Chess On The Hill: Growing the Youth Chess Scene in Vermont

Chess On The Hill owner, Trevor Plizga, is on a mission to grow the youth chess scene in Vermont. Plizga, who moved to Bennington from Seattle at the end of the pandemic, has been teaching chess for the past six years and is passionate about expanding chess education in the area.

Plizga’s efforts have already led to the development of five youth after school chess clubs in local schools, including Hiland Hall, Southshire, Williamstown, The Village School of North Bennington, and Maple Street School in Manchester. These clubs have emerged “grassroots-style” from parents who saw Plizga’s work at the library and requested clubs at their children’s schools.

In addition to the after school clubs, Plizga also teaches chess events at the Bennington Free Library, where he offers Check It Out chess camps and other free services to youth in grades K-8. The upcoming 2nd Annual March Chess Madness Tournament, sponsored by a ‘Get on Board’ grant from the Vermont Community Foundation, is open to students in grades K-8 from the Northshire, Southshire, and surrounding towns.

Plizga’s teaching approach focuses on healthy competition, sound decision-making, persistence, and problem-solving through the game of chess. His classes are engaging and tailored to the group, with short lessons and tournament rounds to keep students interested and challenged.

The recent February Break Check It Out chess camp at the Bennington Free Library saw enrollment from children across nine different schools and homeschoolers from Massachusetts and New York. Plizga and Linda Donigan, children’s librarian at the Bennington Free Library, were thrilled with the growth and engagement of the players at the camp.

To pre-register for the upcoming 2nd Annual March Chess Madness Tournament, interested participants can email chessonthehill@gmail.com. Plizga is excited to continue growing the youth chess scene in Vermont and hopes to see more people teaching chess in the area.