Ebony & Ivory Chess Club logo Ebony & Ivory Chess Club
San Rafael • California

Workin’ On Our
Knight Moves

A community where every move matters and every player belongs.

We partner with schools and communities to run after-school chess programs that build focus, confidence, and competitive teams. From first moves to tournament readiness—students grow fast in a supportive, structured environment.

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Our Why

Mission & Vision

Chess is a sport for the brain. We use it to develop critical thinking, resilience, and creativity— while building real community across ages and backgrounds.


Ebony & Ivory Chess Club helps schools create thriving chess cultures: consistent training, strong teams, and a clear pathway from beginner fundamentals to competitive play.

  • After-school programs designed for K–12 schools
  • Team training and tournament preparation
  • Inclusive community for youth, families, and adults
  • Skill progression with measurable improvement

What You Can Expect

Structured lessons, guided practice, and competitive habits—delivered with a positive culture that keeps students motivated.

  • After-School
  • Teams
  • Tournaments
  • Mentorship
Programs

Services

After-School Chess Programs

Structured weekly instruction + supervised play built for schools and community programs.

Competitive School Teams

Team development, lineups, match prep, and tournament strategy—so schools build winning cultures.

Beginner → Tournament Ready

A clear progression from rules and tactics to endgames, planning, and confident tournament play.

Private Coaching

1-on-1 training for faster growth: calculation, openings, endgames, and game analysis.

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Instructor

Janico Bracken

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Janico Bracken is the founder and director of Ebony & Ivory Chess Club and a DI FIDE Trainer (2024). With 2 fide gold awards including chess in education, Janico has coached students from complete beginners to tournament competitors.


Known for a structured, patient teaching style, Janico emphasizes discipline, resilience, and creative thinking. His contributions to chess education have been recognized by U.S. Congress members, fide council and several news outlets.

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Contact

Get Involved

Want an after-school program at your school, help building a chess team, or private coaching? Email us and we’ll respond with availability, pricing, and program options.

Email: info@ebonyivorychess.com

Location: San Rafael, California

Tip: For schools, include your grade levels, student count, and preferred days/times.

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