Checkmate Chess Club WHAT WE TEACH SCHOOL PROGRAMS PRIVATE LESSONS CONTACT US

After-School Chess Classes

Santa Barbara, Goleta, Isla Vista, Montecito, Carpinteria

Each class features a lesson and chess matches

Each quarter ends with a tournament and prizes

Submit your application below!

You should receive an email with the schedule and payment link within 2 hours.

If not received within 24 hours, please check your spam folder or Contact Us.

Classes may fill quickly and enrollment is not complete until payment is received.

If you don't see your school listed, let us know with the Chess at My School form.

Student Information:






Parent / Guardian Contact:





Backup Emergency Contact:





Frequently Asked Questions

Does my student already need to know how to play chess?

We welcome students of all experience levels. The first several classes will teach the basic rules of chess plus fun tricks like the 4-move checkmate. Students will gradually learn more advanced checkmate strategies and high-level traps, following a lesson plan that reinforces the basics for young students. Our matchmaking tools guarantee students will always be paired with opponents at their skill level so they stay challenged and don't get frustrated by the game.

How long are after-school chess classes?

At most schools, chess class lasts for 1 hour (30 minutes of lesson, 30 minutes of chess matches) after school ends for the day. Sign up today and you'll receive an email update with the specific dates and times for your school.

How much do after-school chess classes cost?

Use the sign-up form above to receive an email with class prices and a link to the payment portal. Some schools may have reduced-price scholarship seats available. Contact the school or contact us for more information. Please understand that there are no refunds after the first day of class.

Is there a classroom code of conduct for students?

Students are expected to treat chess club like any other class. They will respect the teachers, students, and classroom. Please review the Code of Conduct. Repeated or serious violations will result in their removal from the class. There are no refunds after the first day of class.

What prizes are offered each quarter?

Every student will take home a chess accessory after the last class of the quarter. Item choices will change each quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring) to keep students excited. Examples include chess hats, magnetic chess boards, and decks of chess playing cards. Tournament winners will get a medal and their choice of custom chess pieces. All students will gain access to our online chess puzzles after the quarter ends so that they can practice their chess skills during the break.

What if Checkmate Chess isn't available at my student's school?

Let us know about your school with our Chess at My School form. We'll talk to the administrators about adding an after-school program. Feel free to let the principal or PTA know the benefits of the Checkmate Chess program. Meanwhile, you can also enroll your student in private chess lessons.

Are your teachers CPR certified?

Checkmate Chess instructors are not CPR certified but we enforce a classroom code of conduct to make sure all students are safe. If your student has any health considerations (such as seizure risk, EpiPen) please let us know in the Additional Info section when enrolling.