London offers a dynamic landscape for junior chess enthusiasts, ranging from budget-friendly community clubs to premium, specialist coaching centres. Parents can expect options situated in established West London hubs like Hammersmith, North London centres in Highgate, and a significant cluster of providers working directly within schools across the entire city. For those seeking a calmer introduction, Mindful Chess focuses on integrating mindfulness into the game, whereas Chess Wizards London runs high volumes of after-school programmes throughout London. The pricing tiers vary significantly, moving from budget options primarily found in community clubs to premium services in areas like Chelsea and Marylebone that often feature smaller class sizes.
See our top picks
Chelsea Chess
The availability of a trial session paired with small group sizes makes this West London provider a comfortable starting point for children needing extra attention.
Chess in Schools & Communities
Operating as a non-profit with a school focus, this Marylebone-based organisation offers highly accessible rates, often providing a strong foundational introduction without a large financial commitment.
Charlton Chess Club
This Charlton club offers weekend sessions and allows juniors to drop in for play, providing scheduling flexibility for families not requiring a full term commitment.
28 Chess Providers in London
This provider operates a high volume of after-school chess programmes in schools throughout the London area.
Chess Wizards runs many structured kids chess classes across London, often based in schools for after-school convenience. They guide primary and secondary school players through skills progression, building a foundation for tournament play in these group settings.
- Offers classes at numerous London school locations
- Focuses on structured learning for school-aged kids
- Website has a comprehensive list of venue times
The teaching style integrates mindfulness, making it a thoughtful option for parents seeking a calmer approach to kids chess lessons in North London.
Mindful Chess offers creative and fun kids chess clubs in various North London schools, integrating focus techniques with gameplay. Their approach to school chess clubs aims to build concentration skills alongside tactical understanding for primary and secondary players.
- Emphasises mental focus and wellbeing alongside chess
- Partners with numerous primary and secondary schools
- Check the website for specific school club locations
This established Hampstead-area club offers specialist chess coaching for kids, catering to various skill levels including those preparing for serious competitive play.
Wallace Chess provides dedicated chess lessons and coaching for children around Hampstead and North West London, running structured sessions for different age groups. This provider focuses on clear instruction for young players looking to improve their board skills in a group or one-to-one format.
- Offers both group lessons and private coaching options
- Services centred around the North West London area
- Website details various class formats available
This Barnet-based club actively encourages junior members to participate in team and individual league competitions, providing a clear competitive pathway for local kids.
Barnet Knights is a dedicated chess club with a strong focus on developing junior players in the Barnet area. They run specific sessions for children, nurturing their interest from beginner through to more advanced club play throughout the year.
- Strong community focus for junior chess development
- Sessions are targeted specifically at school-aged children
- The club competes in team and individual leagues
This boutique Chelsea provider offers children's chess lessons and often includes a trial session, making it accessible for a premium introductory experience in West London.
Chelsea Chess provides sophisticated kids chess classes in the affluent Chelsea area, catering to serious young learners from preschool upwards. This provider offers dedicated attention, potentially in smaller groups, for children learning the game in a central London setting.
- Offers an introductory session to sample the teaching style
- Located centrally in the desirable SW3 postcode area
- Appears to focus on quality instruction over large scale
RJCC partners with many schools to offer after-school kids chess classes throughout London, suggesting a very wide geographic spread for this programme.
The Richard Jones Junior Chess Club (RJCC) provides accessible kids chess classes across numerous London venues, often partnering with schools to deliver after-school clubs. They aim to introduce chess to a wide range of primary and secondary children through structured term-time programmes.
- Find their extensive list of London venues online
- Structured programmes run across school terms
- Focus on growing participation in junior chess
This established Charlton club offers weekend sessions and welcomes juniors to join the club environment, providing an accessible option in the South East London area.
Charlton Chess Club hosts a junior section for young players, offering regular sessions at Mycenae House in South East London. This established club welcomes school-aged children to join their community for casual play and organised league matches.
- Meets at the Mycenae House community centre
- Offers both league play and casual junior sessions
- Website indicates an active junior membership exists
This Edgware based service appears to specialise in more intensive, smaller group or private chess instruction for children rather than large club sessions.
Chess Coaching Services provides focused kids chess lessons, likely concentrating on one-to-one or very small group tuition near Edgware for serious young players. Their service is geared towards intensive improvement for primary and secondary students across the region, including remote options.
- Services are concentrated on coaching and instruction
- A base of operation is listed in Edgware HA8
- Website suggests high customisation for learning plans
The club hosts a dedicated Junior Hour at the Hammersmith Mindsports Center, creating a focused environment for primary and secondary chess players.
Hammersmith Chess Club runs a specific Hammersmith Junior Hour for school-aged kids, providing a regular slot for learning and play in West London. This offers a structured introduction to competitive chess within an established club framework at the Mindsports Center.
- Features a specific session time for juniors
- Meets at the Mindsports Center in Hammersmith
- Part of a larger, established London chess club
This East London club provides ongoing junior coaching integrated within the main club activities for primary and secondary aged chess enthusiasts.
The Wanstead and Woodford Chess Club offers junior chess coaching for children in the East London area, focusing on developing skills in a friendly club setting. These sessions are designed for school-aged players keen to learn and progress within the established club structure.
- Coaching is provided as part of the club structure
- Sessions held in the Wanstead and Woodford area
- Juniors can progress into main club membership
Located centrally in Bermondsey, this club uses its Druid Street base for structured kids chess classes and maintains an active online presence for updates.
The London Chess Club in Bermondsey hosts activities for juniors, offering kids chess classes in the SE1 area for school-aged children. While details are often shared via social media, this venue provides a base for regular chess engagement near central Southwark.
- Uses the Druid Street location in SE1
- Social media is a key source for schedules
- Active club with defined session times for juniors
This community chess club in Beckenham offers regular junior sessions, acting as a feeder system for older school-aged children into the main club structure.
The Beckenham and Bromley Chess Club maintains a junior section, providing kids chess classes for school-aged children near the Beckenham area of Greater London. This is a community-focused club where juniors can learn and eventually join the main adult club sessions.
- Meets at The Parklangley Club venue
- A community club serving Beckenham and Bromley areas
- Welcomes juniors who wish to play competitive chess
This established West London club offers kids chess classes within the Mindsports Center, providing a dedicated physical space for junior development in Hammersmith.
Hammersmith Chess Club provides kids chess classes and junior play opportunities in West London, meeting at the Mindsports Center in Hammersmith. School-aged children have access to a standard club environment to practice and improve their game throughout the year.
- Meets at the dedicated Mindsports Center venue
- Part of the wider London chess community
- Offers dedicated time slots for younger players
Operating from a community venue in Eltham, this academy provides structured kids chess lessons for primary and secondary players in South East London.
The Richard Weekes Chess Academy offers children's chess lessons in the Eltham area of South East London, meeting at the Friendship Centre. This provider runs programmes suitable for a wide range of school-aged kids aiming to build chess competence in a community setting.
- Meets at the Eltham Park Baptist Church centre
- Covers a broad spectrum of ages and abilities
- South East London location for local access
This Uxbridge club clearly separates its senior and junior activities, providing a focused club environment for primary and secondary kids in West London.
The Uxbridge Chess Clubs feature a dedicated junior section for children playing chess in the Uxbridge area, meeting at their Osborn Road base. This club caters to school-aged players looking for regular organised play and the chance to join competitive club events.
- Offers both senior and junior club structures
- Based in the Uxbridge area of West London
- Clear pathway for juniors into main club play
This Covent Garden chess programme for children carries a perfect 5 star user rating, suggesting high satisfaction among attending families.
ABCHESS provides robust chess lessons for kids in the Covent Garden area, building skills through a dedicated educational approach. Children from preschool age upwards can join these classes to learn strategy and tournament readiness.
- Exhibits a perfect 5 star rating from verified reviews
- Classes are designed for both beginner and intermediate juniors
- Central London location accessible from many areas
As a registered non-profit in Marylebone, this organisation prioritises accessibility, often delivering kids chess classes directly within school settings.
Chess in Schools and Communities is a non-profit organisation facilitating chess learning across London schools for primary and secondary pupils. They focus on making chess accessible, often working within school hours for after-school clubs.
- Operates as a charitable organisation to promote access
- Focus often tailored towards in-school or after-school clubs
- Central Marylebone based charity office for administration
This Marylebone chess centre uniquely combines a retail experience with dedicated chess coaching services for young players in London.
Chess & Bridge in Marylebone is a well-known shop that also provides chess lessons for juniors, offering expertise built around a physical retail presence. They cater to a range of junior abilities, from beginners learning the board to those preparing for serious tournaments.
- Offers trial lessons to sample their coaching style first
- Physical shop in Marylebone for equipment and advice
- Coaching is available for all junior levels right up to expert
Operating out of Wandsworth, the UK Chess Academy provides lessons for a wide range of junior ages, aiming to build a solid competitive foundation.
The UK Chess Academy, situated in Wandsworth, structures its curriculum to guide children through progressive chess mastery, from initial steps to advanced play. They run various classes designed for different age bands, including primary and secondary students.
- Classes for kids available throughout the South London area
- Offers a trial session for new students to assess fit
- Focus on structured learning for junior tournament preparation
This established Battersea Chess Club allows secondary school juniors to drop in and play alongside adult club members for real-world practice.
The Battersea Chess Club welcomes older children and juniors for social and club chess play in Battersea on weekday evenings. While primarily an adult club, they facilitate an environment where secondary school players can gain valuable over the board experience.
- Offers a casual, drop-in style of play for experienced juniors
- Located within the Battersea Labour Club premises
- Best suited for secondary players used to a club environment
This Peckham provider concentrates on early years chess lessons, using playful methods to teach strategy to preschool and primary school children.
Little King Chess Academy in Peckham focuses on introducing the game to younger children, running specific kids chess classes for preschool and primary age groups. Their approach centres on making early lessons fun and engaging for the youngest learners.
- Specifically targets the preschool and primary age range
- Offers a trial session before committing to a full course
- South East London location in the Peckham vicinity
Located in King's Cross, this club provides a supportive evening social chess environment, particularly useful for older secondary school girls.
The London Women Chess Club, meeting in King's Cross, runs social chess sessions that welcome older secondary school girls interested in joining a supportive club environment. While focused on women, they provide a unique setting for older juniors to play.
- Meets at Pancras Square Library near King's Cross station
- Primarily for women, offering a specific social setting
- Suitable for older secondary school students wanting club play
SW Chess offers a distinct option near Earl's Court with an emphasis on outdoor kids chess classes during suitable London weather.
SW Chess runs kids chess classes focused in the South West London area, including sessions in outdoor settings near Earl's Court for primary children. They offer a warm introduction to the game, often through after-school clubs and weekend events.
- South West London based coaching for primary ages
- Offers trial classes to ensure a good fit
- Some sessions take place outdoors in local parks or gardens
This Barking-area club focuses solely on weekend chess lessons for children, making it a rare, dedicated option for family weekend scheduling.
The Weekend Chess Club near Barking provides dedicated kids chess classes specifically for Saturday and Sunday play, catering to a wide range of junior abilities. This service is excellent for families needing after-school and weekday time slots to remain free for other activities.
- Exclusively runs chess lessons on the weekend for juniors
- Based in the East London area near Barking
- A perfect option if weekday commitments prevent attendance
Located in Hammersmith, this club hosts its kids chess classes within the dedicated Mindsports Center, providing a professional playing environment.
Hammersmith Chess Club holds regular sessions at the Mindsports Center, welcoming primary and secondary school aged juniors into their club structure. Children benefit from playing in a dedicated chess venue in West London, mixing learning with serious club play.
- Meets at the central Mindsports Center venue in Hammersmith
- Integrates juniors into an established, competitive club
- Focuses on regular, structured playing sessions for older kids
Based near Putney, this provider specialises in premium, small group chess coaching, often achieving high satisfaction scores for focused junior instruction.
Junior Chess Coaching by Endgame Strategies, operating near Putney, specialises in one-to-one and small group chess lessons for focused improvement across primary and secondary years. This premium service suits parents seeking intensive, personalised chess instruction for their child.
- Offers premium, small group and one-to-one coaching in Putney
- Verified perfect 5 star rating from attending families
- Focuses on deep endgame strategy and overall skill development
This Willesden club offers affordable kids chess classes across two community venues in North West London, serving both primary and secondary ages.
The Willesden and Brent Chess Club runs sessions at Cricklewood Library and Chalkhill Community Centre, providing kids chess classes in North West London for all junior levels. Their community based approach welcomes primary and secondary players looking for regular, affordable chess practice.
- Meets at two different locations across the Willesden area
- Operates with a strong community focus at accessible venues
- Offers sessions for a broad spectrum of junior players
This Docklands Chess Club in Aberfeldy Village is a highly-rated local fixture providing regular chess sessions for primary and secondary children.
Docklands Chess Club offers accessible chess for primary and secondary juniors in the Aberfeldy Village area of East London, maintaining a friendly and low-key learning environment. They provide regular meeting times for local children to develop their board skills.
- Meets in the Aberfeldy Village area of East London
- Verified perfect 5 star rating from community feedback
- A local option for juniors from primary school upwards
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids chess classes cost in London?
The cost varies widely depending on the location and structure. Budget options, often found in community clubs in areas like Barnet or Charlton, generally fall at the lower end of the scale, sometimes representing half the price of more intensive programmes. Mid-range options provide regular term-based coaching, while premium services, particularly those near Chelsea or offering small group instruction in areas like Putney, command the highest fees for specialised attention.
What age can kids start chess in London?
The London scene caters to a broad spectrum of young learners. Some specialised providers near Peckham and in Hampstead begin offering instruction suitable for preschoolers, often focusing on tactical play and fun. Most coaching, however, is geared towards primary school age children and extends upwards through secondary school levels, ensuring continuity as players develop their skills.
What should I look for in a beginner chess class?
For a novice, look for classes that prioritise a supportive atmosphere over immediate competition. Providers that operate on a clear term structure often offer more comprehensive learning, while those with smaller group sizes, such as found near Putney or in some Chelsea settings, can offer more direct feedback. Check if the class has a structured curriculum to ensure foundational knowledge is built correctly.
Can my child try a chess class before committing?
Several providers understand the commitment involved and offer ways to sample the experience first. Some clubs, like Chelsea Chess or UK Chess Academy, explicitly list availability for a trial session. For clubs that do not advertise trials, checking if they permit a drop-in session or a brief introductory meeting before payment is often worthwhile, though commitment to a full term is standard for many school partnership programmes.
Where in London can I find kids chess classes?
Availability is spread quite widely, though certain districts appear particularly active. West London features several clubs in Hammersmith and Uxbridge, while East London has good coverage with options in Barking and Wanstead. North London has strong offerings in Highgate and Hampstead, and central areas near Marylebone host several premium and community-focused groups.
How important is a competition pathway?
For children interested in competitive play, choosing a provider that actively supports tournament participation is beneficial. Many clubs, including those in Barnet and Courtfield Gardens, ensure their junior programmes integrate coaching for competitive readiness. If your child is casual, this feature is less critical, but for ambition, look for clubs that highlight league play or dedicated competition training.
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