Christian Home Educators Support System

Who We Are

CHESS has supported and advocated for the importance of Christian home education for over 14 years. We believe that Biblical discipleship is the key to quality education for our children. We have member families from Chicago, Bellwood, Braidwood, surrounding Chicagoland areas, Indiana, and Louisiana with children ranging from preschool through high school and families that have homeschooled to college graduates. Our member families recognize that Christian home education and character development of children is their God-given responsibility as parents.

Our Purpose

CHESS empowers parents to take the lead in their children's education. We are members of the Body of Christ that provide mutual support and encouragement and share information about Christian education, homeschooling, and the benefits, opportunities, and challenges to member families who choose to educate their children in the home or a cooperative learning environment.

What We Do

We organize and attend workshops and conferences, invite speakers, host panel discussions and screenings, and share and exchange information such as pertinent parental rights issues, curriculum needs, and other valuable resources needed to educate our children. We begin each year with a workshop that gives required information and guidance to new homeschoolers and offers Christian fellowship and networking opportunities to veteran homeschoolers. In addition, we provide field trips, graduation and award ceremonies, and other educational activities throughout the year.

Our continued success depends on member families' diligence and willingness to volunteer and participate in activities. Member families contribute in ways that are beneficial to their family and the organization.

CHESS provides you with:

• Encouragement, support, and guidance from other homeschooling parents and families.
• Insight about curriculum choices and resources.
• Insight about how to set up or improve your homeschool or cooperative learning experience.
• Opportunities for parents and children to meet up and make new friends and build relationships.
• Opportunity for Mom's Day or Night out! A time for fun, Christian fellowship, and to hang out with other Moms! A time you can look forward to!

When we come together, exciting, creative, and unique things happen! Relationships are built, learning is nourished and cultivated; wisdom, skills, gifts, and talents are imparted! We realize, and you will soon find out, that connecting and fellowshipping with other homeschoolers in your community is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your children have a great, enjoyable, and well-rounded learning experience! In addition, support groups are a great way to help your family stay strong, encouraged, and connected!

Meetings

CHESS meets on the 2nd Saturday from September through May. Completing topics and activities change monthly, so please see our calendar of events and home page for more information about our monthly meetings. Unfortunately, we cannot provide childcare at our meetings, but children are welcome to attend with their parents and sit quietly with them. Again, please always refer to our calendar or email us ([email protected]) as times and venues are subject to change.

CHESS Co-op: Our year begins each September, and we welcome new member families year-round. Participation in our enrichment co-op classes or educational programs is not open to the public unless otherwise noted. Member families are required to pay a $10 per semester co-op class fee. CHESS Membership is required to participate in co-op classes.

Membership may begin at any time during the year. The annual membership fee is $45 (non-refundable) from April 1st to March 31st. If your membership starts on or after October 1st, the cost is pro-rated at $22.50 (non-refundable) for the remainder of the academic school year through March 31st.  

Membership is not automatically renewed; it is reviewed every year in March. All fees are paid through PayPal and are subject to change upon 30 days' notice. Approved members will be emailed an invoice to pay your annual membership fee via Paypal.

The Membership fees help to cover our classes and operating costs. Also, CHESS members have a feature to access and create their family websites. All fees are subject to change.