Who We Are

Omaha Chess is a dedicated youth chess league in Omaha, NE, committed to teaching and inspiring young minds through the timeless game of chess. Our league offers after-school clubs, scholastic tournaments, and private lessons for students from kindergarten to 8th grade, building a supportive community for all skill levels. All of our coaches complete a background check and Safe Environment Training before working with students.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster critical thinking, strategic planning, and a love for learning in young players. We believe that chess is more than a game; it's a tool for developing skills that translate far beyond the board—helping students grow in logic, resilience, and creativity.

Our Values

At Omaha Chess, we value sportsmanship, inclusivity, and perseverance. Every lesson and match is an opportunity for students to learn respect for their opponents, practice teamwork, and overcome challenges. We aim to create a positive and nurturing environment where every child feels encouraged to learn and improve.

Our Story

Our founder, Joe Ferris, has been playing chess for 20 years and has years of experience teaching chess to students throughout northern Colorado. We started this organization to address the lack of high quality chess education in Omaha. We are guided by one vision: to make chess accessible and fun for Omaha’s youth. We plan to grow Omaha Chess into the city’s premier league for elementary and middle school chess players.

What Sets Us Apart

Our curriculum combines humor, stories, and interactive challenges to bring the game of chess to life. With instructors who tailor lessons to each student’s pace and interests, Omaha Chess provides a unique and enjoyable learning experience that keeps kids coming back for more. Our students don't just learn chess—they gain valuable skills that will benefit them in school and beyond.

Join Us

Whether you're a parent looking to enroll your child or an organization interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out today and see how Omaha Chess can help inspire a new generation of strategic thinkers!