Orenco Learning Club — Chess

My son attended the Orenco Learning Club's chess program in Portland, and overall, it was a solid experience. The instructor, Tom, was very engaging and had a knack for helping kids grasp chess strategies, no matter their skill level. My son, who is 9 and quite focused, built a strong understanding of tactics and even made a friend who he now plays with outside of class. I appreciated the small group size, which allowed for more personalized attention. However, the drop-off was a bit chaotic, with long lines that made it tough to navigate at times. Despite that, I would recommend this program for anyone looking to bolster their child's critical thinking skills. The price is reasonable for the value provided, and I'm pleased to see my son so invested in the game.

I enrolled my 9-year-old son in the Orenco Learning Club's Chess program in Portland, and overall, it’s been a solid experience. The staff, particularly an instructor named Mark, is very engaged and keeps the kids attentive while making the learning process fun. My son has learned how to think strategically, and recently he built a small chess strategy map that he was quite proud of. The group size was reasonable, which allowed for more personal attention, but drop-off can be a bit chaotic. Sometimes it felt like there were too many parents waiting to pick up their kids at once. Despite that, I’ve seen my son grow more confident and focused. If you're considering it for your child, I recommend it, especially if they have an interest in chess.