think 5 moves ahead, anticipate consequences, and make strategic decisions under intense pressure.
Every chess lesson maps directly to a computer science concept. Computational thinking is installed purely through analog play.
Patience, focus, and the ability to treat failure as data. We teach the 'Tardigrade Protocol' to survive setbacks without panicking.
Taught by Coach Lamont (top 1-2% chess player) and Coach Kareem (Software Engineer, EPA & FedEx) — two Black experts from Brooklyn.
Students earn badges, track XP, compete in real tournaments, and graduate with tangible milestones that build unshakeable confidence.
The skills developed here—systems architecture, pattern recognition, and logical deduction—are the exact skills of tomorrow's workforce.
A comprehensive platform that goes beyond chess to develop well-rounded students
Progressive learning path designed by Coach Lamont with CS integration by Coach Kareem
Get personalized guidance, tactical analysis, and strategic insights 24/7
Build confidence, resilience, and growth mindset through chess and life lessons
250+ engaging puzzles, quizzes, and exercises to reinforce every concept
Track progress, identify strengths, and get detailed performance insights
Earn badges, climb leaderboards, maintain streaks, and celebrate achievements
From complete curriculum solutions to custom modules—I partner with schools and organizations to create chess education programs that work. No chess expertise required from your staff.
Choose our proven Core Program or work with me to design custom curriculum that fits your timeline and goals.
Track student progress, assign work, and monitor engagement—all in one place.
No chess expertise required. Students can work independently or in groups.
A comprehensive platform designed by educators, for educators
Coach Lamont Kirton
Chess.com Rating: 2216
“Chess is the only game that teaches you how to think before you act. I've seen kids transform — not just on the board, but in the classroom. That's what BeyondChess is about.”
BeyondChess is a program of Working Wonders Starting Home Inc., a Brooklyn-based nonprofit committed to youth development through chess and technology education.
Learn more about our missionStart free, upgrade when you're ready. Cancel anytime.
Weeks 1–4 — try before you buy
Weeks 1–25 — Foundation Level
30-day money-back guarantee · Cancel anytime · Schools & classrooms: custom pricing
A Brooklyn-born program designed by classroom coaches — chess, social-emotional learning, and computational thinking in a single 50-week journey.
Ten phases from Foundations to Championship Level. 250+ interactive activities, weekly quizzes and homework, with printable worksheets layered on top for deeper conceptual practice.
Every lesson closes with a reflection connecting chess decisions to life decisions. Students don't just learn tactics — they build focus, patience, and growth mindset along the way.
Chess notation is code. Opening sequences are algorithms. The CS Bridge track turns the skills students already use on the board into the exact patterns software engineers use every day.
Using BeyondChess in your classroom or home? Share your story with Coach Lamont
Everything parents, teachers, and players ask before getting started.
No. The curriculum starts at the Foundations phase and builds step by step over 50 weeks — complete beginners and experienced players both have a clear path forward.
The lessons are designed to work with just a chessboard — no computer needed to learn. The online platform adds interactive activities, quizzes, progress tracking, and printable worksheets on top.
It is what makes BeyondChess different: every chess concept maps to a real computer-science idea — the board is a coordinate system, forks are parallel processing, king safety is cybersecurity, check/checkmate is IF/THEN/ELSE logic. Kids learn chess and computational thinking at the same time.
Yes. You can start free with no credit card required and explore the early weeks of the curriculum before deciding whether to upgrade. You can cancel anytime.
Absolutely. BeyondChess includes teacher tools for class management, attendance, and student progress — built for classrooms, community centers, and after-school programs.
BeyondChess is a program of Working Wonders Starting Home Inc., a Brooklyn-based nonprofit focused on youth development. The platform is built specifically for young learners, with no third-party advertising.