Serious chess practice for young players in Kingston upon Thames
Weekly coached sessions for ages 6 to 18, from first moves to tournament play. Expert guidance in a supportive club environment that builds focus and confidence.
Losing is part of the plan
Chess practice at Kingston Junior Chess teaches young players to slow down, think ahead, and own their decisions, both on and off the board.
Think before moving
Every game builds the habit of pausing, weighing options, and choosing deliberately.
Learn to lose well
We treat every defeat as a lesson, so setbacks become stepping stones, not stingers.
Focus that sticks
An hour of chess trains attention spans in a way screens simply can't match.
Confidence through decisions
Making your own choices on the board builds self-belief that carries into school.
A thinking community
Weekly sessions in Kingston upon Thames connect your child with peers who enjoy the game.
Sportsmanship, practiced
We role model respect for opponents, so good grace becomes a genuine habit.
Checkmate Builders and JGC Kings Lounge in Kingston
Board practice happens weekly at the Richard Mayo Centre. Monday sessions pair beginners aged 6 to 10 with a patient, structured start, while 10 to 18 year olds sharpen tactics in the Kings Lounge. Every hour ends with a game, a win, or a lesson worth keeping.
Clear term fees for weekly sessions
Simple, per-session pricing for each class. Pay as you go, no long contracts, no hidden extras, just solid chess coaching.
Taster session
£10
one sessionA single session to see if the club is the right fit.
Low-pressure intro
Meet the coaches
No commitment needed
Checkmate Builders
£12
per sessionWeekly group lessons for ages 6-10, Monday 5:15-6:15pm.
Beginner and intermediate
Tactical training
Tournament preparation
Expert coaching
Friendly environment
JGC Kings Lounge
£12
per sessionAdvanced group coaching for ages 10-18, Monday 5:30-6:30pm.
Advanced strategies
Strong group play
Game analysis
Tournament prep
Expert coaching
Club membership
£30
per yearPriority tournament registration and support for club running costs.
Priority registration
Supports club costs
Member benefits
Ready for a real chess challenge?
Ready to put those lessons to the test? Our monthly tournaments give young players a friendly yet competitive stage to try their skills.
Monthly club tournaments
Regular tournaments held each month for players of every level.
Swiss-system pairings
Fair matchups on the Swiss system, so every game counts.
Beginner-friendly matches
Low-pressure matches where newer players build confidence fast.
Post-game coaching
Get a game review with coach feedback after every event.
Rapid chess events
Fast-paced rapid games that sharpen quick thinking and timing.
Meet fellow players
Make friends and connect with other chess enthusiasts locally.
Sign your child up for a chess session onMonday's during term time
The first taster session is £10 with no commitment. Sessions run Monday afternoons at the Richard Mayo Centre in Kingston upon Thames.