Hi Coach Russ, please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I proudly reside on the UWS with my wife and three kids. I have been actively involved with chess education in NYC for nearly fifteen years. Chess has provided a powerful platform to have a positive impact on many kids and their communities across NYC. Not only have we won at the City, State and National level, but we have also introduced chess to thousands of kids along the way. I have found chess to be the percent vehicle for early childhood education, community building and teaching important life skills. Our approach has always been team / community-centric and individual success has quickly followed.
How did the concept for Impact Coaching Network (ICN) develop? How big is your team?
We teach chess to ~10,000 students each year through our curriculum partnerships and engage an additional 1,000 students each year into our chess club and team programs. We have a team of over roughly twenty-five coaches. Our team also consists of head coaches, program directors and support staff.
What is the ideal age group for your program? How is the program structured?
Our programs run mostly in NYC public elementary schools from ages K - 5.
Does ICN train kids privately for tournaments?
Organizationally, we do not offer private training as we are very team and community-centric. We do have great coaches on staff who are excellent educations, who are happy to provide private instruction independently of our ICN programs.
What skills do kids develop when they play chess?
Chess is an incredible vehicle that teaches so many important life lessons. While playing a game they love, participating members are also engaging in a process that develops countless transferable skills - teamwork, sportsmanship, grit, accountability, hard work, dedication, critical thinking, training habits, winning, fighting spirit, school spirit, individual goals, collective goals, losing, time management, routine, patience, delayed gratification, interpersonal skills, communication, competitive instincts, sticktoitiveness, leadership, the correctional between hard work and success and much more.
How do you motivate young chess players to make chess fun?
We focus on building team culture and identity through shared goals. As kids feel a part of a great social chess community – they are more motivated to strive for chess excellence and enjoy plenty of fun along the way.
Please tell us a little about the girls' team at ICN.
We are proud to support several of the strongest girls’ programs in the United States. We actively participate in the all-girls city, states and national, and take great lengths to build a support community around girls chess. At the last All Girls Nationals – our ICN girls won 50 percent of all Top 3 awards in Elementary Sections – read more here. Please take a moment to check out the short documentary, Her Move Next, about our girls from Chelsea Prep on their quest for a National Championship.
How important are chess ratings for children?
They are important in the sense of tracking progress and to help motivate students to work towards measurable improvement. They provide real feedback and allow for peer to peer competition as students work towards increasing their ratings. The incorporation of rating goals needs to be measured with the help of parents and coaches. As you acquire knowledge your rating should go up. Knowledge should be the first priority. I am strong trying to game the system and have either a high or low rating – your rating should reflect your level of play.
Do you have a favorite opening for your chess games?
E4
But play whatever you want and be creative. Remember, World Champion Magnus Carlsen can start with any move and win almost every game. Understanding chess is more important than memorizing openings.
What book/s do you recommend for kids interested in chess?
Check out Jeff Coakley books – they are all great.
Where would you like to see ICN five years from now?
Having a meaningful impact on our local communities. Making the world a better place by introducing chess to the youth and allowing for all the positive impact that chess can have on their lives and their respective communities.
When you are not coaching or playing chess, what can we find you doing?
Being together with my family and enjoying our three young kids. You can find us together in Central Park on Sundays at our Park Social.
What is the best way to reach you?
You could email, reach out on the ICN website or get in touch on Instagram.
Thank you!
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