Wood Chess of Central Pennsylvania is a scholastic affiliate of the United States Chess Federation, a non-profit organization. The organization, founded in 2008, specializes in teaching chess for players from age 5 to age 21. We work with schools and scholastic groups within a 50 mile radius of Lancaster in Central Pennsylvania. We provide individualized instruction, instructional clubs, rated tournaments and special events. As an organization, we donate a lot of the services to various groups and have a scholarship program for our kids. We are sponsored by Wood Enrichment Services, a Limited Liability Company.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Wood Chess Services is to develop a student's intellectual potential through chess activities. Instructional lessons and tournament participation will encourage risk taking, leadership by higher level thinking and social skills.
LEADERSHIP
MARK M. WOOD
President
Mark is a retired gifted educator, teacher, administrator, with 30 years experience as a teacher, administrator, and chess professional. His master's degree from Villanova University focused on Educational Administration. He is a national Chess Coach and a member of the USFC Scholastic Committee. He is a chess tournament director that has participated in directing two national scholastic championships in Tennessee. Mark was also the assistant chief director for the US Blind Championship in Kansas. He has recently directed over 75 tournaments in Pennsylvania.
JOSEPH S. WEBER
Vice President
Joe is a retired electrical technician with advanced problem skills. He is a lifetime member of the USCF who has played in over 200 tournaments in his 40-year chess career. Joe was the head chess coach at the Conestoga Valley High School for over seven years. Currently, Joe is a certified Scholastic coach and Level II Tournament Director. He currently instructs advanced students and helps direct Quad, Swiss, and Bughouse tournaments.
SCHEDULES
Public Clubs are open during winter, summer, and fall sessions and meet 30 weeks a year. We meet in Annville (Mon), Berks (Tues), New Holland (Wed), Hershey (Thurs), Lancaster (Sat), and Mechanicsburg (Sun).
Students enrolled can attend club in any location with chess account. In addition we have private clubs in retirement centers, schools and collegiate clubs that are
held throughout the year.
AWARDS
2018 - Second in State in 7-12 U1000, 7-12 U1300
2017 - State Champion in K-6 U800 & K6 U500
2016 - State Champion in 7-12 U1000 and K6 U700
2016 - Second in State in K-6 U600, K-12 Open, K-6
