The activity fosters concentration, logical thinking, and self-esteem, while also helping children and adolescents cope with emotional and social challenges
Chess is increasingly being recognized as an important tool for the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children and adolescents. Playing chess stimulates skills such as concentration, memory, logical reasoning, decision-making, and emotional control—skills that directly impact academic performance and daily interactions.
Many schools have already implemented the activity. At the Ramacrisna Institute, chess is part of the activities offered to students at the Ramacrisna Educational Support Center (CAER) and has been contributing significantly to the personal growth of dozens of children and adolescents. During classes, participants learn much more than just how to move the pieces: they develop discipline, patience, planning skills, and self-confidence.
According to the Ramacrisna Institute’s psychologist, Jéssica Tauane, the game can also be an important ally in strengthening children’s emotional well-being. “Chess works on essential cognitive skills, but it also contributes to emotional aspects, such as self-control, frustration tolerance, and self-esteem. Many children find in the game a safe space to build confidence and learn to handle challenges in a healthy way,” she explains.
She explains how the process works. “Our prefrontal cortex continues to develop until age 25. It is the area of the brain responsible for advanced executive functions, emotional control, attention, planning, decision-making, and personality development. The game requires foresight and self-control, promoting the development of neural connections that improve planning, judgment, and decision-making; it’s as if the brain were being trained for specific situations,” she concludes.
Chess teacher Bruno Jacomini points out that the impact of the lessons can be seen both on and off the board. “Chess teaches you to think before acting. Children learn that every choice has a consequence, and this helps develop responsibility, adaptability, and the ability to solve complex problems. Additionally, we see a significant improvement in their concentration and behavior,” he says.
Among the stories that demonstrate the transformative power of the sport is that of 10-year-old Maria Eduarda Reis, who has been participating in chess activities since she was 6. The student’s mother, Josiane Reis, says that her daughter suffered from severe anxiety attacks and, after starting the activities, the attacks decreased by about 80%. “Maria started having anxiety attacks at a very young age; she was extremely shy and had difficulty socializing. Chess was essential to her turning point. In addition to the reduction in anxiety attacks, she began to concentrate better on her tasks, improved her communication, and expresses herself well on various topics,” she reports.
And the young girl has already racked up several achievements at the chessboard. “Maria has a strong competitive streak and has been participating in tournaments for quite some time. Over the years, she has won several medals and trophies. Chess is her moment to express herself; she loves it. And this impacts her studies as well. Since she started, her improvement in concentration, logical reasoning, and attitude has been clear—lessons she will carry with her throughout her life. I feel very proud,” she concludes.
In addition to cognitive and emotional benefits, chess also promotes inclusion, socialization, and the development of autonomy. In an era where children and adolescents are constantly exposed to rapid stimuli and excessive screen time, activities that encourage attention, strategic thinking, and healthy interaction become even more relevant.
Ramacrisna Chess
The Ramacrisna Institute’s chess project integrates the educational and sports activities offered free of charge by the institution, using the sport as a tool for personal development, social inclusion, and the strengthening of citizenship. Running continuously since 2016, the initiative serves children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 at the Ramacrisna Educational Support Center (CAER), promoting the development of cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral skills aligned with the guidelines of the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC). In 2025, the project benefited 161 participants, including regular classes and a competitive team, combining technical training, pedagogical support, and the promotion of values such as ethics, discipline, concentration, respect, and decision-making. Coordinated by Professor Bruno Jacomini, a national referee for the Brazilian Chess Confederation, the project has achieved significant results in state and school competitions, reaffirming Ramacrisna’s commitment to holistic education and social transformation through sports.
