The Nicollet Knights Chess Club operates through District 191 Community Education and is coached by Brian Ribnick. It serves students in grades 6-8 and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4:30 p.m. October-April in the Nicollet Middle School Media Center. It serves students from Nicollet MS and Eagle Ridge MS.
The mission of Nicollet Knights Chess is:
…to build character, encourage children to overcome the fear of risk taking;
…to teach concentration and self-discipline;
…to enable children to assume responsibility for their decisions;
…to reward determination and perseverance;
…to raise self esteem and promote good sportsmanship;
…to encourage socialization skills that extend across cultures and generations.
Our students play chess in club as well as at weekend tournaments if they choose. We do a lot of volunteering/fundraising as an organization so we can send our kids to the National tournament in May of each year. In 2026, there is a National tournament in Texas.
Our biggest fundraiser each year is the Silent Auction, held in March. We also do concessions and equipment sales at chess tournaments, restaurant nights, bagging at grocery stores, car washes, hot dog stands, working at the Burnsville Fire Muster and so much more!
In addition to working hard we also play hard! Each year we plan a variety of fun events, from paintball to Great Wolf Lodge, LifeTime Fitness parties to Dave & Busters. No matter your kid’s level play, they will have a great time at chess club!
A letter may be earned by attendance and performances at practices and league play. Team and individual awards may be earned from league competition and special tournaments.
Enroll in 2025-2026 Nicollet Knights Chess!
Nicollet Middle School chess players took First Place at the 61st annual State Scholastic Chess Championship in March 2026.
Check out the latest news from Nicollet Chess
- Congratulations to our State Scholastic Champions!The Nicollet Knights Chess Team took FIRST PLACE of 17 teams in the K-8 section of the 61st annual MN State Scholastic Chess Championship. The tournament took place March 7-8 at University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul. Twenty-seven of our middle schoolers competed, with eighth grader Franklin Briceño taking SECOND PLACE overall – the …
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- 2026 Silent Auction is under way!Nearly 130 items are up for bid in this year’s Nicollet Knights Chess Club Silent Auction! The online auction runs now through March 22 and includes upwards of $8,000 in items donated by local businesses and community sponsors. Items up for bid include many restaurants, museums, automotive, beauty, wellness, billiards, golf, coffee, beer, camping, escape …
- Seeking items for Silent AuctionThe Nicollet Knights Chess & Burnsville High School Chess Team Booster Club will host its annual Silent Auction fundraiser March 7-22. We appreciate your support of our youth chess players over the years and we are once again asking for your help! We are seeking donations from chess families, businesses and individuals to add to …
- Ribnick receives national Award for Excellence in Chess EducationNicollet Middle School chess coach Brian Ribnick recently received the Andy Lerner Award for Excellence in Chess Education from Chess in the Schools. The award recognizes educators’ impact on the chess community and students, with alignment to Chess in the Schools’ mission and the values of youth enrichment through chess education. “It meant a whole …
Continue reading “Ribnick receives national Award for Excellence in Chess Education”
- Seeking 2025-2026 t-shirt/team sponsorsThe Nicollet Knights Chess Team is seeking sponsors for the 2025-2026 season. Please ask organizations and businesses you are familiar with to consider sponsoring our team! Did you know individuals and families can also sponsor the team? If you have questions, reach out to Mark Burtnett.Deadline for sponsors is November 1. THANK YOU for supporting youth chess!