5 Chess Clubs for kids in the UK
5 September 2023
Do you have a chess-loving kid at home? If so, encourage their passion by enrolling them in one of these 5 amazing chess clubs for kids in the UK. These clubs not only provide a fun and supportive environment for young chess players, but also offer expert instruction to help them improve their skills. Whether your child is just starting out or is already a seasoned player, they're sure to benefit from being a part of one of these great clubs.
Watford Chess Club
The Watford Chess Club offers a variety of activities for kids. Their coaches are all DBS-checked and experienced chess teachers. They run a variety of online and in-person chess clubs, camps, and tournaments throughout the year. With so many different options to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone! Members of this academy are assessed initially to judge their skill level and then it is up to the parents to decide how they would like to progress. You can even get 1-1 lessons with chess grandmasters!
Richmond Junior Chess Club
The Richmond Junior Chess Club was founded in 1975 and is a wonderful choice for kids who want to learn and play chess in a calm setting. Their expert staff will provide your child with in-depth instruction and analysis, allowing them to develop their game at their own pace. Located in Richmond, this club offers girls-only classes for those of us with little girls who might be intimidated by the number of boys attending. It’s a great little touch! They also hold regular tournaments and competitions that allow your child to put their skills to the test and compete against other players at their own level. All standards are welcome, so it doesn’t matter how experienced you are - head to Richmond Junior Chess Club to get started!
Chess in Schools and Communities
Chess in Schools and Communities is a charity that provides chess lessons and clubs for kids in disadvantaged communities. They provide free chess lessons and are a great way to learn chess if you’re on a budget! They provide free chess sets, teaching resources, and access to school activity days at the London Chess Classic. Your kids can take part in their curriculum time lessons, or join one of their chess clubs in libraries to get started with their own chess journey.
Wallace Chess
The Wallace Chess Club is an excellent place for kids to learn and play chess. They offer chess classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as a variety of events and tournaments throughout the year. The club also has an excellent junior program that helps young players develop their skills. They have a wide range of coaching options, from complete beginners to elite players. Wallace Chess Club is open to all kids aged 6-18 - and isn’t just a chess club. They encourage activities for your kids beyond chess, so they can socialise and make new friends while they’re at it!
Delancey Schools UK
Chess is one of the main activities at Delancey Schools UK. They have a lot of different programmes that help children to improve their skills in chess. They work with the English Chess Federation to deliver their flagship Academy Programme as well as developing all of their teaching materials in-house to tailor the chess content and language to the appropriate age and ability.
No matter which club you choose for your child, they are sure to benefit from the instruction and analysis provided by experienced chess teachers. These clubs offer a variety of activities, competitions, and events throughout the year that will help your child improve their skills and have fun playing this fascinating game!