Chess can play a vital part in developing critical thinking skills such as problem solving, strategic thinking, and calmness under pressure. Added bonus… our coaches make it fun!
DIG offers Private Chess Lessons (one student) all year long. Family members can join the lessons for no extra charge. Tutoring is available online or in-person.
Our qualified coaches are experienced and at the top of their game. Our coaches provide great support, guidance and skill training.
We host chess tournaments bi-weekly on a Saturday or Sunday. Tournaments are one of the BEST ways to improve your game and have fun! All our tournaments are US Chess Rated tournament so players will have a chance to get US Chess rating.
DIG Chess Team was founded in 2022 by Coach Jithu and Dan. We started in Wilton, where our kids come to Our Lady of Fatima, Wilton once-twice a week to practice. Idea was players to practice together and go to tournaments on the weekend. We are proud to say that after 2 years, we taught over 2000 kids, took our players to many tournaments in CT, MA, NY, PA, NJ, FL, and FRANCE! (This summer we are going to Italy, Germany and France again)
For every DIG lesson paid for, a child in economic need can attend a DIG lesson for free.
The DIG Chess Team consists of motivated players who practice weekly and participate in competitive chess tournaments! Every student who has joined our team has significantly improved their rating/chess skills by end of the season. We started the DIG Chess Team back in January of 2022. Since then, more than 100 students have joined our team.
Had the opportunity to see it all happening in front of me, it was very refreshing to see how excited and engaged the kids were. Absolutely a great program to have around that works with kids from all over.
My son told me that he loves chess the other day, and that really made me happy. In the past it has been hard to get him motivated to participate in extra curricular activities, but I noticed that he is really enjoying your classes. I think it’s DIG’s philosophy and approach, that has him feeling more motivated and confident to participate each week.
Parent
My son is 10 and he is a “Dig Kid” for a few years! To say that Coach Dan, Coach Jithu and the whole Dig team is amazing is an understatement! The programs are really fun and active for the children! So many options and days/times! The coaches look at the child as a whole and the communication between parents and coaches are so caring and thoughtful! It’s clear that the priority of the coaches is the sportsmanship, success and progress! We also had Dig come over and help with a super fun bday party! I highly recommend Dig! Thank you Coach Dan for making this “old school” neighborhood vibe kind of program and thank you for all you do to our community in Weston and surrounding towns!
Student
I enjoy every second of chess practices with the Hartford Ymca Crew. If it wasn’t for D.I.G chess practices i wouldn’t be this interested in this patient game. I could go an take space from all thats been going thru my mind and relax will i sit and play chess. We are not just a crew or a team its also a way to look at us as family, we treat each other with great respect and keep everyone motivated. My goal is to take down/ beat Dan Starbuck . Ill be back and to let you guy know when i do, might take a while maybe years but let’s see.
Mom
Coach Dan did a great job this summer coaching my 2 boys. He really helped them with their technical skills and focused on their goals for the coming season . Both my sons love being coached by Dan. They learn a lot, he keeps it fun, and he has inspired them to practice a lot on their own. He shows them how to get better and keeps them motivated. I would highly recommend Dan and the DIG program. My oldest is part of the middle school team and really enjoys that as well.
Dad
Having been a former teacher for 15 years, I recognize great teaching when I see it, and Coach Dan is absolutely incredible. He is so patient, and you can tell that he has a sincere love for what he does. The best part was seeing how much our son has picked up and retained after just two lessons!.
A Weston (CT) mom
Mom