Story Time Chess

Story Time Chess is a scalable youth enrichment franchise that teaches children ages 3 - 8 chess through engaging, story-driven lessons, combining educational impact with a low-overhead, recurring-revenue business model.

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Story Time Chess

Story Time Chess Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2026

Background

Story Time Chess is a youth enrichment brand that teaches children ages 3 - 8 how to play chess through engaging, story-driven instruction.

Instead of relying on traditional, rules-heavy teaching methods, Story Time Chess transforms chess into an imaginative learning experience where children develop skills through memorable characters, interactive lessons, and age-appropriate storytelling.

Classes are delivered directly within preschools, daycares, elementary schools, libraries, and community centers, creating a convenient, high-value program for both parents and partner organizations. The business operates on a scalable one-to-many model, allowing a single instructor to teach multiple students at once while maintaining strong unit economics and operational efficiency.

Company Details

Established: 2011
First Unit Franchised: 2025
Franchised Units: 4
Company Owned Units: 5
States Registered In:
Canada Franchises: No
International Franchises: No

Support and Training Offered By Story Time Chess

Financial Assistance Provided: No

Site Selection Assistance: No

Lease Negotiation Assistance: No

Recruiting Assistance: Yes

Co-operative Advertising: No

Training:
Initial Training Program (30 - 40 Hours)
Franchisees receive a comprehensive onboarding program designed to provide the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to launch and grow their business successfully.

Virtual Training & Learning Management System (LMS)
  • Access to online training modules covering operations, sales, marketing, and curriculum delivery
  • Step-by-step video training for program execution, instructor management, and day-to-day operations
  • Ongoing access to training materials for future reference and team onboarding

In-Person Training
  • Two to three days of hands-on training at headquarters or a designated training location
  • Practical instruction on curriculum implementation, instructor management, and operational best practices
  • Live role-playing exercises focused on school outreach, partnership development, and sales conversations

Pre-Opening & Launch Support
  • Detailed launch roadmap guiding franchisees from signing through their first classes
  • Proven school outreach scripts, email templates, and partnership development strategies
  • Hiring guidelines and instructor onboarding processes

Structured Ramp-Up Plan
  • An 8 - 12 week launch plan focused on building school partnerships and generating early revenue
  • Weekly activity benchmarks for outreach, meetings, and program launches
  • Clear milestones for securing initial partnerships, launching classes, and expanding within the territory

Ongoing Support & Coaching
  • Dedicated onboarding support from the corporate team
  • Regular coaching and business support through scheduled check-ins
  • Continued guidance on sales, operations, staffing, and business growth

Employee & Instructor Training
  • Comprehensive instructor training delivered through the LMS and video-based learning modules
  • Standardized onboarding systems designed to ensure a consistent, high-quality student experience
  • Ongoing training and professional development resources for instructors as the business grows

On-Going Support
  • Dedicated Franchise Support Team
    Franchisees have ongoing access to the corporate support team for guidance on day-to-day operations, sales, business development, and growth initiatives.

  • Coaching & Accountability
    Weekly or bi-weekly group coaching calls during the launch and ramp-up phase
    Monthly system-wide calls focused on performance, best practices, and growth strategies
    Direct access to the support team for questions and ongoing guidance as needed

  • Sales & Business Development Support
    Proven outreach scripts, email templates, and partnership development strategies
    Coaching on school outreach, relationship building, and sales conversion
    Guidance on expanding within territories and increasing program density

  • Marketing Support
    Access to branded marketing materials, social media assets, and local marketing playbooks
    Support for parent engagement, enrollment campaigns, and community outreach initiatives
    Best practices for building local brand awareness and generating demand

  • Technology & Business Systems
    Recommended technology platforms for managing school partnerships, scheduling, and enrollments
    Support with system setup, implementation, and operational best practices
    Tools and processes designed to streamline day-to-day management

  • Curriculum & Program Development
    Continuous access to proprietary curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching resources
    Ongoing curriculum enhancements and new content releases
    Support to ensure a consistent, high-quality program experience across all locations

  • Recruiting, Hiring & Team Development
    Hiring guides, job descriptions, and interview frameworks
    Proven processes for recruiting and onboarding instructors and local managers
    Ongoing instructor training through the LMS and video-based learning platform
    Professional development resources to support long-term team growth

  • Operations & Scheduling Support
    Best practices for managing multiple school locations and instructor schedules
    Guidance on program logistics, staffing efficiency, and service delivery
    Operational systems designed to support scalable growth

  • Financial, Payroll & Insurance Guidance
    Recommended tools and systems for tracking revenue, expenses, and profitability
    Guidance on payroll providers, workers' compensation, and general liability insurance
    Financial best practices to support healthy unit economics and informed decision-making

  • Compliance & Risk Management
    Guidance on background check providers and screening processes
    Best practices for working with schools, children, and educational partners
    Resources to help franchisees maintain operational compliance

  • Franchisee Community & Knowledge Sharing
    Access to a collaborative network of fellow franchise owners
    Opportunities to share best practices, ideas, and operational insights
    Ongoing learning from top-performing franchisees across the system

  • Scalable Growth Planning
    Strategic guidance on adding schools, increasing class density, and expanding market penetration
    Support for maximizing territory potential while maintaining operational excellence
    Long-term planning resources designed to help franchisees scale efficiently and sustainably

2026 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Story Time Chess Franchise.

What does a Story Time Chess Franchise Cost?

Story Time Chess franchise fees for 2026:

Cash Investment: $75,000
Total Investment: $65,579 - $87,227
Minimum Net Worth: Net Worth: $150,000
Single Unit Franchise Fee: $49,500
Royalty: 7%
Ad Fee: 2%
Other Fees: NA
Average Number of Employees at Start/at Maturity: 3
Item 19: Yes
SBA Registry: NA
Visa Candidates: Yes
Passive Ownership: No
Semi-Passive Ownership: No
Home-Based: Yes
B2B: Yes
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Discount: Yes

Is Story Time Chess a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Story Time Chess is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Story Time Chess a Home Based franchise?

Yes. Story Time Chess is a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Story Time Chess Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much Story Time Chess franchisees make. Story Time Chess offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Is Story Time Chess a Master Franchise Opportunity?

No. Story Time Chess is not a master franchise opportunity.

Does Story Time Chess Offer a Veteran Discount?

Yes. Story Time Chess franchise does offer a veteran discount.

Does Story Time Chess Work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa Candidates?

Yes. Story Time Chess franchise does work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa candidates.

Is Story Time Chess Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. Story Time Chess franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Story Time Chess Looking for International franchisees?

No. Story Time Chess franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Story Time Chess's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Child Related, Education, Recently Added Franchises, Non Food Franchises

Number of Units Open

LESS THAN 20 UNITS

Cash Required

$50,000 - $100,000

Master Franchise

No

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

Yes

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

Yes

B2B

Yes

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

E2 Visa Franchise

Yes

Story Time Chess Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Story Time Chess franchises for sale. We may have Story Time Chess franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises. We do not represent all franchises listed here. By clicking on "Request a Consultation," you are agreeing to be contacted by one of our Certified Franchise Consultants to discuss franchise ownership.

About our rankings: The IFPG uses its internal data collected from our membership portal to identify which franchises had the most activity in the past week. This ranking system is not based on franchise sales, franchisee success rates or number of units open. Our ranking system should not be used to make a decision on which franchise to buy it was solely created for internal purposes and for our IFPG Members.