Frequently Asked Questions
What are we?
We are a group of homeschooling families in and around Louisville whose kids like to play chess together.
Does my kid need to know how to play chess to join?
No. Kids who just want to learn chess are welcome.
What ages are welcome?
All ages. Kids currently involved range from kindergarten to 12th grade.
What do you do?
- Meet in person once or twice a month to play together.
- Play in tournaments: about half our kids play in local scholastic over-the-board events, plus club-internal USCF-rated tournaments.
- Climb the club ladder with weekly challenge games.
Where do we meet?
In a private home in Fern Creek, KY. If the club grows large, we will look for other options. Members can find the address on the members-only pages.
When do we meet?
We meet somewhat irregularly, once or twice a month, usually on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons. Meetings are announced via our email list.
What time commitment is there for kids who want to learn and play casually?
None. Just drop in when you want to play.
What does it cost for kids who want to learn and play casually?
Nothing. Meetings are free.
What time commitment is there for kids who want to play in tournaments?
The local scholastic over-the-board season runs from October through March, with state championships in February and March. Tournaments usually take most of a Saturday, and most kids play three to five a year.
Kids who play tournaments casually have no special time requirement. Kids who want to compete seriously for top spots should come to most meetings.
What does it cost to play in tournaments?
Rated tournaments require a US Chess membership: $24 a year, or $66 a year for all kids in a family. Entry fees for tournaments run $15 to $25 per player, depending on the organizer. Many tournaments have steep discounts for additional children in the same family.
The cost of a membership or entry fees is an obstacle for us.
Join anyway and let the coach know. We will make sure any interested student can take part.
Do I need to be Catholic to join?
No. You don’t need to be Catholic, or any sort of Christian. Everyone is welcome. We do start in-person meetings with a prayer, and we encourage the students to show humility, patience, and kindness.
Do I need to be a homeschooler to join?
No. The club was founded so homeschoolers could make friends who also love chess, but other kids whose schools have no chess club are welcome to join.
Do you play as a team in tournaments?
Yes, homeschoolers in our club play as a team in tournaments. However, while we welcome non-homeschoolers in the club, kids who attend a school count toward that school’s team score in tournaments, not the Pope Leo score. Whatever the team on paper, we all hang out at tournaments together and root for each other.
Can parents and siblings play too?
Sure. The more the merrier.
Why is it called “Pope Leo XIII”?
Because he was an avid chess player, and the club was started by Catholic homeschoolers.
I’m interested. What should I do?
Send us a message through the Contact Us page and the coach will get back to you.