9 Queens Girls’ Academy

The 9 Queens Girls’ Academy is a series of chess workshops for female chess players of all ages and ability. Participants range from first graders to adults in age, from beginners to tournament players in ability, and from students to teachers in experience level. These events encourage girls and women by teaching them about the history of the top women players and showing their games. 9 Queens Girls’ Academy workshops offer quality chess instruction, support female chess players, and create a supportive chess community for women.

In October 2007, Jennifer Shahade and Jean Hoffman together launched the first 9 Queens Girls’ Academy in Philadelphia. Over a dozen female chess players of all ages came out to hone their skills. The program will continue throughout the 2008 school year at the Central Library in conjunction with After Schools Activities Partnership (ASAP). Jennifer Shahade will serve as the main instructor in workshops of up to 25 intermediate/advanced level girls and women.