Youth Clubs & Special Interests
Learning. Creating. Connecting.
At the YMCA of East Tennessee, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore their passions — not just in sports, but through art, creativity, and critical thinking. Our Youth Clubs and Special Interest programs provide exciting opportunities for kids to express themselves, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends in a positive, encouraging environment.
Youth Clubs & Special Interest Programs
The Knight School Chess
Welcome to the Chess Party!
The Knight School Chess Team is your kid’s official chess team and chess party. The Knight School’s approach has had amazing success winning multiple state championships, because their unique and unprecedented educational philosophy, “the chess party,” is the perfect way to transform a complete beginner into a devastating chess machine.
Program Highlights:
- For kids ages 5-16
- New students receive a TKS T-Shirt, chess set, chess bag, and all the colorful TactixBands they can earn!
- No experience required – perfect for beginners and advanced players alike
- Available at the Cansler Y, Davis Y, Tennova Y, Pilot Y, and select YMCA After School Programs.
Register through The Knight School at https://tksknoxville.jumbula.com/.
Lego Club
Build, Imagine, and Explore
Our LEGO® Club invites young builders to use their imaginations, solve problems, and create together. Guided by YMCA staff, kids tackle weekly building challenges, work on group projects, and develop teamwork and creativity in a fun, hands-on setting.
Program Highlights:
- Great for ages 5–12
- Encourages teamwork, innovation, and spatial awareness
- Weekly building challenges and free-build time
- Free for Y members with no registration required. Check the Youth Programs schedule to find this at the Tennova Y.
Art
Tennova Y: Art Club
- Drop-in, drop-out arts and crafts projects for ages 5-12. No registration required. Find days and times on our Youth Program Schedule.
Pilot Y: Homeschool Art Class
- Our art class is geared towards homeschool students aged 5-12. Young artists will learn art techniques and create new masterpieces each week.
- Register monthly through the Y.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For paid programs, Y members will receive a discount and priority registration. Youth clubs are free for Y members only, but guests are welcome to participate with the purchase of a guest pass.
Yes, all supplies are provided!
No! Beginners are welcome in all of our youth programs and clubs!