Our wellness instructors are here for you; whether you need help getting started, a refreshed program as boredom is setting in or you have decided to train for your first marathon, we can and will help.  As a member of the Granite YMCA, you can receive up to 7 coaching sessions as part of your membership!

During your Coaching session you will be walked through all aspects of living a healthy life and leave with a clear program for success.  The goals are yours and the program is yours.  Typical orientations include the following components:

• General introduction to the facility
• Discussion around possible health concerns
• Goal setting; short and long term
• Warming up
• Flexibility work
• Cardiovascular training
• Resistance training
• Cooling down
• Reducing stress
• Program review

Our wellness instructors are always available to change, amend, or refresh your program whenever you need them to.  For more information or to make an appointment at the YMCA of Downtown Manchester, please call 603-623-3558 or at the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown, please call 603-497-4663.

LIVESTRONG© at the YMCA is a FREE 12-week, small group program for adult cancer survivors, family members, and caregivers. Through this program, our instructors help participants develop their own physical fitness program based on their own personal needs in order to continue a healthy lifestyle as part of the recovery process and as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, LIVESTRONG© at the YMCA provides participants with a supportive environment and a feeling of community with fellow survivors, Y staff, and other members.

For infants/toddlers and children up to 3 years old.  Adults accompany children in the water as their own instructors with guidance from an instructor in the water. Children are introduced to the aquatic environment through exploration and are encouraged to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.  More experienced children will explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.  This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student's future progress in swimming.

For children aged 6+. Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student's future progress in swimming.

For children aged 3-6 with little to some experience in the water but not yet able to swim the full length of the pool on their own without flotation.  Instructors assist children in the pool while they develop comfort with underwater exploration and basic safety skills as well as basic swimming skills like body positions, breath control, and basic movement through the water using the swim-float-swim skillset when they are ready.

For children 5+ with little to some experience in the water but not yet able to swim the full length of the pool on their own without flotation.  Instructors assist children in the pool while they develop comfort with underwater exploration and basic safety skills as well as basic swimming skills like body positions, breath control, and basic movement through the water using the swim-float-swim skillset when they are ready.

For children 3-6 with some experience in the water but not yet able to swim the full length of the pool on their own without flotation.  Instructors assist children in the pool while they develop comfort with underwater exploration and basic safety skills as well as basic swimming skills like body positions, breath control, and basic movement through the water using the swim-float-swim skillset when they are ready.

For children 5+ with little to some experience in the water but not yet able to swim the full length of the pool on their own without flotation.  Instructors assist children in the pool while they develop comfort with underwater exploration and basic safety skills as well as basic swimming skills like body positions, breath control, and basic movement through the water using the swim-float-swim skillset when they are ready.

For children aged 6+ able to swim 25 yards independently using the swim-float-swim skillset demonstrating rhythmic breathing and tread water for one minute.  Children will be introduced to technique in basic competitive strokes.  Water safety will be reinforced through treading water, elementary and backstroke.

For intermediate to advanced swimmers aged 6+ that have completed Stage 4: Stroke Introduction.  Students should be able to swim 25-50 yards of front and back crawl well and know the basics of breaststroke and dolphin kick.  Further stroke development for the 4 competitive strokes will be practiced as well as some fun skills like diving and flip turns.

This class is designed for beginner adults with little or no swimming experience to gain confidence and comfort in the water.  Swimmers learn water adjustment, floating, safety skills, and are introduced to basic swimming strokes.

This program is designed to give swimmers a more competitive workout with swimmers of their ability and training level.  Lanes will be split by ability and practices will be designed and implemented by a YMCA swim coach.  This is a great opportunity to train with like-minded swimmers and to challenge each other, get a great workout, and have fun!

If you are unsure if this group is right for you, or for more information, please contact  Ronny Rose, YMCA of Downtown Manchester Aquatics Director.

Details: Two rapid games each Tuesday evening, starting on the first Tuesday of the month. Two 4-round tournaments in one month. USCF quick rated. One open section. Swiss style pairing. If a month has 5 Tuesdays, the fifth Tuesday will be a casual format.
Time Control: G/15;+5 (15 minutes per side with 5 second increment)

Schedule:
6:00pm - Check in; Setup; Pre-game discussion on tactics and puzzle themes
6:30pm - Check-in closes; Game 1 pairings formulated
6:45pm - Game 1 begins
7:25pm - 5 minute break; results tabulated; game 2 pairings formulated
7:30pm - Game 2 begins
8:10pm - Game review and discussion

Arrive no later than 6:30pm or you will not be paired that evening. Contact organizer at contact listed below if you are going to arrive after 6:15pm. Be sure to allow time for parking.

Entry Fee:
$10 for non-members. Free to members of the Granite YMCA. Registration required for all. YMCA membership supports chess club activities - consider joining the YMCA.

Prizes:
Entry fee reimbursed for the winner after tiebreak rules applied. Limit one per month per person.

Parking & Accessibility:
Metered on-street parking available, but limited. Parking garage is one block away at 2-98 Plaza Dr in Manchester. Elevator from street level is available. Ring buzzer for assistance. Chess event is on the second floor, Studio A.

Contact Info & Newsletter:
Questions? Email Eric at [email protected], or text or call (929) 900-4226.
Sign up for weekly email updates by going to https://queencitychessnh.wixsite.com/chess.

Details: One 4-round tournament, with one game each Tuesday, starting on the first Tuesday of the month. USCF dual rated. One open section. Swiss style pairing. If the month has 5 Tuesdays, the fifth Tuesday will be a casual format.
Time Control: G/45;+5

Schedule:
6:00pm - Check in; Setup; Pre-game discussion on tactics and puzzle themes
6:30pm - Check-in closes; pairings finalized
6:45pm - Games begin; Post-game discussions to follow
9:00pm - Facility closes

Arrive no later than 6:30pm or you will not be paired that evening. Contact organizer at contact listed below if you are going to arrive after 6:15pm. Be sure to allow time for parking.

Entry Fee:
$10 for non-members. Free to members of the Granite YMCA. Registration required for all. YMCA membership supports chess club activities - consider joining the YMCA.

Prizes:
Entry fee reimbursed for the winner of the classical tournament.

Parking & Accessibility:
Metered on-street parking available, but limited. Parking garage is one block away at 2-98 Plaza Dr in Manchester. Elevator from street level is available. Ring buzzer for assistance. Chess event is on the second floor, Studio A.

Contact Info & Newsletter:
Questions? Email Eric at [email protected], or text or call (929) 900-4226.
Sign up for weekly email updates by going to https://queencitychessnh.wixsite.com/chess.

Classical Chess Duel

A new chess league in Manchester, NH

Elevate your chess game with a focused classical game against a closely matched opponent, the first Saturday of every month in Manchester, NH. This format serves to hone your thought process, develop mental stamina, deepen strategic thinking, and practice time management.

What: USCF Rated, over-the-board chess games
Time Control: G/90;+10 (90 minutes per side with 10 second increment)

When: First Saturday of every month of 2026 (**Second Saturday in case of snow emergency or holiday conflict)
Dates: Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 11, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 11, Aug 1, Sep 12, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 12. This signup is for the full year. To sign up for individual months, click here.

Schedule:
9:00am - Check in; Setup
9:30am - Check-in closes; pairings finalized. Games begin as soon as possible.

Arrive no later than 9:30am to ensure a pairing.

Price:
$5 per month, or $60 for the full year.

Location:
YMCA of Downtown Manchester, 30 Mechanic St, 2nd Floor, Studio A. (Exception: The January event will be on the 2nd floor in Studio C.)

Additional Details:
Snacks provided, or bring your own. Prizes for top scores. For a complete listing of rules and prize schedule, visit this link.

Parking & Accessibility:
Metered on-street parking available, but limited. Parking garage is one block away at 2-98 Plaza Dr in Manchester. Elevator from street level is available. Ring buzzer for assistance. Chess is on the second floor, Studio A.

Contact Info:
Email Eric at [email protected], or text or call (929) 900-4226.

Stay Informed:
Sign up for weekly email updates at https://queencitychessnh.wixsite.com/chess.

This all-in-one chess sign-up covers all Chess League and Monthly Tournament events at the Granite YMCA for 2026.

Chess League: USCF Rated, over-the-board chess games
Time Control: G/90;+10 (90 minutes per side with 10 second increment)

When: First Saturday of every month of 2026 (**Second Saturday in case of snow emergency or holiday conflict)
Dates: Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 11, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 11, Aug 1, Sep 12, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 12.

Schedule:
9:00am - Check in; Setup
9:30am - Check-in closes; pairings finalized. Games begin as soon as possible.

Arrive no later than 9:30am to ensure a pairing.

Additional Details:
Snacks provided, or bring your own. Prizes for top scores. For a complete listing of rules and prize schedule, visit this link.

Monthly Chess Tournament - Rapid Tuesdays: Two 4-round tournaments in one month. Two rounds each Tuesday, starting on the first Tuesday of the month. USCF quick rated. One open section. Swiss style pairing. If a month has 5 Tuesdays, the fifth will be a casual format. Schedule subject to change due to holidays.
Time Control: G/15;+5

When: Each Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm in odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov)

Schedule:
6:00pm - Check in; set-up; warm-up (discussion of game analysis, tactics, strategy)
6:30pm - Check-in closes; pairings finalized
6:45pm - Clocks start; games begin
9:00pm - Facility closes

Arrive no later than 6:30pm or you will not be paired that evening. Contact organizer if you are going to arrive after 6:15pm. Be sure to allow time for parking.

Prizes:
One month's entry fee ($10) reimbursed for the winner after tiebreak rules applied. Limit one per month per person.

Monthly Chess Tournament - "Fast Classical" Tuesdays: One 4-round tournament. One round each Tuesday, starting on the first Tuesday of the month. USCF dual rated. One open section. Swiss style pairing. If a month has 5 Tuesdays, the fifth will be a casual format. Schedule subject to change due to holidays.
Time Control: G/45;+5

When: Each Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8pm in even-numbered months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Schedule:
6:00pm - Check in; set-up; warm-up (discussion of game analysis, tactics, strategy)
6:30pm - Check-in closes; pairings finalized
6:45pm - Clocks start; games begin
9:00pm - Facility closes

Arrive no later than 6:30pm or you will not be paired that evening. Contact organizer if you are going to arrive after 6:15pm. Be sure to allow time for parking.

Prizes:
One month's entry fee ($10) reimbursed for the winner of the classical tournament.

Price:
$120 for non-members. Free to members of the Granite YMCA.

Location:
YMCA of Downtown Manchester, 30 Mechanic St, 2nd Floor, Studio A. (Exception: The January Chess League event will be on the 2nd floor in Studio C.)

Parking & Accessibility:
Metered on-street parking available, but limited. Parking garage is one block away at 2-98 Plaza Dr in Manchester. Elevator from street level is available. Ring buzzer for assistance. Chess event is on the second floor, Studio A.

Contact Info & Newsletter:
Questions? Email Eric at [email protected], or text or call (929) 900-4226.
Sign up for weekly email updates by going to https://queencitychessnh.wixsite.com/chess.

Calling all teens who want to make a positive impact!  Leaders Club, a nationally recognized Y program, is a great opportunity to have fun and build a community with your peers, learn leadership skills, serve the community and Y programs through volunteer opportunities, enjoy health and wellness activities, and even travel for retreats and conferences!  Our club meets on a weekly basis and is FREE to Y members!  (Some costs associated with travel opportunities.)

For more information on participating in Leaders Club, please reach out to Mitch Garrant at [email protected].

The Manchester Leaders Club meets on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm throughout the school year.  Meetings are in person at YMCA of Downtown Manchester.