The Knight School Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
The Knight School is a chess education franchise that provides engaging and innovative chess classes for kids, focusing on sportsmanship and cognitive development.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
22
+
57%
57%
Franchise fee
?
$35,000
Investment
?
$41,000 - $99,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$93,000
+
133.4%
133.4%
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Founded in 2007 by Dr. David Brooks in Birmingham, Alabama, The Knight Schoolhas transformed the traditional approach to teaching chess. What began as a high school chess team evolved into a vibrant, nationwide after-school program that brings high-energy, fun-filled chess lessons to children across the United States.
Headquartered in Birmingham, The Knight School began franchising in 2015, expanding its unique model to over 18 metropolitan areas nationwide. The Knight School offers a distinctive, party-based approach to chess education, making the game accessible and enjoyable for children aged 5 to 16.
Its curriculum includes colorful silicone wristbands representing mastery of different chess tactics, engaging activities like chess puzzlers with candy prizes, and daily tournaments where students play for Mardi Gras beads.
What sets The Knight School apart is its commitment to making chess education accessible to all. No prior teaching or chess experience is required to become a franchisee, as comprehensive training and support are provided.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a The Knight School franchise is
$41,000 - $99,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Opening Kit
$3,360 – $3,930
Electronics/Smart Phone
$0 – $200
Business Licenses/Permits
$110 – $930
Insurance
$250 – $1,070
Training (transportation, lodging, etc.)
$460 – $2,340
Computer and Office Supplies
$290 – $2,140
Office or Business Software and Internet Access
$140 – $1,860
Professional Service Fees
$100 – $2,730
Initial Advertising
$60 – $1,290
Fixtures, Furniture and Other Office Furnishings
$0 – $240
Additional Funds (3 months)
$1,670 – $47,260
Total
$41,440 – $98,990
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000
Opening Kit
$3,360 – $3,930
Electronics/Smart Phone
$0 – $200
Business Licenses/Permits
$110 – $930
Insurance
$250 – $1,070
Training (transportation, lodging, etc.)
$460 – $2,340
Computer and Office Supplies
$290 – $2,140
Office or Business Software and Internet Access
$140 – $1,860
Professional Service Fees
$100 – $2,730
Initial Advertising
$60 – $1,290
Fixtures, Furniture and Other Office Furnishings
$0 – $240
Additional Funds (3 months)
$1,670 – $47,260
Total
$41,440 – $98,990
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is The Knight School's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
The Knight School had 24 total units in 2024, of which 22 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
The Knight School provides a detailed training program to ensure that franchisees are fully prepared to operate their chess instruction business effectively. The franchisor offers the following structured programs:
Initial Training Program: This mandatory program includes both classroom and on-the-job training. It covers essential areas such as establishing the business, team building, marketing strategies, and operational procedures, with sessions conducted both at The Knight School’s headquarters and at the franchisee’s location.
Ongoing Training and Support: Franchisees are required to maintain standards through continuous learning. The franchisor may implement remedial training or additional programs as needed, especially if quality assurance audits indicate any deficiencies in service or performance.
Optional Supplemental Training: Franchisees have access to optional supplemental packages and materials that further enhance their ability to deliver top-quality chess instruction. This program ensures that franchisees can stay updated with new techniques and tools as the business evolves.
Territory Protection
The Knight School grants franchisees a Protected Territory where they can operate without direct competition from other franchisees. This territory is defined in the franchise agreement, but the franchisor retains the right to adjust it if needed for system changes.
Although physical territory is protected, digital marketing and brand activities may overlap across regions. Franchisees must comply with strict brand guidelines, and all marketing materials require franchisor approval to maintain consistency.
The franchisor does not assist with site selection, as most franchisees work from home offices. However, franchisees are required to uphold all operational standards within their territory as outlined in the agreement.
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