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CHARLOTTE – School officials said scholastic chess, or chess for educational purposes, has begun making a comeback in schools across the country.

Jessica Martin teaches the game once a week in place of math to her class of five-year-olds and six-year-olds.

“They’re excited to be able to play a game in school, so they’re fooled into learning,” she said.

Martin said chess builds students’ critical thinking skills that help them succeed academically and socially.

Teacher Susan Flynn said her morning chess club at Beverly Woods nearly tripled since she started teaching. She said the universal nature of the game is the reason it’s gaining popularity.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools now has 84 scholastic chess programs made up of thousands of children, including Flynn’s son, William.

“It just helps me get my brain moving every morning,” he said,

And that’s particularly important this week as CMS students take End of Grade tests.

“It helps kids slow down and think about what they’re doing,” Martin said.

Myers Park Traditional Elementary is holding an open tournament Saturday for all kindergartners through sixth graders.

For more information on the tournament or to see how you can get your child involved in chess at CMS, click here.