Chicago's Chess School

Mind Journey From Pawn to Kings

In-person chess classes for ages 8 to 18 in Chicago. Beginner through Advanced. Private coaching available.

Enroll NowView Schedule

3 Skill Levels

Beginner to Advanced

Up to 14 Students

Per Group Class

Ages 8 to 18

All Skill Levels Welcome

In-Person

Chicago, Illinois

Group Classes

Find the Right Level

Every new student gets a free placement session. We find the right fit. You just show up.

Beginner
Best for ages 8 to 11
New to chess or just getting started. We teach how every piece moves, basic tactics, and how to think ahead.
Piece movement and values
Basic checkmate patterns
Opening principles
How to read a position
$35
per session
Join Beginner Class
Intermediate
Best for ages 10 to 14
You know the rules. Now learn to use them. Tactics, strategy, game analysis, and how to stop losing winnable games.
Tactical patterns
Pawn structure and planning
Middle game strategy
Learning from your own games
$35
per session
Join Intermediate Class
Advanced
Best for ages 13 to 18
For competitive players who want real results. Tournament preparation, deep game analysis, and the mindset to win.
Opening theory and preparation
Endgame technique
Tournament time management
Evaluation and long-term planning
$35
per session
Join Advanced Class
Beginner
Per month
$140
Four sessions
Enroll now
Ages 8 to 11
Fundamentals and confidence
Per session
Intermediate
Per month
$140
Four sessions
Enroll now
Ages 10 to 14
Tactics and strategy
Per session
Real tournament play
Advanced
Per month
$140
Four sessions
Enroll now
Ages 13 to 18
Competition and mastery
Per session
Tournament preparation
Small group instruction
Class Schedule

When Classes Meet

All classes run weekly during the school year. Pick the level and day that works best for your family.

beginner

Ages 8 to 11

Saturday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Sunday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

intermediate

Ages 8 to 11

Saturday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Wednesday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

advanced

Ages 8 to 11

Saturday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Thursday

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Private Coaching

One Coach. One Student. Quality Results.

Private lessons accelerate improvement at any level. Your child's exact weaknesses, addressed directly and not covered in a group setting.

Piece movement and values
Basic checkmate patterns
Opening principles
How to read a position

1-on-1 Private Lesson

60 minutes · One student · One instructor

$75
per session
Book Private Lesson

1-on-1 Private Lesson

60 minutes · 2 students (siblings or friends)

$50
per session
Book Semi-Private
How It Works

Three Steps to Getting Started

Choose Your Level

Not sure where your child fits? The free placement session handles that.

Join a Class

Weekly in-person classes in Chicago. Up to 14 students. Real boards. Real opponents.

Watch Them Improve

From first move to tournament play, progress is visible, measurable, and fast.

upcoming

Upcoming Competitions

Put your skills to the test. We host and participate in tournaments throughout the year for students of every level.

Fri
16
Feb 2026
Beginner

ChessMaster Spring Open 2026

Chicago
Our annual spring tournament for all enrolled students. Trophies for top 3 in each section. Free entry for current students.
Register
Sat
24
Feb 2026
Intermediate

Chicago Youth Rapid Championship

Chicago
USCF-rated rapid event open to all youth players in the Chicago area. 5 rounds, G/15+5.
Register
Sun
03
Mar 2026
Advanced

Summer Blitz Series (4 weeks)

Chicago
Weekly Saturday blitz events to keep skills sharp over summer break. Casual and competitive divisions available.
Register
News

Latest from LionChess

Stay up to date with announcements, student achievements, and school updates.

Enrollment
3 min read

Spring Session Registration Now Open

Our spring session kicks off April 5. All three group tiers are available with limited spots. Early registration is recommended.
Read more
Enrollment
3 min read

Spring Session Registration Now Open

Our spring session kicks off April 5. All three group tiers are available with limited spots. Early registration is recommended.
Read more
Enrollment
3 min read

Spring Session Registration Now Open

Our spring session kicks off April 5. All three group tiers are available with limited spots. Early registration is recommended.
Read more
Enrollment
3 min read

Spring Session Registration Now Open

Our spring session kicks off April 5. All three group tiers are available with limited spots. Early registration is recommended.
Read more

From Chicago Families

What People Say

"My son went from barely knowing how the pieces move to winning his first school tournament in three months. The structure and encouragement from the coaches made all the difference."
Maria T.
Parent of 9-year-old, Wicker Park
"This isn't like other chess clubs. The coaches actually push you. I've improved more in six months here than two years on my own. The advanced class is legit."
Alex K.
15, Advanced class student
"The private lessons were exactly what our son needed before regionals. His coach identified gaps in his endgame we never would have caught. Worth every dollar."
James R.
Parent of 13-year-old, Lincoln Park
Your Coach

Taught by a Player Who Actually Plays

Every ChessMaster instructor is a rated chess player and an experienced youth coach. No hobbyists. No volunteers. Real coaching.

Rachel Thompson
Private coaching

Works one-on-one with competitive players preparing for state championships

Pricing

Pay as you go

Drop in when it works for your schedule

Group classes
$35
Per session
Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Up to 14 students per class
Weekly in-person sessions
Free placement session included
Ages 8 to 18
Enroll in a Group Class
Private coaching
From $75
Per one-on-one session
1-on-1 or semi-private (2 students)
Flexible scheduling
All levels and ages
Tournament prep available
First session includes skill assessment
Book a Private Lesson

What is your Next Move?

Classes are forming now. Free placement session for every new student.

Enroll NowBook a Private Lesson