WonderChess 'checks' into Nordstrom and Borders

Award-winning Chess Kit for Kids expands to national retailers

For Immediate Release

October 10th, 2005

[Seattle, WA] WonderChess LLC of Seattle, WA announced today that its innovative, award-winning WonderChess - Chess Kit for Kids - is now available at its first national retailers: Nordstrom and Borders.

WonderChess was invented to solve the common problem of kids being bored and frustrated when attempting to learn chess; and parents being stressed out when attempting to teach chess to their kids. Michel Alvarez, WonderChess Founder and CEO, found the winning solution when he encountered these same problems with teaching chess to his son. The Aha! moment came when he invented "prize-fillable" chess pieces. Capture a piece during play, open it up, and find a surprise treat. "kids love discovering hidden prizes as they learn - it keeps them focused and excited - that's the magic!" says Alvarez.

Alvarez then wrote a 52 page, 3D illustrated, book that walks caregiver and child through 10 beginner chess lessons which feature interactive puzzles. He added incentive charts (WonderReward Cards), motivational sticker prizes (WonderFillers), and a 15"x15" chessboard to complete the effective chess learning kit.

WonderChess has won three prestigious national awards to date, and recently launched two new products: WonderCheckers and WonderChess Deluxe Edition in tin. 

While still in their first year, WonderChess has achieved profitability. WonderChess also continues to donate 1% of sales to support urban community centers and schools through their WonderChess Kids Fund. Alvarez believes that learning chess as a child growing up along the US/Mexico border played a significant role in both his educational and professional accomplishments; he believes kids who need it most should have the opportunity to learn the game. In fact, more and more elementary schools today are adding chess to their curricula as a learning tool. Alvarez adds "Every chess playing child I have met is pretty sharp!"

About WonderChess LLC:

WonderChess LLC develops boardgame kits for kids that incorporate their patent-pending, prize-fillable game pieces and teaching methods.  Their award winning flagship product - WonderChess - makes chess fun, exciting and immediately rewarding to learn and play for kids and their caregivers.  WonderChess is available at specialty stores and national retailers throughout North America. Visit www.wonderchess.com for more information.