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Interscholastic Chess, Debate, & Forensics

Three people stand in the foreground holding trophies and plaques against a white backdrop featuring the %22Debate Coaches Association%22 logo.

Milwaukee Recreation and Milwaukee Public Schools support three extracurricular clubs through the Interscholastic Athletics & Academics program: chess, debate, and forensics.

Participation helps students develop critical skills, including communication, analytical reasoning, problem solving, discipline, and college and career readiness. All skill levels are encouraged to join!

Learn More

Extracurricular Programs

Chess

Chess is a one-on-one strategy board game. Competitions include large tournaments with students competing at age- and skill-appropriate levels.

Debate

Debate allows students to research and present opposing viewpoints of a specific topic in a structured program. Competitions feature several category types and allow for students to work individually or as a team.

Forensics

Forensics involves the art of public speaking, with competitions featuring a variety of category types, such as duo interpretation, expository speaking, extemporaneous speaking, and more.

Get Involved

How Staff Can Start a Team

If an MPS staff member is interested in starting a program at the school level, they must connect with the school leader (i.e. the principal) and Steve Wells (Interscholastic Athletics & Academics supervisor) first. Once the school leader has selected a program leader, the program leader is responsible for recruiting students within the school.

How Students Can Join a Team

If students are interested in joining an extracurricular club at their respective school, they should contact the school's program leader. The program leader will provide all necessary registration information.

Additional Details

Cost

The cost varies depending on the school and the extracurricular program. Additional fees may be present for tournament competitions.

Schedule

The chess season typically runs from October through April. The debate season typically runs from late September through January, with an extended season for programs that qualify for national tournaments. The forensics season typically runs from January through April.

Each school regularly schedules practices and team meetings in preparation for competitions.