The Parisian landscape for junior chess instruction offers a fascinating mix of traditional club atmospheres and modern, accessible learning centres across its arrondissements. Many programmes focus on fostering community spirit and encouraging consistent weekly play, often catering to primary and secondary school ages. While premium, specialised coaching is available near the Tuileries, many solid foundational classes operate within the mid-price band, offering excellent structured learning. For those exploring options, looking at clubs in the 6th arrondissement or those linked to community centres in the 10th or 12th areas often reveals great starting points for young players.
See our top picks
AISÉ Club d'échecs du 6ème
This Saint-Germain-des-Prés provider focuses on smaller group sizes, which can be much more encouraging for children just learning the game.
Chess Club TOUR BLANCHE
Located in Ménilmontant, this association club offers a commitment to junior development and appears to operate at a more budget-friendly entry level for regular engagement.
Schlak
For families needing flexibility near Canal Saint-Martin, this venue provides rare drop-in access, allowing participation without strict term commitments.
33 Chess Providers in Paris
A long-standing chess club environment offering dedicated programmes for juniors alongside experienced adult players.
This well-regarded club in Saint-Germain-des-Prés hosts regular activities and events for serious chess players, including structured classes for older children and teens. Parents seeking established chess lessons in the 6th arrondissement will find a deep community focus here. Expect a competitive but welcoming environment for junior players.
- Offers a classic Parisian chess club experience
- Located in the heart of the 6th arrondissement
- Check schedule for specific junior-only times
This club, also operating as ECHECS 16, consistently receives very high user feedback for its committed instruction in the 7th arrondissement.
Providing dedicated chess lessons for children and adolescents in the 7th arrondissement near Grenelle, this club focuses on structured learning. The programming appears geared toward regular participation to build strong foundational skills for young chess players. This location offers serious, committed instruction in a smaller club setting.
- Highly praised for focused instruction quality
- Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Check website for term dates and schedules
A small, dedicated chess club environment in the 6th arrondissement focusing on consistent weekly chess lessons for school-age children.
The Chess Club 608 offers engaging chess classes for primary and secondary school children in the Montparnasse area of the 6th arrondissement. This is a vibrant, active club welcoming new members for regular after-school sessions and weekend play. Enrolment is sought through their dedicated association website for consistent chess development.
- Very high user rating for this club
- Located near Montparnasse in the 6th
- Website provides detailed session information
A popular game store in the 6th arrondissement where families can find chess boards and potentially spontaneous casual chess play.
Variantes is a game store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés that occasionally hosts chess activities, though it is primarily a retail space for board games and chess sets. While perhaps not a dedicated teaching academy, it provides a central Paris location for families seeking chess supplies and drop-in game opportunities. Check their schedule for any specific kids chess classes advertised locally.
- Primarily a retail location in the 6th
- Good for purchasing chess equipment
- Check local listings for in-store events
An association based club in the 20th arrondissement with a strong reputation and focus on developing competitive junior chess talent.
Operating as a dynamic association in the Ménilmontant district of the 20th arrondissement, Tour Blanche runs regular chess programs for young players. This club environment suits families looking for regular after-school chess lessons with a clear pathway toward competitive play. Their focus appears to be on building strong, skilled young chess players in the East of Paris.
- Association structure often means lower costs
- Located in the 20th arrondissement near Ménilmontant
- Offers competitive pathways for keen juniors
Offers a more premium, personalised approach to chess lessons for children via one-to-one tuition near the Tuileries.
This provider focuses on personalized chess instruction, offering one-to-one or small group lessons for children in the central Tuileries area near the 1st arrondissement. While the Instagram page is the main contact point, the service suggests a premium, focused approach to teaching chess skills. It is ideal for rapid individual progress in central Paris.
- Focuses on individual or very small group chess tuition
- Uses an Instagram profile for main contact
- Central location near the Tuileries in the 1st
NOMAD'ECHECS CLUB - 75007
Provides both year-round club membership and holiday-specific chess stages for children in the 7th arrondissement.
Nomad'Echecs offers club membership and holiday stages for children's chess development in the École Militaire sector of the 7th arrondissement. The club structure suggests ongoing support for regular chess practice outside of school holidays. Parents can look to their website for the current term registration details for primary and secondary age players.
- Focuses on club membership and holiday stages
- Located in the 7th arrondissement near École Militaire
- Website link found via external directory
A favourite local game store in the 6th, offering a warm space where parents might find casual or beginner chess sessions for their children.
Rouge et Noir is a highly-rated game store in the Notre-Dame-des-Champs area of the 6th arrondissement that serves as a local hub for tabletop gaming, including chess. While primarily retail, such community-focused shops often host casual meetups or structured kids chess classes on weekends. Families should check their dedicated contact page for the latest schedule of children's activities.
- Popular local game store in the 6th arrondissement
- May host casual weekend children's chess meetups
- Focus on board games and community engagement
A structured chess club in the 14th arrondissement, focusing on consistent weekly training and development for school-age juniors.
The R2C2 club offers dedicated chess programming for primary and secondary aged children in the Plaisance area of the 14th arrondissement. As an active club, it likely provides structured learning with potential for competition pathways for dedicated young players. Visit their website to discover the term schedule for their regular after-school and weekend chess lessons.
- Active chess club in the 14th arrondissement
- Likely focuses on structured weekly sessions
- Check their site for competition programme details
A major game retailer in the 5th arrondissement, perfect for finding chess supplies and asking about local junior chess events.
Starplayer is a large game store located in the historic Quartier Latin in the 5th arrondissement, stocking a wide variety of board games including chess. This venue is excellent for purchasing chess sets and perhaps finding casual drop-in opportunities for older children. Parents looking for formal classes should check with the store staff about any ongoing kids chess lessons.
- Large game retail space in the 5th
- Great for sourcing high-quality chess equipment
- Check for casual weekend kids chess meetups
Offers structured, term-based kids chess classes in the 10th arrondissement, often associated with municipal youth programmes.
This programme runs chess activities for children and teenagers in the Faubourg Saint-Martin area of the 10th arrondissement, often in partnership with city resources. The structure suggests regular, term-based kids chess classes suitable for building consistent skills and potentially entering competitions. A trial session appears available to sample the group format before committing to a full term.
- Runs structured term-based kids chess classes
- Located in the 10th arrondissement near Faubourg Saint-Martin
- Offers a trial session for new joiners
A highly-regarded local chess club in the 12th arrondissement near Bercy, dedicated to regular instruction for children.
Echecs Paris12 focuses on providing chess lessons for school-age children within the Bercy area of the 12th arrondissement. This club structure suggests regular weekly engagement designed to develop proficiency in the game over the course of a school term. The club's location and focus make it a strong local option for consistent chess tuition.
- Very high rating for this 12th Arrondissement club
- Focuses on primary and secondary age chess lessons
- Check their site for current term enrolment information
The central administrative hub for regional chess, useful for finding affiliated, potentially lower-cost, junior chess programmes in Paris.
The regional governing body for chess, located in the Belleville area of the 20th arrondissement, may coordinate or list lower-cost, association-run kids chess classes across Paris. While not a direct teaching venue for juniors, this office is the central resource for understanding the overall structure of youth chess in the region. Use their contact page to enquire about affiliated programmes for primary and secondary children.
- The regional governing body for Ile-de-France chess
- May point to budget-friendly affiliated clubs
- Located in the 20th arrondissement near Belleville
A top-rated club in the 16th arrondissement offering well-structured, dedicated chess lessons with competitive pathways for juniors.
Palamède Échecs runs structured chess lessons for children and adolescents in the Auteuil district of the 16th arrondissement, boasting excellent feedback. They offer regular term-based kids chess classes which encourage skill development and progression toward competition. A trial session is often available to assess if the teaching style suits your primary or secondary aged child.
- Very high rating for this 16th Arrondissement club
- Offers structured weekly lessons for juniors
- Check for trial session availability before term starts
A highly-rated club running organised youth chess lessons in the 16th arrondissement, potentially leveraging local school infrastructure.
This club provides chess activities for children and teens near Porte Dauphine in the 16th arrondissement, often taking place at school facilities. The programme is designed for consistent engagement, making it suitable for young primary and secondary students serious about improving their game. Expect dedicated coaching aimed at building tournament readiness in a local setting.
- Highly rated club using local school facilities
- Located in the 16th arrondissement near Porte Dauphine
- Structured programme for regular weekly attendance
This provider focuses on deploying chess lessons across various schools in the 10th arrondissement, offering high accessibility for after-school chess lessons.
Paris Jeunes Échecs organizes numerous group chess classes for children in the 10th arrondissement, often situated within local schools for convenient after-school learning. They foster a dynamic environment aimed at making chess accessible and enjoyable for all young participants.
- Classes often integrated directly into local school timetables
- Aims to introduce chess widely to young people in Paris
- Offers initial trial classes to sample the atmosphere
Echecs 16 boasts an excellent rating and a strong presence offering youth chess classes from their Gros-Caillou base in the 7th arrondissement.
This established club provides quality chess lessons for children in the 7th arrondissement, near Gros-Caillou, supporting players from beginner through to advanced competitive levels. They focus on providing a supportive club atmosphere for youth chess development in Paris.
- Club offers youth sections with regular organised training
- Highly regarded by members with a top rating shown
- Check for trial class availability when enrolling
A highly-rated chess club in the Temple area that integrates youth chess classes into its competitive league structure.
Located in the Temple area of the 3rd arrondissement, L'échiquier de Paris offers structured chess lessons for primary and secondary aged children in a traditional club setting. This club participates actively in leagues, making it suitable for juniors with competitive aspirations.
- Club operates in the central Marais district
- Offers competitive pathways for dedicated junior members
- Enrolment for ongoing weekly chess sessions is managed online
The nomadic element suggests they might partner with several local schools or centres in the Invalides area for accessible youth chess classes.
NOMAD'ECHECS CLUB brings chess lessons to the Invalides area of the 7th arrondissement, offering flexible group learning for primary and secondary children. This provider may utilise various local venues to host their weekly youth chess sessions across Paris.
- Offers flexible locations within the 7th arrondissement
- Structured lessons for school-aged children interested in chess
- Trial options are usually available before committing to the term
Boasting a perfect 5-star rating, this club in the 6th arrondissement is a strong option for dedicated youth chess classes in Montparnasse.
Chess Club 608 offers dedicated chess lessons for children in the Montparnasse area, operating from its venue in the 6th arrondissement. This club focuses on developing strong foundational skills for all primary and secondary participants in a positive setting.
- Highly rated club in the Montparnasse area of Paris
- Offers regular training sessions for school-aged juniors
- Contact them directly for information on trial sessions
Operating in the 6th arrondissement with a perfect rating, this provider focuses on consistent, smaller group chess lessons in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
AISÉ offers children's chess classes near the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement, utilising the Salle Picasso for its sessions. This programme suits primary and secondary players looking for consistent, small group chess instruction outside of a high-pressure competitive environment.
- Utilises the Salle Picasso for its chess training sessions
- Small group sizes may allow for more individual attention
- A trial session can be arranged before full enrolment
Affiliated with the university sports club, PUC Echecs in the Olympiades area provides access to affordable, regular chess lessons for school-aged children.
PUC Echecs runs ongoing chess classes for children in the Olympiades area, leveraging its location within the university sports complex in the 13th arrondissement. As part of a larger sports association, their youth chess programmes often represent a good value option.
- Part of the larger Paris Université Club sports structure
- Likely offers competitive coaching for older juniors
- Located conveniently in the 13th arrondissement near Olympiades
This well-regarded club in the 16th arrondissement provides a structured environment for children seeking dedicated, ongoing chess coaching in Auteuil.
Palamède Échecs offers high-quality chess lessons for children in the Auteuil district of the 16th arrondissement, known for its commitment to developing young talent. They structure their ongoing classes to prepare juniors for local and regional chess competitions.
- Highly-rated club in the Auteuil area with a strong focus on juniors
- Structured learning for primary and secondary aged players
- A trial session is suggested before making a full commitment
Positioned as an 'Institut,' this provider near Porte de Montreuil likely offers more intensive, small-group chess lessons for committed young players in the 20th arrondissement.
The Moracchini Echecs Institut offers focused chess tuition for children near Porte de Montreuil in the 20th arrondissement, potentially catering to more serious young players. This institute-style approach suggests smaller groups and in-depth study for primary and secondary students.
- Institute structure may indicate smaller group sizes
- Located in the eastern Porte de Montreuil sector
- Contact the institute directly to ascertain costs and availability
This highly-rated club in Charonne offers consistent, ongoing chess classes for juniors within the vibrant 11th arrondissement.
M Échecs runs chess lessons for children in the Charonne area of the 11th arrondissement, boasting a perfect rating from its early reviews. This club focuses on providing regular, engaging instruction for primary and secondary aged juniors looking to improve their game locally.
- Newer provider in the 11th arrondissement with top feedback
- Offers weekly sessions for school-aged children
- Trial class likely available to assess the teaching style
A private chess instructor near Tuileries offering focused, potentially small group or individual chess lessons for kids.
This private chess instructor near Tuileries offers personalized chess lessons for children across primary and secondary ages right in the 1st arrondissement. The Instagram presence suggests a modern approach to connecting with families looking for dedicated one-to-one chess coaching.
- Private one-to-one instruction style
- Very central 1st arrondissement location
- Instagram used for contact/info
A top-rated chess club in the Archives area, ideal for children and teens seeking regular competitive play.
L'échiquier de Paris, situated in the Archives area of the 3rd arrondissement, is a highly regarded chess club for primary and secondary players. The club's perfect rating reflects a positive community atmosphere around their ongoing chess lessons and tournaments.
- Located in the 3rd arrondissement
- Perfect 5 star rating
- Offers ongoing club sessions
A very highly-rated chess club in the Auteuil area, serving primary and secondary school children in the west of Paris.
ECHECS 16 offers ongoing chess club activities for primary and secondary age children in the Auteuil sector of the 16th arrondissement. Their high rating and dedicated website suggest a well-organised structure for regular lessons and competitive practice.
- Located in the 16th arrondissement
- High 4.9 rating
- Direct website for club info
Offers structured group sessions that integrate learning with regular opportunities for competitive match play for junior members.
This club in the Marais offers structured chess lessons for children and adults throughout the week, encouraging structured learning and competitive play. Young players benefit from a dedicated environment to improve their tactical understanding and overall game strategy in these group sessions.
- Regular weekend sessions for practice and casual play
- Focus on structured progression for all age groups
- Central location within the 3rd arrondissement
This Canal Saint-Martin venue functions as a cultural hub and offers rare drop-in access for flexible engagement with chess activities.
Schlak operates as a cultural association near the Canal Saint-Martin, hosting general gaming events which often include chess sessions suitable for a range of ages. The drop-in availability makes this a flexible option for casual chess play or occasional kids chess classes in the 10th arrondissement.
- A cultural association offering flexible drop-in options
- Located appealingly along the Quai de Valmy
- Check schedule for specific youth chess class times
This Arts et Métiers game bar provides a lively, social atmosphere for older children to practice their chess skills alongside other board games.
Operating as a popular game bar in the Arts et Métiers area, Le Nid sometimes hosts open gaming, making it a social spot for older children interested in chess. While not a formal academy, it provides an engaging, relaxed atmosphere for chess and board game enthusiasts in the 3rd arrondissement.
- Primarily a game bar with a very high review volume
- Good for older children seeking social chess play
- Check their calendar for structured kids chess classes
This Charonne game shop often serves as a community hub where parents can purchase chess materials and learn about local youth chess activities.
Robin des Jeux, a well-regarded game store in the Charonne area, is a fantastic place to find chess sets and potentially inquire about local kids chess classes or weekend open play sessions. Parents can browse a wide selection of games while checking their schedule for specific youth chess programming.
- Popular game store in the Charonne neighbourhood
- Offers drop-in play alongside retail sales
- Great spot to purchase chess sets and accessories
This well-regarded Grenelle game store is an excellent resource for parents seeking information about local chess tutors or ongoing group lessons for children.
Uchronies Games in the Grenelle area is a specialized store known for its dedicated gaming community, which often includes chess enthusiasts of all ages. While primarily retail, this venue is a good starting point for finding information on structured kids chess classes in the 15th arrondissement.
- Highly rated game store in the western 15th arrondissement
- Staff can direct you to local chess groups or tutors
- Good spot to buy quality chess equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids chess classes cost in Paris?
The cost structure varies considerably. You will find many established clubs operating in the mid-price range for regular weekly sessions. However, certain specialised institutes or those offering very small group instruction near central locations can push into the premium band, while community-affiliated groups or those in larger classes might fall into the budget category.
What age can kids start chess in Paris?
The availability of structured instruction generally begins around the preschool age, with many providers catering to children aged 3 or 4 and up. The majority of clubs focus their energy and curriculum on primary and secondary school students who are ready for consistent lessons and competitive pathways.
What should I look for in a beginner chess class?
When starting out, prioritising an environment that feels welcoming is key, perhaps looking for venues that offer smaller class sizes or a strong community focus. It is also helpful to confirm if the programme allows for a trial session so that the child can gauge their comfort level before committing to a full term of lessons.
Can my child try a chess class before committing?
Yes, several providers list trial availability, making it easy to test the waters. This flexibility is common in the main teaching structures, allowing parents to assess the instructor style and the general atmosphere before enrolling for the entire season.
Where in Paris can I find kids chess classes?
Options are distributed widely, though there is a clear concentration of clubs in the west, particularly the 6th and 16th arrondissements. However, excellent community options are also readily accessible in the 10th, 11th, and 20th arrondissements, ensuring coverage throughout the city.
How important is a competition pathway for my young player?
For children who show an interest in tournaments, seeking out providers that explicitly offer a competition pathway is sensible. Many dedicated clubs integrate structured learning with preparation for official regional play, whereas other venues focus more on social development and general skill building.
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