The Salt Lake City area hosts a surprisingly diverse landscape for young chess enthusiasts, ranging from dedicated academic programmes to casual, community-driven drop-in sessions. Families seeking structured learning might gravitate toward premium options like Youth Education at the University of Utah or Bakshi Academy in Sandy, which integrate chess into a broader educational framework. For those prioritizing budget, several excellent community and school-based programs keep costs low, often around the entry-level range. Parents exploring options should note the difference between game shop gatherings, which often cater to existing enthusiasts, and dedicated instructional academies focused purely on skill development for primary and secondary aged students.
See our top picks
Chuck E. Cheese
This Ballpark venue offers the most relaxed and casual entry point for toddlers and preschoolers just learning the basic movements on the board.
Rotary Play Park
For families wanting zero financial commitment, this Central City park offers a free, outdoor setting perfect for very informal learning sessions.
Barnes & Noble
The regular drop-in sessions hosted by this Sugar House bookstore allow primary and secondary students to practice without needing to sign up for a full term.
24 Chess Providers in Salt Lake City
The associated Kid Chess website suggests a focus on age appropriate learning methods for various skill levels in kids chess classes.
This provider appears to offer organised kids chess classes, though specific location details in Salt Lake City are unclear beyond the Lehi address found via Google Maps. The program aims to develop strategic thinking for school aged children through structured learning environments. Parents looking for dedicated chess instruction near the immediate surroundings should investigate their offerings further.
- Maps listing shows a 5 star rating from over thirty reviews
- The provider website is for Kid Chess, which may offer SLC programs
- Lehi address is outside Salt Lake City proper, check service area
This Central City location is a hub for local gamers and may offer flexible, drop-in style learning sessions for older kids chess players.
Oasis Games, a popular game store in Central City, often hosts community events and may run ongoing chess lessons for primary and secondary students. This local spot provides a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere for learning the game in a friendly retail setting. Check their schedule for any regular kids chess classes or open play sessions in the Salt Lake City area.
- Highly rated Central City game store, good for local engagement
- Check website or call for the current kids chess class schedule
- Venue hosts many different types of tabletop gaming events
As a university hosted programme, these kids chess classes in the University area may offer advanced or specialty instruction for serious students.
The University of Utah's Youth Education program in the University area presents structured learning opportunities, possibly including chess lessons for primary and secondary age students. Programs run through the University often carry an academic structure suitable for focused, committed young players. Inquire with this University of Utah centre about their specific offerings for kids chess classes during term time.
- Affiliated with the University of Utah campus setting
- Check the website for term dates and programme durations
- Likely a more academic approach to youth learning activities
This Ballpark games shop has a very high user rating and might offer casual, drop-in style kids chess sessions alongside its main retail focus.
Demolition Games in the Ballpark area serves as a local game store that frequently facilitates community events and could host ongoing kids chess classes. This venue provides a dedicated space for tabletop gaming enthusiasts in Salt Lake City, attracting a mix of ages. Parents should check their Facebook page for announcements regarding weekly or monthly chess lessons for primary and secondary children.
- Very high user rating for this Ballpark area games retailer
- Contact via Facebook page for scheduling chess activities
- Focus may be more on open play than structured lessons
This North Salt Lake retailer is another local game spot where community focused kids chess classes or casual play sessions might be scheduled.
Located in North Salt Lake, Game Grid is a local game store that likely offers specific times for kids chess classes or open-play chess events. This venue caters to the local gaming community, providing an environment where primary and secondary aged children can practice and learn. Parents searching for nearby chess instruction should contact this store directly using the provided Facebook link for scheduling information.
- North Salt Lake store with strong community engagement noted
- Best to use the Facebook link for current scheduling details
- May host family friendly gaming nights that include chess
This Sugar House game shop has one of the highest user ratings and presents a community focused option for ongoing kids chess classes.
Game Night Games in the Sugar House neighbourhood is a highly regarded local game store that may host regular kids chess classes for primary and secondary students. Venues like this often provide a relaxed, structured setting for learning the game outside of a traditional school environment. Parents should visit their website or call to inquire about any ongoing weekly or after-school chess programmes available for young players.
- Very high 4.8 rating among local Sugar House businesses
- Contact the store directly for specific kids chess session times
- Great central location within the Sugar House district
The Geekery's perfect 5 star rating suggests a highly regarded Central City provider potentially integrating chess with other after school STEM activities for older children.
The Geekery, located in Central City, has a perfect 5 star rating and operates as an after school programme which may feature dedicated kids chess classes for primary and secondary ages. This type of provider often blends chess with other STEM activities, offering a more educational approach to the game. Parents interested in a focused, small group setting for chess instruction should contact this establishment for session details.
- Boasts a perfect 5 star rating from numerous local reviews
- Likely offers after school session formats for chess
- Central City location might suit families nearby for pickup
This Sandy academy provides a premium, STEM focused environment where kids chess lessons for primary and secondary ages are likely integrated into a broader educational offering.
Operating in Sandy, Bakshi Academy focuses on coding and STEM, which often incorporates strategy games like chess for primary and secondary students. This academy environment suggests a structured curriculum for their kids chess offerings, appealing to parents seeking academic enrichment. Parents should visit their website to see if their current after school programme schedule includes specific times for chess instruction.
- Located in Sandy, slightly outside the immediate Salt Lake City core
- Perfect 5 star rating on Google Maps business data
- Focus on STEM suggests a structured, educational chess programme
This Ballpark venue provides the most casual and budget friendly introduction to the game, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers just learning the board.
While primarily an entertainment centre in Ballpark, Chuck E. Cheese sometimes offers casual activities which could include basic chess learning stations for toddlers and primary aged children. This setting is less about formal instruction and more about introducing the game during a fun outing in Salt Lake City. Drop-in participation may be possible when the venue is not busy with parties, providing a very budget friendly introduction to kids chess.
- Ballpark location, focused on general family entertainment
- Offers a casual, low-pressure introduction to the game for young kids
- Rating is lower than dedicated game stores or clubs
This Sugar House bookstore offers a unique, free, drop-in opportunity for primary students to play chess informally near the large selection of strategy guides.
The Barnes & Noble bookstore in Sugar House often has community tables where spontaneous kids chess games occur, providing a free, informal learning environment for primary students. While not a formal club, this location allows kids to practice strategy using purchased books or their own sets in a public space. Parents can check the store events calendar for any scheduled book signings or youth chess related gatherings in Salt Lake City.
- Sugar House bookstore offers free, informal public access to practice
- Check the official store events calendar for scheduled youth activities
- Great for dropping in casually if a board is available
This Sugar House Target offers the most accessible, budget friendly option for purchasing chess equipment needed for starting kids chess lessons at home.
The Target store in the Sugar House area is a retail outlet where parents can purchase budget friendly chess sets for at-home learning with their primary aged children. Although this location does not host organised kids chess classes, it is a convenient stop for necessary equipment in Salt Lake City. Its low rating reflects general retail experience, not specific programme quality.
- A retail stop for purchasing affordable chess equipment for home use
- Located in the busy Sugar House shopping area
- No structured classes are offered at this department store location
The Leonardo offers an interactive museum setting in Central City where learning about chess strategy may be integrated into broader science and logic exhibits.
The Leonardo science and technology museum in Central City sometimes features interactive exhibits or workshops that include strategy games like chess for all ages visiting Salt Lake City. This provides an engaging, one-off experience rather than a commitment to weekly kids chess classes for primary students. Check their current event calendar to see if any special programmes focusing on logic and strategy are running during your visit.
- Central City museum offering potential for occasional interactive chess exhibits
- Admission fee required for access to all learning activities
- Best for a one-time educational experience, not regular lessons
This Central City park offers a completely free outdoor setting for families to casually introduce toddlers and primary kids to chess board play.
Rotary Play Park, located near Liberty Park in the Central City area, provides free outdoor public space where families might bring chess sets to play during good weather. This is purely an informal setting for encouraging primary aged children to engage with the game while enjoying the park amenities. No formal kids chess classes are run by the city at this location, it is simply a public amenity.
- Free access to public park space in the Central City area
- Requires parents to bring their own outdoor chess equipment
- City run park, not a structured educational programme provider
Directly linked to a Chess.com club, offering immediate online community access for Salt Lake City players.
This established program provides comprehensive kids chess classes across the Salt Lake City metro area, focusing on strategic development for primary and secondary school players. Power Chess connects with local scholastic clubs and offers pathway instruction for serious young competitors.
- Offers online resources including instructional videos
- Connects to the official US Chess Federation
- Website shows multiple local program locations
Maintains a directory of qualified local instructors for parents seeking personalized chess lessons in the Salt Lake City region.
The Utah Chess Association serves as a central hub for scholastic and club chess, listing various clubs offering ongoing kids chess classes throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Parents can find local instructor information and details on regional tournaments suitable for primary players.
- Main resource for the Utah Scholastic Chess series
- Lists certified instructors for one-to-one lessons
- Provides schedules for multiple local club meetings
The scholastic focus means these groups are often structured around school term times, catering well to primary school age children.
This directory entry points to the scholastic efforts supported by the Utah Chess Association, often hosting community-based kids chess classes for primary and secondary students. These programs frequently align with local school schedules, making them convenient after-school options.
- Focuses on non-profit, community club settings
- Often coordinates directly with Salt Lake City schools
- Check the main Utah Chess site for current schedules
Provides a unique drop-in option for existing players, offering a change of pace from fixed-term scholastic chess lessons in the city.
The Salt Lake City Chess Club welcomes all ages, hosting open play nights where primary and secondary students can find casual or competitive kids chess classes. Drop in sessions allow for flexible participation, though regular structured lessons might require checking their instructor list.
- Offers a place for supervised open chess play
- Drop-in play is available for casual visits
- Strong focus on regular tournament participation
A verified free trial session is available, allowing parents to assess the small group format for their primary school chess enthusiast.
This provider runs dedicated kids chess classes designed to foster strategic thinking for children from preschool age upward within the Salt Lake City area. They structure their small group sessions to offer personalized feedback, sometimes including online tutoring alongside in-person meetings.
- Offers a complimentary trial class for new students
- Structured small group format aids learning
- Serves various locations across the wider valley
Integrates chess instruction within a formal STEM after-school program setting, appealing to analytically-minded primary students.
Located in Sandy, Bakshi Academy runs kids chess classes as part of its broader STEM and coding after-school program for primary and secondary learners. This environment is excellent for children who enjoy logic puzzles and integrating chess with other academic pursuits in a structured setting.
- Located in the Sandy area, just south of SLC
- Integrated into a wider STEM learning schedule
- High rating suggests positive parent experiences
As a school-run activity in the Sugar House neighborhood, it offers a highly convenient and budget-conscious option for primary school students.
Beacon Heights Elementary often features chess as one of its after-school activities, providing easily accessible kids chess classes for its primary-aged students in the Sugar House area. These in-school programs are typically budget-friendly and align perfectly with the end of the school day.
- Program schedule depends on the current school year
- Part of the official Salt Lake City School District
- Very convenient for students enrolled at the school
The library hosts free, single-session events offering an accessible, no-cost introduction to chess for younger primary learners.
The Salt Lake County Library System occasionally hosts free, drop-in style kids chess sessions suitable for preschool through primary-aged children at various branches across the city. These events provide a zero-commitment way for younger children to be introduced to the game in a public, supervised space.
- This listing is for specific events, not weekly classes
- Free drop-in play sessions at library branches
- Check the specific branch calendar for age suitability
A dedicated, school-sponsored after-school chess club specifically serving secondary students within the Granite School District.
Wasatch Junior High, part of the Granite School District, maintains a chess club that provides a structured after-school setting for secondary school students in the area. This club focuses on competitive play and preparation, offering consistent access to kids chess classes for junior high players.
- Specifically targets secondary and junior high students
- Operated as an official school-sponsored activity
- Likely runs during the standard school year schedule
This provider frequently runs integrated after-school programs directly at various school sites across the Salt Lake City region.
Chess Wizards runs regular kids chess classes, often partnering directly with Salt Lake City area schools to host after-school programs for primary and secondary children. Their approach utilizes a structured curriculum, appealing to parents looking for consistent, progressive instruction.
- Often runs programs directly within school campuses
- Provides introductory sessions to test the format
- Focuses on term-based enrollment for consistency
Parents can book tailored, one-to-one private chess lessons with various local tutors across the Salt Lake City area via this platform.
Wyzant connects parents with independent tutors offering one-to-one kids chess lessons across the entire Salt Lake City region, perfect for primary or secondary students needing specialized attention. These private chess lessons can be tailored exactly to the child's current rating and competitive goals.
- Allows filtering by tutor rating and experience level
- Offers both in-person sessions and remote learning
- Price range varies widely based on the chosen tutor
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids chess classes cost in Salt Lake City?
The price spectrum is quite broad across the valley. Truly free introductory sessions are available through certain library events and park gatherings. Most structured instructional programmes fall into a mid price band, requiring payment per session or term. Premium, academically focused academies, particularly those near Sandy or the University area, often operate at a higher rate, reflecting their specialized curriculum or smaller group settings.
What age can kids start chess in Salt Lake City?
Availability for the youngest learners is present, with some options designed for toddlers and preschoolers beginning as early as age three or four for basic exposure. The vast majority of structured chess instruction, however, is geared toward primary school students, generally starting around age five, and continues robustly through the secondary school years.
What should I look for in a beginner chess class?
For a true beginner, prioritize environments that emphasize fun and familiarization over immediate competition. Look for providers that explicitly welcome novices and offer small group sizes or introductory formats where the core focus is learning piece movement and simple strategy rather than tournament preparation. A programme integrated with a familiar venue like a school or community centre can also help ease the transition.
Can my child try a chess class before committing?
Yes, many providers understand the need for a trial period. Some dedicated instruction providers offer a free introductory session or trial class allowing parents to gauge the instructor's style and the overall group dynamic. Others in the retail or community space might facilitate informal drop-in opportunities where commitment is never required.
Where in Salt Lake City can I find kids chess classes?
Coverage is spread out, though the highest density of options appears to be located centrally within Salt Lake City itself, often supported by community clubs and library resources. Significant offerings are also found in the south, particularly in Sandy, which features several premium academic options, and the eastern Sugar House area remains a hub for local game shop related activities.
Do many programs support competitive play?
For parents whose children show competitive ambition, several providers specifically highlight a competition pathway, often affiliated with regional chess organizations. These classes move beyond basic instruction to focus on advanced tactical training and tournament readiness for older primary and secondary students.
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