Story Time Chess Franchise · Presented by The Franchise Insiders
Story Time Chess teaches three-year-olds to play chess. Own it in your town.
A home-based business under $90,000 that brings screen-free learning to preschools and schools near you. You build the relationships. Trained instructors teach the classes. No chess experience needed.
Free, no-obligation guidance from The Franchise Insiders. Investment estimate from Item 7 of the current Franchise Disclosure Document; actual costs vary.
A fair question deserves real numbers
Chess for preschoolers. Is that really a business?
The reviews are in!
“My daughter had no prior chess experience and immediately fell in love by going through Story Time Chess's storytelling style of teaching at the trial class. Now the chess club becomes her favorite class after the school and she can't wait to play with the next character when it is introduced... Definitely highly recommend it.”
“Story Time Chess has our two children playing and loving chess! We're proud to have it in our home, and think every child should be learning Story Time Chess.”
“Storytime Chess provides such a well developed curriculum that families instantly fall in love with. Running and growing a branch in Los Angeles has been incredibly rewarding and fun, whether it's hiring fantastic creatives, watching kids have countless “a-ha” moments, or hearing glowing reviews from parents. I love being part of such meaningful work!”
It's a fair question. Here's what Story Time Chess reports.
Reported by one company-owned Los Angeles operation representing the equivalent of two territories. Estimated initial investment for one territory: $65,579–$87,227. Brand-reported 2025 results for one of five company-owned outlets. These figures are not a franchisee average, a single-territory result, net income, or a forecast. There is no assurance you will do as well. Review the complete Item 19 disclosure, including its definitions and assumptions, in the current Franchise Disclosure Document.
Why the model can work
- One instructor teaches a whole class at once.
- No storefront, no lease, no inventory room. Your teaching kit is chess sets, a giant board, and an iPad.
- Schools bring the students. You don't pay for foot traffic.
- Schools fund programs or parents pay to enroll, and a school that says yes can lead to multiple classes and repeat sessions.
- The company taught young children for more than a decade before it began franchising in 2025.
A first conversation, not a commitment
Find out whether your town is available
Tell us where you'd like to build and a little about your plans. We'll request a current territory check and help you decide whether a conversation with Story Time Chess makes sense.
U.S. opportunities only. Availability is subject to franchisor confirmation, territory boundaries, and applicable state requirements. An inquiry does not reserve a territory.
Who this could be for
Who builds a Story Time Chess business?
If two of these sound like you, keep reading.
The idea
Everyone thinks chess is too hard for a three-year-old.
Story Time Chess proves otherwise. It replaces complicated rules with silly stories, memorable characters, and more than 30 mini-games. A lesson starts like this: "Once upon a time, there lived a hungry king in a castle that sat upon a checkered lawn." By the end, a preschooler knows how the king moves.
"I'm a two-time US women's chess champion, but I'm also the mom of a four-year-old boy who loves chess and he likes the Story Time Chess classes a lot too, which really surprised me."Jennifer Shahade, U.S. Chess Champion and Woman Grandmaster
Every class follows the same tested rhythm
Screen-free. Built for ages 3 to 8. Taught by people chosen for their energy, not their chess rating.
The school relationship
Schools want enrichment that's easy for them and great for kids.
You bring a complete program to preschools, daycares, elementary schools, after-school programs, libraries, and recreation departments. Their staff does nothing extra. Depending on the arrangement, the school pays for the program or parents pay to enroll.
"With the Story Time Chess Curriculum, students gravitate toward chess as a fun, wonderful activity that they want to do."
Bill Swan, Principal and Owner, Goddard School of Manhattan
"Within weeks of starting the Story Time Chess at School program we had a 'good game.' We would highly recommend this program for your school or home."
Dr. Christina Siegel, Principal, The Siegel Academy
Story Time Chess programs have been used by schools and organizations including Primrose Schools, The Goddard School, Kiddie Academy, KinderCare, Lightbridge Academy, and the New York Public Library. These relationships can support introductions; they do not guarantee local school contracts.
Good for kids
A business you'll be proud to explain.
In a world of screens, Story Time Chess gets young children sitting together at a board, thinking before they move. Lessons build focus, patience, and decision-making. And every game ends with a handshake. As Story Time Chess puts it: we shake hands even when we lose.
The company's goal is one million "good game" handshakes. In your town, you'd be the one making them happen.
A program for children, parents, and schools
Good for kids, made to fit the whole community.
The real job
Here's the honest part: this is a relationship business.
Your most important work isn't in the classroom. It's sitting across from preschool directors and principals, earning a yes, and keeping it by delivering classes kids love. You'll hire and lead part-time instructors, manage schedules, and keep parents informed.
If you can follow up consistently, lead a small team, and enjoy meeting people, you have the skills that matter most. Prior chess or teaching experience is not required.
A simple business to run
No storefront. No inventory room. No lease.
- Home-based. Classes happen where kids already are.
- Your teaching kit: 10 to 12 branded chess sets, one giant chess board, and an iPad or smartphone.
- A protected territory of up to 400,000 people, defined by zip code. Story Time Chess will not license another franchise in your area while you are in good standing.
- Start with one to three part-time instructors and add more as you add schools.
The numbers, line by line
What it takes to get started
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $49,500 |
| Starter kit | $2,720–$5,750 |
| Equipment | $669–$2,267 |
| Computer and point-of-sale system | $360–$2,650 |
| Business permits and licenses | $0–$1,000 |
| Professional fees | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Insurance | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Training expenses | $1,330–$5,060 |
| Opening advertising campaign | $1,000 |
| Additional funds, first three months | $7,000–$14,000 |
| Total estimated initial investment | $65,579–$87,227 |
Ongoing fees
- Royalty: the greater of 7% of gross revenue or a minimum monthly royalty that starts at $350 in year one
- Brand fund: 2% of gross revenue
- Discounted franchise fees are available for multiple territories
Other ongoing costs include systems and software, required local advertising, insurance, and staffing. Review Items 5, 6, and 7 of the current Franchise Disclosure Document for full costs and obligations. Additional working capital may be needed.
A framework from day one
You won't build it alone.
- 30 to 40 hours of initial training, online and in person
- School outreach scripts, email templates, and a step-by-step launch plan
- Instructor hiring guides and curriculum training for your team
- Ongoing coaching calls, curriculum updates, and marketing materials
- A community of fellow franchise owners
Questions, answered plainly
Before you make a move.
A town full of future chess players
Start with a conversation.
No pressure to decide today. Just a careful territory check and an honest look at whether the work fits you.
