Developing Chess Players

Developing Chess Players Program Schedule:  Oct. 23-Dec. 18 This class will meet weekly on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. Recommended Ages: 3rd-5th grades    This class is limited to 15 students.Cost: $108 (Members), $135 (Nonmembers) This class is designed for students who are new to chess or are still building a strong foundation in the game. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities and fun mini-games, students will learn the rules of chess while developing concentration, strategic thinking, problem-solving and good sportsmanship. Participants will build confidence as they practice their skills in a supportive environment and play games with their peers. Meet the program instructor: Joshua Soutiere Joshua Soutiere is the founder of Wichita Chess Network and a nationally recognized scholastic chess coach with more than six years of experience teaching students of all ages. He has coached multiple National Championship-winning teams and has served as Chief Tournament Director for more than 400 US Chess Federation-rated tournaments, including events with nearly 300 players. Joshua believes chess is much more than a game — it is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, perseverance, creativity and good decision-making. His teaching emphasizes understanding ideas rather than memorizing moves, helping students build confidence while learning to analyze positions, solve problems and learn from their mistakes. Since returning to Wichita, Joshua has focused on growing the local chess community through school programs, weekly classes, summer camps, tournaments and free Pop-Up Chess Clubs at community events. His vision is to make high-quality chess instruction accessible to every student while creating opportunities for players of all skill levels to connect, compete and grow together. Whether introducing a kindergartner to chess for the first time or preparing experienced tournament players for state and national competition, Joshua is passionate about using chess to enrich the lives of young people and strengthen the Wichita community through lifelong learning and meaningful friendships. 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
Mess Lab
Developing Chess Players

Program Schedule:  Oct. 23-Dec. 18 

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

Recommended Ages: 3rd-5th grades    

This class is limited to 15 students.

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


This class is designed for students who are new to chess or are still building a strong foundation in the game. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities and fun mini-games, students will learn the rules of chess while developing concentration, strategic thinking, problem-solving and good sportsmanship. 


Participants will build confidence as they practice their skills in a supportive environment and play games with their peers. 


Meet the program instructor: Joshua Soutiere 

Joshua Soutiere is the founder of Wichita Chess Network and a nationally recognized scholastic chess coach with more than six years of experience teaching students of all ages. He has coached multiple National Championship-winning teams and has served as Chief Tournament Director for more than 400 US Chess Federation-rated tournaments, including events with nearly 300 players. Joshua believes chess is much more than a game — it is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, perseverance, creativity and good decision-making. His teaching emphasizes understanding ideas rather than memorizing moves, helping students build confidence while learning to analyze positions, solve problems and learn from their mistakes. Since returning to Wichita, Joshua has focused on growing the local chess community through school programs, weekly classes, summer camps, tournaments and free Pop-Up Chess Clubs at community events. His vision is to make high-quality chess instruction accessible to every student while creating opportunities for players of all skill levels to connect, compete and grow together. Whether introducing a kindergartner to chess for the first time or preparing experienced tournament players for state and national competition, Joshua is passionate about using chess to enrich the lives of young people and strengthen the Wichita community through lifelong learning and meaningful friendships. 


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!