Why We're Doing This
At Mindful Chess, we believe chess should be for everyone — not just those with access to clubs, tutors, or costly programs. And as a not-for-profit, we’re committed to breaking down those barriers and bringing this incredible game into more people’s lives.
Chess is a beautiful, lifelong game that teaches us far more than how to win or lose. It helps us build confidence, develop patience, and sharpen our ability to think creatively and critically. It teaches us to slow down, to observe, and to consider the consequences of our actions — on and off the board.
We’ve seen firsthand how the skills learned in chess can support people in all walks of life:
Students learning to focus and plan ahead
Seniors keeping their minds active and engaged
Adults finding calm and clarity in their decision-making
Anyone gaining the courage to take risks and learn from mistakes
Our Tutors
Chess coach
Iulia Poama-Covaci
"I started coaching in 2018 after moving to the UK and starting University. I think chess is an art that needs to be kept alive and my goal is to encourage the next generation of players and hopefully inspire more people, particularly girls and women to pick up chess!"
Chess coach
Helen Green
"I have always enjoyed the training element of jobs I have done. Being able to match that with playing a game I have enjoyed all my life was a great opportunity. I have been a coach, mainly in schools, now for five years."
Chess coach
Andrew Buzzeo
"It's impossible to get good at something and look cool at the same time. Fall in love with your losses for what they are: guidelines for growth".
Chess coach
Lorenzo
"My passion for chess started with its strategic depth and the challenge it presents. Coaching allows me to share that enthusiasm and help others develop their skills. I've been coaching for 2 years, and it's been incredibly rewarding to see my students grow and improve".
Chess coach
James Butler
"I ran a chess club as a TESOL teacher afterschool on Fridays and it was my favourite period of the week. I've got a couple of years experience coaching chess as I started teaching beginners in my old University chess club".
Chess coach
Joel Newman
"I have been playing chess since the age of 4 and was Kent Champion in the under 8, 10, 12, 16 and 18 age groups. I represented England Juniors abroad and won the under 16 British championships held in Dundee."
By offering these free lessons, we hope to plant seeds — of curiosity, of courage, and of connection. Whether you're picking up a piece for the first time or rekindling an old love of the game, we’re here to walk with you, move by move.
When
Every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas
9-10am
Live Online – via Google Meet
What to Expect:
-
Guided lessons and strategy demos from Mindful Chess coaches
-
Hot tips to improve your game
-
Open Q&A to ask anything, no pressure
-
A warm, supportive learning environment
Join for Free
Just enter your name and email below, and we’ll send you a link each week to join the live session