Chess Tactics & Strategy

Chess Tactics & Strategy Program Schedule: Aug. 21-Oct. 9 This class will meet weekly on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. Recommended Ages: 3rd-5th grades  This class is appropriate for beginners with some experience and developing intermediate players. Cost: $90 (Members), $108 (Nonmembers) This class is designed for students who are familiar with the basics of chess and are ready to build their skills further. Students will learn core strategic concepts including piece coordination, tactical patterns, opening principles and checkmating techniques. Classes combine instruction, guided play, and game analysis to help students understand not just what moves to play, but why they work. Students will also be introduced to structured gameplay and light competitive elements in a positive, supportive setting.  In Chess Tactics and Strategy, students will;  Apply basic opening principles (development, control of the center, king safety).  Identify common tactical patterns such as forks, pins and simple combinations.  Develop the ability to plan ahead and evaluate positions.  Improve decision-making through guided gameplay and reflection.  Demonstrate good sportsmanship and confidence in competitive play. This class is appropriate for beginners with some experience and developing intermediate players. 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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Chess Tactics & Strategy

Program Schedule: Aug. 21-Oct. 9 

This class will meet weekly on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. 

Recommended Ages: 3rd-5th grades  

This class is appropriate for beginners with some experience and developing intermediate players. 

Cost: $90 (Members), $108 (Nonmembers) 


This class is designed for students who are familiar with the basics of chess and are ready to build their skills further. Students will learn core strategic concepts including piece coordination, tactical patterns, opening principles and checkmating techniques. Classes combine instruction, guided play, and game analysis to help students understand not just what moves to play, but why they work. Students will also be introduced to structured gameplay and light competitive elements in a positive, supportive setting.  

In Chess Tactics and Strategy, students will;  

  • Apply basic opening principles (development, control of the center, king safety).  
  • Identify common tactical patterns such as forks, pins and simple combinations.  
  • Develop the ability to plan ahead and evaluate positions.  
  • Improve decision-making through guided gameplay and reflection.  
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship and confidence in competitive play. 

This class is appropriate for beginners with some experience and developing intermediate players. 


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!