The St. Mark Lion Kings meet every Thursday after school in the library until 4:30 p.m.  Students from 2nd – 8th grade are invited to join the club at any time. The club divides the kids based on their level of play, not by grade or age. Parents pickup their children in the car pool lanes.  The club’s format includes:

• 15 – 20 minutes teaching a lesson appropriate for the level of play,
• chess ladder play based on level (beginners, intermediate and advanced), and
• endgame, homework or free play time.

Each division has its own chess ladder. Anyone can join and learn the Royal Game.  The Lion King’s members have the opportunity to play in individual or team tournaments. The club does participate in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association (CMSCA) team tournaments.

The club is led by two chess coaches (Chris  Hlebak and Barry Hester) and volunteers.