Chess classes and lessons in Gwinnett

Fall Camp Check-in & Pickup

Our studio is in Lilburn912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Suite 202-O (upstairs), Lilburn, GA Directions

Group classes for kids and teens. Private lessons for kids, teens, and adults. Community chess clubs.

Chess for Champs students and chess activities

Look at the whole board. Then choose your move.

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Your next move: tournament day

November 14 • Auggie’s Game Store

Kids, teens, and adults • Three divisions • Entry from $20

Group classes

Chess classes with a clear learning path

Start with First Moves to learn the foundations of chess. Continue with Power Moves to build on those skills through tactics, strategy, and practice. Classes meet weekly, and students can join any week.

Students playing chess at a tableBeginner

First Moves Beginner

For students who are new to chess or know only a little.

What students learn
  • How the board is set up and how each piece moves
  • Check, checkmate, and stalemate
  • Opening principles and good habits
  • Tactics such as forks, pins, and skewers
  • Planning and decision-making in practice games

Class times

All First Moves classes meet weekly at the Lilburn studio.

  • After school & weekendsAges 6–16
    • Wednesday5:15–6:05 pm
    • Thursday5:15–6:05 pm
    • Friday4:15–5:05 pm
    • Saturday12:00–1:10 pm
    • Sunday12:00–1:10 pm
  • Homeschool, daytimeAges 6–12
    • Mon, Wed & Fri11:00–11:50 am
  • Homeschool teensAges 13–16
    • Mon, Wed & Fri1:00–1:50 pm

The next step: Power Moves

After completing the First Moves skills, students continue into Power Moves. The next level builds on those foundations with more tactics, strategy, and practice.

Students at a chess boardAdvanced beginner

Power Moves Advanced beginner

For students who have completed the First Moves skills.

What students learn
  • Recognizing and using tactics such as forks, pins, and discovered attacks
  • Opening basics: how to start a game well
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Guided practice games with coaching and feedback

Class times

All Power Moves classes meet weekly at the Lilburn studio.

  • After school & weekendsAges 6–16
    • Wednesday6:10–7:00 pm
    • Thursday6:10–7:00 pm
    • Saturday1:15–2:25 pm
    • Sunday1:15–2:25 pm
  • Homeschool, daytimeAges 6–12
    • Mon, Wed & Fri12:00–12:50 pm
  • Homeschool teensAges 13–16
    • Wed & Fri2:00–2:50 pm

Has the student played before?

Ask Coach Chris which level is the right place to start.

Ask about placement

Not sure which class to choose? Ask Coach Chris.

Reviews

What families and players say

Each review shows where it was posted.

    “Sunday Funday was awesome!”

    We had the best experience at Sunday Funday with Coach Chris and Megan. My son is 7 and he learned a ton and had a blast! We will definitely be back!

    Angela Esposito · Review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Wonderful Chess Mentor for Our 4-Year-Old”

    We are incredibly grateful to have found such a patient, skilled, and passionate chess master Chris to guide our 4-year-old son’s journey into the world of chess. … Our child looks forward to every session …

    Abinayaneethi · Excerpt from a review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Increased my Elo quick.”

    Chris explains thing so simply and clearly. The way he sees the game you can tell he knows what he’s talking about. I recommend to players wanting to improve.

    Joao Kunga · Review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Wonderful Experience!”

    My son enjoyed the overall experience. We were impressed with how well the coach engaged with the students and made sure they understood what they were learning. … It was a great experience and my son is excited to return.

    Shae Sankofa · Excerpt from a review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Great Teacher”

    Great atmosphere had a lot of fun

    Parker · Review posted on chessforchamps.com
    In the press

    Featured in Our Town Gwinnett

    Our Town Gwinnett magazine featured Chess for Champs in its July 2023 issue. The article, by Traci Sanders, tells how Chris and Megan Suli started Chess for Champs in 2021.

    Our Town Gwinnett · July 2023 · page 16, continued on page 20

    Read the article

    Some details in the 2023 article, such as class days and locations, have since changed. See our current schedule.

    Open full size in a new tab
    Prices

    Group class prices

    Pay for one class at a time, or save with a four-class package.

    Class prices

    WeekdaysMon–Fri

    Cash
    $20
    Digital payment
    $25
    Four-class package
    $75

    WeekendsSat–Sun

    Cash
    $25
    Digital payment
    $30
    Four-class package
    $90

    Paying for classes

    Pay at the class location before class begins, using cash or an accepted digital payment method.

    Save on four classes. Use them as you attend.

    Your package covers four class visits. Each class you attend uses one visit. If you miss a week, that unused visit stays available for a future class.

    Weekday packageMon–Fri classes
    $75for four classesSave up to $25
    • Compared with four separate digital payments ($100), you save $25.
    • Compared with four separate cash payments ($80), you save $5.
    Weekend packageSat–Sun classes
    $90for four classesSave up to $30
    • Compared with four separate digital payments ($120), you save $30.
    • Compared with four separate cash payments ($100), you save $10.

    Questions about classes or prices? Ask Coach Chris.

    A smiling young student reaching across a green-and-white board to move a chess piece
    One-to-one

    Private lessons for kids, teens, and adults

    One-to-one instruction tailored to the student’s experience and goals, from learning the pieces to developing tactics and strategy.

    At the Chess for Champs studio
    $45 per hour

    Digital payments include a $3 transfer fee.

    A one-hour studio lesson paid digitally totals $48.

    At your home or another location
    From $65 per hour

    Lessons can be arranged at your home or another agreed location. The rate depends on travel distance and will be confirmed before booking.

    Call or text Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 to discuss goals and arrange a time.

    Photos & videos

    A look at Chess for Champs

    Photos and a video from Chess for Champs activities.

    Chess for Champs activities

    Group photo outdoors with a Chess for Champs sign

    Photo slideshow (video; sound plays only when you press play)

    Around the boards

    More photos

    Keep up with Chess for Champs

    See photos and videos from our classes, community clubs, camps and tournaments. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, announcements, schedule changes and cancellations.

    How to join

    Getting started

    Choose First Moves or Power Moves, then find a time on the class schedule. Not sure which level fits? Ask Coach Chris.

    Weekly schedule

    Class Schedule & Registration

    Weekly group classes at our Lilburn studio. Choose a day, level, and time. Looking for free community clubs?

    Register at least 8 hours before class. Register every participating student. Pay at the studio before class by cash or an accepted digital payment method. See prices.

    Registration details & late requests

    Accompanying parents or guardians are not counted as participating students. Add additional students under “Additional Attendees” on the registration form. Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in.

    Less than 8 hours before class? Call 404-274-7058 at least 5 hours before class to ask about availability. A late request is confirmed only when Coach Chris confirms it directly.

    Your registration confirmation arrives by email. If it does not arrive, call or text Coach Chris. All class times are Eastern Time. These rules apply to group classes; private lessons, clubs, and tournaments are arranged separately.

    Show:

    Monday

    • 11:00–11:50 amFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
    • 12:00–12:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
    • 1:00–1:50 pmFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register

    Wednesday

    • 11:00–11:50 amFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
    • 12:00–12:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
    • 1:00–1:50 pmFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
    • 2:00–2:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
    • 5:15–6:05 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
    • 6:10–7:00 pmPower Moves Advanced BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

    Thursday

    • 5:15–6:05 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
    • 6:10–7:00 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

    Friday

    • 11:00–11:50 amFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
    • 12:00–12:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
    • 1:00–1:50 pmFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
    • 2:00–2:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
    • 4:15–5:05 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

    Saturday

    • 12:00–1:10 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
    • 1:15–2:25 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

    Sunday

    • 12:00–1:10 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
    • 1:15–2:25 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

    Not sure which class to choose? Ask Coach Chris.

    Calendar view

    Calendars
    Days of the Week
    Time of Day
    Venues
    Month
    Week
    Day
    MonM
    TueT
    WedW
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    SatS
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    28
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    Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
    29
    30
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    Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
    1
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    Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    2
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    Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Friday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
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    Friday Night Community Chess Club
    3
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    Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    4
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    Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    5
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    Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
    6
    7
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    Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    8
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    Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    9
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    Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
    10
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    Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    11
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    Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    12
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    Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
    13
    14
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    Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    15
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    Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    16
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    Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
    17
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    Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    18
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    Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    19
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    Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
    20
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    Tuesday Community Chess Club
    21
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    Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    22
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    Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    23
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    Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
    24
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    Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    25
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    Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    26
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    Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
    27
    28
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    Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
    -
    Wednesday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Wednesday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    29
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    Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    30
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    Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
    -
    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
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    Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
    -
    Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
    31
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    Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    1
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    Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
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    Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
    Coaches

    Meet our coaches

    Coach Chris standing beside a chess club banner Megan

    Coach Chris & Megan

    Owners of Chess for Champs

    Coach Chris has loved chess since learning it from his grandfather as a child. He was trained in children’s chess curriculum while teaching chess in schools around the Atlanta area.

    Megan is a certified teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience. She coordinates our summer camps and loves leading crafts, art and games with young players.

    Together they run Chess for Champs to bring the love of chess to everyone, through group classes, private lessons, tournaments, camps and community clubs.

    Coach Marcel

    Coach Marcel

    Teaches chess in Metro Atlanta schools. He is trained in teaching chess to children and has played the game for decades.

    Coach Zoe Colier

    Coach Zoe Colier

    A former science and math teacher, tutor and camp counselor who loves puzzles, games and hands-on learning.

    Coach Chris Simons

    Coach Chris Simons

    Has taught chess in schools and directed tournaments in Metro Atlanta since 2016, including programs with the Boy Scouts of America, Gresham Park Recreation Center and Georgia State University. An active tournament player, ranked in the top 12% of US tournament players.

    Coach Emmet

    Coach Emmet

    Enjoys the strategy, competition and challenge of thinking ahead, and loves sharing the game with new players.

    Free Community Chess Clubs

    Free • All ages and skill levels • No registration needed

    Boards and pieces are provided. Check dates near holidays before coming.

    • Chess players gathered at tables in the Chess for Champs studio

      First Friday

      Chess for Champs studio

      First Friday of each month
      7:00–9:00 PM

      912 Killian Hill Road, Suite 202-O
      Lilburn, GA 30047
    • Chess players gathered inside the restaurant beside a green wall

      Third Tuesday

      Stone Creek Pizza

      Third Tuesday of each month
      6:00–7:30 PM

      5330 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road #108
      Lilburn, GA 30047
    • Chess players gathered at tables in the Chess for Champs studio

      Last Saturday

      Chess for Champs studio

      Last Saturday of each month
      2:30–4:00 PM

      912 Killian Hill Road, Suite 202-O
      Lilburn, GA 30047
    Fall break camp

    Chess & small STEM projects

    October 13–15 · 9 AM–12 PM · Ages 6–13

    Chess lessons and practice games, small STEM projects and activities, plus Legos and time to play our other games.

    One day $35 · Two days $65 · Three days $95
    Sibling rate for all three days: $90 per child.

    Registration is open for October 14 and 15. Choose one day or both days.

    Spots are confirmed after payment is received.

    Sign up for Fall Camp Fall Camp Check-in & Pickup
    View the fall break camp flyer and registration
    Upcoming tournament

    November Unrated Chess Tournament

    SaturdayNovember 14, 2026

    • First-TimersRated below 500$20entry
    • BeginnerRated 500–999$25entry
    • IntermediateRated 1000–1500$35entry
    Where
    Auggie’s Game Store, Stone Mountain5385 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, Suite G · Directions
    Check-in
    9:00–9:15 am
    Round 1
    9:30 am
    Register by
    Thursday, November 12Online only. No on-site registration.

    Section winners receive chess prizes; trophies for 2nd and 3rd, medals for 4th. See the flyer for prize details.

    Eligibility, division placement, format and prizes are on the tournament page.

    Tournament flyer (opens full size)
    See the prizes · Open flyer full size
    Location

    Where we meet

    Our home is a studio in Lilburn. Find monthly club locations in our free clubs section.

    Classes & private lessons

    Chess for Champs studio

    912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Suite 202-O
    Lilburn, GA 30047

    We’re upstairs in Suite 202-O. Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in. Outside class and club times, visits are by appointment.

    Directions
    Tournament venue · Nov 14 only

    Auggie’s Game Store

    5385 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, Suite G
    Stone Mountain, GA

    Auggie’s Game Store is hosting our November 14 tournament, our first event with them. It is not a Chess for Champs location.

    Directions
    Questions

    Questions families ask

    Which level should I choose?

    If the student is new to chess, choose First Moves. If the student has played before and you’re not sure which level fits, ask Coach Chris about placement. Students continue into Power Moves after completing the First Moves skills.

    Can a complete beginner join?

    Yes. First Moves is made for beginners, and because classes run every week, a new student can start any week.

    How young can a student start?

    Group classes usually start at age 6. We sometimes accept 5-year-olds who already know how the pieces move, so please ask. Private lessons are another option for younger children.

    How does registration work?

    Find a class on the schedule, tap Register, and submit the form for that date at least 8 hours before class. Register every student who will take part. If it is less than 8 hours before class, call Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 at least 5 hours before class to ask about availability; a late request is confirmed only when Coach Chris confirms it directly. Payment is made at the class location before class begins.

    How do I pay?

    Pay at the class location before class begins, using cash or an accepted digital payment method. See prices.

    How do I change or cancel a registration?

    Call or text Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 or email admin@chessforchamps.com, and we’ll update it for you.

    I tried to register and didn’t get a confirmation. What should I do?

    Call or text 404-274-7058 and we’ll confirm your spot. Please double-check that your email address was typed correctly; small typos (like “gmai.com”) stop confirmations from arriving.

    Contact

    Ask Coach Chris a question

    Ask about classes, private lessons, or which level is right for you.

    Chess for Champs

    Call Coach Chris

    Send a message

    To register for a class, use its Register button.

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