Chess lesson at the community centre
What drives us

Mission & values

🤝

Connecting

Chess and cultural activities bring together people from different backgrounds, ages, and educational levels. In doing so, we strengthen mutual cohesion and the quality of life in the neighborhood.

🌱

Developing

Children learn to think independently and logically, solve problems, and take responsibility. We believe that everyone can participate and offer a helping hand where it is needed.

🏠

Accessible

We work in a low-threshold way, close to home, and are open to the needs of residents. Collaboration with others and sharing knowledge are central, with volunteers and professionals working together to make activities possible.

Chess school community
What makes us unique

More than just chess lessons

🏘

From resident initiative

The foundation started in 2007 as a resident initiative and has grown into a neighborhood organization for all ages, rooted in Amsterdam East.

💰

Accessible and affordable

We are a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization offering a welcoming, trusted environment close to home – for everyone.

👪

Bridge-builder

We bring together migrant families, people with different educational backgrounds, young and old – strengthening social cohesion in the neighborhood.

❤️

More than chess

Alongside chess, we organize cultural activities that contribute to personal development, connection, and a vibrant neighborhood.

How it began

Our history

2007

Mustapha Eljarmouni starts a resident initiative with chess lessons in the Indische Buurt.

Growth

The initiative grows into the Schaakschool Indische Buurt Foundation, with structural chess lessons.

Chess League

The first Chess League is successfully organized, followed by monthly tournaments on a structural basis.

Present

Chess remains the foundation for better social connection, development, and quality of life.

Become part of our community

Whether you want to learn chess or improve your game, there is always a place for you.

Sign up Meet the team

For extra information about the Batjanzaal see website: https://batjanzaal.nl/