ABOUT

Who We Are

Ajedrez Aspiracional is a nonprofit entity committed to teaching chess to all members of our community – with a special focus on children who aspire to build academic skills, character, and community. In addition to focused chess instruction at no cost, Ajedrez Aspiracional provides a range of support services, including free use of chess equipment and free access to online chess platforms. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn and play chess: we are committed to removing economic obstacles while providing a supportive learning environment.

What We Do

Ajedrez Aspiracional provides quality introductory chess instruction free of charge. Through our partnership with the Club Argentino de Ajedrez, we teach chess to our students in the Club’s purpose-designed rooms. Through our program, we strive to develop the next generation of chess players and emphasize the Club’s inclusivity. In terms of structure:

  • 2 sessions per year (Fall and Spring).
  • 12 classes per session.
  • 2 instructors per class.
  • All equipment and teaching materials are provided.
  • After completion of the session, students are encouraged to take more advanced classes and participate in tournaments.

Our Origins

Somerset Phillips founded Aspirational Chess Inc. (“ACI”), a nonprofit entity, in 2023 at the age of 11. With the pro bono support of Saul Ewing, a national law firm serving clients for 120+ years, and WSFS Bank, among the 10 oldest banks in the United States, Somerset registered ACI as an approved services provider to the Delaware Department of Education. She then partnered with a Delaware charter school that serves underprivileged communities to teach 20+ students introductory chess. Ajedrez Aspiracional is the Argentine continuation and expansion of ACI.

Club Argentino de Ajedrez

The Club Argentino de Ajedrez is among the world’s oldest and most distinguished chess clubs, having produced generations of exceptional chess players. Established in 1905, its base is a historic petit hotel in central Buenos Aires (Paraguay 1858, esq. Av. Callao). The Club hosted the World Chess Championship in 1927 played between José Raúl Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine, which Alekhine won after 34 games – noting the final game took four days to complete!