Groups matched by level, not just by age
Students learn best when they're playing someone roughly their own level. At our chess club, we have three main groups:
Beginners
For players who are new to chess or still learning how the pieces move. These group lessons cover how each piece works, simple checkmates and first full games.
Intermediate
For players who know the rules and have played a few games. The coach focuses on tactics (forks, pins, skewers), opening ideas and the habit of thinking one move ahead.
Advanced
For players who play regularly and want to improve. Lessons cover advanced openings, middlegame plans, endgame technique and how to learn from your own games.
As students improve, we move them up. No one gets stuck in a group that's too easy and no one gets thrown in over their head.
Why Students Choose Mindful Chess
Mindful Chess has helped children and agults learn chess since 2015. It started with one coach and a group of 12 students. Today we work with a team of handpicked, experienced coaches who teach over 500 students every week, in schools, at home and online. Live group sessions are now open to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Small groups, every session
Group lessons only work when the groups are small. Every group is capped, so each player gets the same attention, stays interested and gets real feedback on their games.
10+ years of teaching chess
Plenty of strong players can’t teach, but the coaches on Mindful Chess can. Ten years of lessons have shown what helps students improve faster and play with more confidence.
DBS-checked coaches
Every coach has passed an Enhanced DBS check, and all other necessary safeguarding documents are held on file. Sessions with younger players are run in a safe environment every time.
Meet our group coaches
Ollie Wilson
Ollie is a Candidate Master (FIDE 2104) and a former British Under-16 Champion. He has taught chess for ten years and uses short mini-games to make harder topics, such as endgames, easier to follow.
Josef Griffiths
Josef started playing chess at 12 and is now rated 1950, which just shows children it’s never too late to start. In his lessons, he focuses on the basics that help most: match play, game reviews and solving tactics.
Chess club schedule
Three live sessions a week.
Choose the one that fits your age and level. All times are UK time.
Lessons are each week starting from the week of 2nd November.
FAQ
Tell Us What You Want!
Tell us what day and time you want lessons. We will contact you as soon as we form a new group matched to what you are looking for.