Advanced Chess Lab

Advanced Chess Lab Program Schedule: Aug. 21-Oct. 9 This class will meet weekly on Fridays from 4-5 p.m.  Recommended Ages: 6th-8th grades  Cost: $108 (Members), $135 (Nonmembers) This class is designed for middle school and high school students who are ready to deepen their understanding of chess through advanced strategy, middlegame planning, endgame technique and tournament preparation. Students will analyze real games, study tactical and positional concepts and develop stronger calculation and decision-making skills through guided instruction and competitive play. Beyond chess improvement, the class also emphasizes focus, resilience, sportsmanship and social-emotional growth in a positive and challenging learning environment. In Chess Tactics and Strategy, students will:  Analyze positions using tactical and strategic concepts.  Calculate variations and anticipate opponent responses.  Apply opening ideas and basic endgame techniques.  Reflect on games to identify strengths and areas for improvement.  Develop discipline, resilience and confidence through competitive play. Meet the program instructor: Josh Soutiere Josh Soutiere is a national champion chess coach with extensive experience teaching and building scholastic chess programs. He previously worked in New York City, where he coached students to multiple national and state championships while teaching in a variety of school settings. Josh specializes in creating structured, engaging learning environments for students of all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors. His approach focuses on developing critical thinking, focus and confidence through a balance of instruction, guided play and game analysis. Since returning to Wichita, Josh has been working to grow a strong local chess community through school programs, camps, and tournaments. His goal is to make high-quality chess instruction accessible while helping students build skills that extend far beyond the game. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you are agreeing to our participant release, participant policies, and social contract. Sign in or register today to become a member of Learning Lab Wichita and receive discounted program and event opportunities! 

Josh Soutiere
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Advanced Chess Lab

Program Schedule: Aug. 21-Oct. 9 

This class will meet weekly on Fridays from 4-5 p.m.  

Recommended Ages: 6th-8th grades  

Cost: $108 (Members), $135 (Nonmembers) 


This class is designed for middle school and high school students who are ready to deepen their understanding of chess through advanced strategy, middlegame planning, endgame technique and tournament preparation. Students will analyze real games, study tactical and positional concepts and develop stronger calculation and decision-making skills through guided instruction and competitive play. Beyond chess improvement, the class also emphasizes focus, resilience, sportsmanship and social-emotional growth in a positive and challenging learning environment. 

In Chess Tactics and Strategy, students will:  

  • Analyze positions using tactical and strategic concepts.  
  • Calculate variations and anticipate opponent responses.  
  • Apply opening ideas and basic endgame techniques.  
  • Reflect on games to identify strengths and areas for improvement.  
  • Develop discipline, resilience and confidence through competitive play. 


Meet the program instructor: Josh Soutiere 

Josh Soutiere is a national champion chess coach with extensive experience teaching and building scholastic chess programs. He previously worked in New York City, where he coached students to multiple national and state championships while teaching in a variety of school settings. Josh specializes in creating structured, engaging learning environments for students of all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors. His approach focuses on developing critical thinking, focus and confidence through a balance of instruction, guided play and game analysis. Since returning to Wichita, Josh has been working to grow a strong local chess community through school programs, camps, and tournaments. His goal is to make high-quality chess instruction accessible while helping students build skills that extend far beyond the game. 


By purchasing a ticket to this event, you are agreeing to our participant releaseparticipant policies, and social contract.


Sign in or register today to become a member of Learning Lab Wichita and receive discounted program and event opportunities!