Brooklyn Game Lab — Chess

My son has been attending the Brooklyn Game Lab chess program for about two months now. He’s 9 and has always been a bit shy, but I noticed he’s really started to open up since joining. The instructor, Sarah, is fantastic—she makes the concepts of chess both fun and relatable. My son recently built a chess strategy that helped him win against a classmate, which really boosted his confidence. The group sizes are small, allowing for personalized attention, which I appreciate. However, drop-off can be a bit chaotic as the space is a little cramped, and I always feel rushed when picking him up. Overall, I think this program is a solid choice for helping kids develop critical thinking skills while making friends. I recommend it, but just be prepared for a hectic pickup experience.

My son attended the Brooklyn Game Lab's chess program for eight weeks, and overall, it was a solid experience. The instructor, Mike, was very engaging and made the lessons feel approachable for my son, who is usually shy in new settings. The group size was small, which allowed for more personalized attention and gave my son the chance to make a friend in the process. They worked on foundational chess strategies and even had some fun games toward the end. However, I did notice that the pickup process was a bit chaotic, with long lines forming as parents arrived. It could use some organization. Nonetheless, my son has expressed a newfound interest in chess and can't wait to go back next week. I would recommend this program with a caveat about the pickup situation.