Illinois law requires students between the ages of 6 and 17 to attend public or private schools. We are not a recognized/accredited private school regulated under Illinois Law or the Illinois Department of Education. In Illinois, homeschooling is considered a "form" of private education. The Compulsory Attendance Law applies to students attending a non-public or parochial school where the branches of education correspond to their age and grade in public school.

The term "private school" includes homeschooling if the teacher (parent or private tutor) is competent and the required subjects are being taught. The student receives an education at least equivalent to public schooling. People v. Levisen, 404 Ill. 574, 90 N.E. 2d 213 (1950) and 105 ILCS 5/26-1 et seq. In 1950, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that homeschools should be considered private schools. In "People v. Levisen," the court ruled that a private school is "a place where instruction is imparted to the young. . . the number of persons being taught does not determine whether a place is a school." Click this link for homeschool laws in your state:  HSLDA

Please tell us the name of your home-based private school or write homeschooler. 

  2.

CHESS Membership 

A non-refundable annual membership fee of $55.00 per family is due at the time of registration and must be renewed each year. This fee helps cover essential operating expenses, including liability insurance, website and technology services, administrative and office supplies, cleaning supplies, and other general operational costs necessary to support the CHESS homeschool community.

Membership fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Do you agree?

  YES
3.

Active Members

To remain an Active CHESS Member, homeschooling parents are expected to attend support group meetings at least ten (10) months each calendar year and maintain a current membership in good standing.

Meetings may be attended in one of two ways:

• In Person (attendance at 8 of the 10 meetings is strongly encouraged to foster fellowship and community), or
• Via Zoom, when available.

Do you agree?

  YES
4.

Inactive Members
Members may be considered inactive if they:

Miss three (3) or more support group meetings without notifying CHESS of extenuating circumstances, and/or
Allow their annual membership to lapse by failing to keep their membership fee current.

If a member becomes inactive, CHESS will send an Inactive Membership Notice by email outlining the steps needed to restore active membership. A response is requested within 14 days of the date the notice is sent.

If no response is received within the 14-day period, we will assume the family is no longer interested in participating with CHESS. At that time, the membership will be considered voluntarily inactive, no further communication will be sent, and membership privileges will be discontinued.

We understand that families may experience significant life changes, transitions, or unforeseen circumstances. Former members who wish to return to CHESS in the future are welcome to reapply, and requests for reinstatement will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Our desire is always to extend grace while maintaining the health and commitment of our homeschool community.

Do you agree?

  YES
5.

Parental Commitment

As a parent-led homeschool co-op, every CHESS family is expected to contribute to the success of our community. Parents are encouraged to serve by teaching, assisting, substituting, or supporting a class in an area where they are gifted, experienced, or comfortable.

Once this Membership Form has been submitted, you will be asked to complete the required Co-op Teaching Form, which helps us identify your teaching and service preferences for the upcoming school year. All families are required to complete the Co-op Teaching Form annually as part of the membership process.

While we make every effort to honor your preferences, teaching and service assignments may be based on the needs, size, and growth of the co-op. Additionally, all students attending CHESS are required to register for classes.

Do you agree? 

  YES
6.

Your Responsibility

Members are responsible for regularly checking the CHESS website and calendar for important announcements, upcoming events, and schedule updates. Please also ensure your email preferences are properly configured through the CHESS website so you receive important communications regarding meetings, events, deadlines, and other membership updates. In addition, members will receive an invitation to join our CHESS Telegram group. Telegram is used primarily for fellowship and friendly reminders; however, official CHESS communications will be sent through the website and email.

Do you agree?

  YES
7.

Co-op attendance

Because CHESS is a parent-led homeschool cooperative, regular attendance and participation are essential to the success of our community. By definition, a co-op is a partnership in which families work together to educate and enrich one another's children. Therefore, attendance is a required part of CHESS membership.

Our co-op classes are developed based on the ages and educational needs of our participating member families. For example, if no enrolled families have preschool-aged children, Pre-K classes will not be offered for that school year. Likewise, course offerings may change from year to year as the needs of our membership change.

Families whose children do not have an age-appropriate class available are still welcome to join CHESS and enjoy the benefits of membership, including field trips, special events, fellowship opportunities, and other co-op activities. However, students may not participate in classroom instruction when no class is offered for their age group.

Please prayerfully consider your commitment to the co-op before scheduling non-emergency appointments, vacations, or other activities during co-op days. Consistent attendance allows our teachers, volunteers, and students to build meaningful relationships and maintain a productive learning environment.

We understand that illnesses and unexpected emergencies occur. If your family is unable to attend, please notify the Director before co-op begins. If you are scheduled to teach or assist in a class, you are responsible for arranging an approved substitute when possible and ensuring they have the lesson plans and materials needed for the day.

Do you agree?

  YES
8. Dress Code

As a Christian homeschool ministry, CHESS desires to cultivate an environment that reflects modesty, holiness, and respect for one another. Our appearance should honor Christ and demonstrate consideration for the families, children, and guests who attend our co-op.

Co-op T-shirts are required for all CHESS members, staff, volunteers, and students on designated co-op days.

All members are expected to dress modestly and avoid clothing that is revealing, distracting, excessively tight, or immodest. Clothing should provide appropriate coverage and should not draw unnecessary attention to the body. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Revealing or low-cut tops that expose the chest or cleavage
• Crop tops or shirts that expose the midriff
• Skin-tight clothing, including leggings or yoga pants worn as outerwear without a modest-length top or dress
• Clothing that reveals undergarments or visible panty lines due to excessive tightness
• Sagging pants or clothing that exposes undergarments
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses that are excessively short
• Clothing with offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate words, images, or messages

Volunteers

CHESS is a parent-led homeschool cooperative, and the success of our community depends on families serving together. In addition to teaching or assisting in the classroom, there are many opportunities to use your gifts and talents behind the scenes.

Please indicate the area(s) where you would be willing to serve. If you have skills, experience, or interests not listed below, please select "Other" and briefly describe how you would like to contribute.

Volunteer Opportunities (Check all that apply):

 
(1 required) Field Trip Coordinator
Moms' Fellowship Coordinator (formerly Mom's Night
Supply & Classroom Coordinator
Hospitality Coordinator
Assistant Scheduling Coordinator
Assistant Website & Communications Coordinator
Assistant Program Coordinator
Event Planning & Special Events Team
Prayer Team
Photography/Social Media Team
Set-Up & Clean-Up Team
OTHER
10. No Drop-Off Policy

CHESS is a parent-led homeschool cooperative, not a drop-off program. Parents are expected to remain on-site and actively participate in co-op activities by teaching, assisting, serving, or supervising their children throughout the co-op day.

In the event of an emergency or unavoidable circumstance, a student's parent may arrange for another responsible adult (18 years of age or older) to supervise their child during co-op. This arrangement must be approved by the Director in advance, and written notification identifying the designated supervising adult must be submitted prior to the start of co-op whenever possible.

Drop-offs without prior approval are not permitted.

Do you agree?

  YES
11.

Health & Illness Policy

At CHESS, we are committed to promoting the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of our families. Because we meet in a cooperative learning environment, we ask every family to exercise wisdom and consideration for others by helping prevent the spread of illness.

Please do not attend co-op, classes, field trips, or CHESS activities if anyone in your immediate household has:

• A fever within the past 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication);
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24–48 hours;
• A contagious illness that could reasonably be transmitted to others;
• Persistent coughing, excessive sneezing, or symptoms that significantly interfere with participation;
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge accompanied by signs of illness; or
• Any other symptoms that may place other families at risk.

Do you agree?

  YES
12.

Photography & Media Release

CHESS regularly takes photographs and videos during co-op classes, field trips, special events, and other ministry activities.

Do you grant CHESS permission to photograph and/or record your child(ren) and use these images or videos for educational, yearbook, ministry, marketing, promotional, and website purposes, including social media and other print or digital publications?

By selecting "Yes," you grant CHESS permission to use photographs and video recordings of your child(ren) without compensation for the purposes listed above.

To protect the privacy of our families, CHESS will not publish a child's full name in connection with a photograph or video without the parent or legal guardian's prior written consent.

Do you agree?

  YES, I grant permission.
NO, I do not grant permission.
13. Annual Award Ceremony

Each spring, CHESS hosts an Annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate the academic accomplishments, character, and growth of our students throughout the school year.

Families whose students are eligible to participate will receive an invitation no later than January 31. To help offset the cost of awards, certificates, programs, decorations, venue expenses, and other ceremony-related costs, we kindly request a suggested donation of at least $75 per participating family.

If you choose to participate, your donation is due by March 1 of the ceremony year.

Your generosity helps us provide a meaningful and memorable celebration that honors the hard work and achievements of our students.

Please note: The suggested donation amount is subject to change.

Do you agree? Yes
14. How did you hear about us?  15.

Your Agreement

By submitting your membership and enrollment forms, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements of the Christian Home Educators Support System (CHESS), including those outlined in the CHESS Membership Handbook, Parent Handbook, Co-op Handbook, and any other official ministry publications.

These policies have been established to preserve our biblical mission, protect the safety and well-being of our families, and support the effective operation of our homeschool cooperative, educational programs, and ministry. Because CHESS is a growing ministry, these policies may be amended, revised, or updated at any time at the discretion of the Ministry. Members will be notified of significant policy changes.

CHESS reserves the right to deny or discontinue enrollment, re-enrollment, membership, or participation in any CHESS program or activity when it is determined that doing so is necessary to uphold the mission, Statement of Faith, policies, standards of conduct, or the spiritual, moral, educational, or relational health of the CHESS community.

By signing below, you affirm your commitment to partner with CHESS in a spirit of Christian unity, mutual respect, and biblical accountability as we work together to educate and disciple the next generation.

Do you agree? 

  YES