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      BayAreaChess's Mission:
      Transforming Lives Through Chess!

      BayAreaChess staff and volunteers work diligently to fulfill this mission by providing everyone with enjoyable activities that develop intellectual, mathematical, analytical, visual, and personal skills.

      Welcome to the Chessiest Place on Earth!

    • Our Origin Story

      Bay Area Chess started as a parent volunteer organization when Aamir Azhar, son of the Founder Salman Azhar, transitioned from Weibel Elementary to Granada Islamic School. Weibel had plethora of National, State, and Regional Championships; Granada was underserved by a weak and costly commercial program. This motivated several parent volunteers to entrust Salman (and Aamir) to create a free chess program to sharpen the minds of their children. We farmed a program where everyone treated others like family and we developed a program that we would like for our own children.
      We raised funds to attract the top instructors who were passionate about transforming lives through chess. That's how we started transforming chess programs. One day, we hope to come full circle by returning to our Weibel roots!


      Mastering Scale

      We were so successful that other parents requested programs and events at their school. We had to grow fast and hire professional coaching and administrative staff to support the growth. After a few years, we earned a 501(c)(3) non-profit status and continued applying the Silicon Valley lean startup principles to master the scale.

    • Commmitment to Excellence

      Now, over 15 years later, our values remain the same and we treat all children like our own and do for them what we would do for our children. We have constantly evolved and improved our program to stay committed to that goal. Here are some of the key manifestations of that commitment:
      1. We maintain a low average student-teacher ratio.
      2. We bring coaching and events to your area at times convenient for you.
      3. We recruit the best professional coaches by compensating them higher than commercial companies.
      4. We maintain our fees low with the help of key volunteers who have reached a phase in their life where giving back to the community is the most important thing.


      Recognition

      We were recognized as Chess Club of the Year in 2018 after several years of as the most prolific chess non-profit organization in the Nation. We now employ more coaches/teachers, organize more tournaments, and provide more opportunities for chess loves and parents than anyone else.
      Meet our people and get involved in transforming lives. through chess.

  • Join Us!

    We welcome everyone into the BAC Family to come as they are. We thank all of you for the love and support through the years. It's because of you we constantly strive to get better, and renew our offerings to remain the best chess organization in the US. See how you can get involved; volunteering or supporting BAC has never been easier!
    Sincerely,
    Your Friends at Bay Area Chess