Trusted by families, schools & organisations worldwide
1,000+Students Worldwide
50+Expert Coaches
20+Countries Reaching
4.9/5Average Student Rating
Students Share Their Experience
Nurit RederCEO at Mat-Pals ★★★★★
Shir is super professional and extremely pleasant to work with. She has a rare combination of kindness, intelligence and endless motivation. For more than a decade she has taught my son and I chess, combining theoretical knowledge with tactics, puzzles and studies. Through her professionalism and a significant tutoring presence, she delivers wonderful courses for students at all levels of their chess journey.
Liat Lachish LevyCEO at ChickP ★★★★★
I've been introduced to Shir through a friend in venture capital during my investment round. Little did I know, I was about to rediscover my childhood passion for chess and unlock a wealth of insights for my business journey. Shir's teachings brilliantly bridge the gap between chess and business, revealing profound parallels in strategy, adaptability, and decision-making. Her structured approach not only sharpens strategic thinking but also ignites creativity in problem-solving.
Amit PilowskyCo-Founder, Key1 Capital ★★★★★
I started studying chess with Shir a couple of years back thinking that I need some gym workout for my brain. Since then, I enjoy studying chess immensely thanks to Shir's deep understanding of the content, her captivating way to teach and explain complicated concepts, and all that through the convenience of studying on Zoom. I highly recommend it to anyone, beginner or advanced player!
Dr Behnoosh FarzamUCLA School of Dentistry ★★★★★
I have three children, 5, 7 and 10, who have benefited from Shir's expertise in teaching chess, along with her passion for the game. They sit for hours with chess puzzles and their only complaint is that no lesson with Shir is long enough. What sets Shir apart is her patience and ability to bond with the students. I highly recommend her.
Amir PortianskyGeneral manager at Onami ★★★★★
I was in a rating vacuum which veered 100 points up and down. I was recommended to Shir by a friend who went from a beginner to a strong player in a year through her brilliant coaching. Three months later, my ranking was heading upward; after eight months, it was 700 points higher online, and 300 points over the board. Shir also helped me find a club, and I now play in Leagues and tournaments.
Yoram AsheryCEO at Nostromo Energy ★★★★★
Aside from her captivating smile, Shir exudes determination, brilliance, and resourcefulness with every lesson. Shir has significantly nurtured my love for chess and fuelled my passion and excellence in science and technology. By constantly challenging my curiosity, intellect, preparation, and self-belief, Shir deserves considerable credit for my achievements. She is so much more than a chess teacher - Shir is an exceptional life coach.
Ed HochmanPresident at Hawk Managements ★★★★★
Shir's chess classes are beyond amazing. I looked forward to each class and immensely enjoyed them. I don't know how she was so patient, but I wish I had a fraction of it. She is highly professional and genuinely inspired me. I strongly recommend her services if you and/or your family want to learn chess in a fun environment.
Idan LaviManager of Herzliya Chess Club ★★★★★
Shir excels in pedagogical and professional methods of teaching, and she has a strong track record in organising and managing tournaments.
Sara KlenoffAttorney at Barbri ★★★★★
Our 11-year-old son is in virtual group lessons and one-to-one sessions with Shir and other coaches at the academy. In two years, he has made significant progress and thoroughly enjoys learning and playing chess. Shir brings out the fun and enjoyment of playing chess, while learning life skills like winning and losing in a respectful way, along with concentration and thinking. I thoroughly recommend the London Chess Academy.
Samantha HaileyLondon ★★★★★
My 11 year old son Ethan has been attending chess sessions with Shir for a couple of years. His chess has come on in leaps and bounds, and Shir has continued to stretch and challenge him throughout. He still looks forward to the classes every week and clearly has a lot of fun. I would highly recommend the club.
Nirit ben MeirDesigner and Artist ★★★★★
My son has been enjoying Shir's chess club for two years and going. He calls it training my brains. He became the best player in the family, gained new skills, learned to implement strategies, analyse the chess board and solve puzzles. Shir gives each student a personal attention and challenges them to achieve their highest potential.
Sarit DuplerEastern Medicine Senior Practitioner ★★★★★
I am delighted to recommend Shir and her team at the London Chess Academy. My oldest boy started three years ago and fell in love with chess, even persuading his friends to join the academy. Her passion and motivation for chess influence the children. My youngest child also joined the club. I can't recommend Shir enough.
About Us
London Chess Academy was founded in 2021 by Shir Bar Tal, a professional chess coach with
18 years of coaching experience. Our approach is practical, results-focused, and built on
the belief that chess should be both enjoyable and challenging. We carefully select our
coaches and tailor the experience to each student's goals, personality, and learning style.
For more information, private programs or group lessons. Tell us a bit about yourself,
and we will get in touch as soon as we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a member of the London Chess Academy?
Our memberships are designed to fit different budgets and goals:
Gold Membership: Group classes start at just £12 per lesson
Private Membership: One-to-one lessons begin at £40 per lesson
Do you offer a free trial?
Yes! We provide a 7-day free trial for all online group and private lessons (excludes Grandmaster Coaching and lessons with Shir). No charges apply until the trial ends, and you can cancel anytime.
At what age can a child start learning chess?
We welcome young learners at every stage:
Private Lessons: Children as young as 3 years old can begin one-to-one coaching.
Group Classes: Start at 6 years old, designed for fun and interactive learning.
Are the classes conducted online or in person?
We offer flexible learning options:
Online Classes: Our most popular and affordable option, with faster improvement and engaging lessons.
In-Person Lessons: Available at your home through our Premium or Elite packages for a tailored experience.
What do you offer outside of weekly classes?
Beyond weekly lessons, we provide comprehensive support:
7-Day Expert Support: Get your chess questions answered anytime at no extra cost - unique to LCA!
Sunday Online Tournaments: Compete weekly to test your skills.
Optional Homework: Accelerate your progress with personalised assignments.
Can I play in-person tournaments if I take online classes?
Absolutely! Online lessons build your skills efficiently, but we prepare you for over-the-board tournaments:
Tournament Readiness: Our coaching ensures you're ready to compete in person.
Local Events: We help you find nearby tournaments to showcase your skills.
I'm starting from scratch. When will I be able to play and win?
With our expert coaching, you'll see steady progress:
After 5 Sessions: Confidently win against beginner-level computers.
After 6 Months: Beat most amateur players, including friends.
Why should I join the London Chess Academy?
LCA offers a unique approach to chess education:
Rapid Improvement: Boost your chess rating with personalised coaching.
Fun & Engaging: Learn in a dynamic environment that fosters a lifelong love for chess.
Life Skills: Apply chess strategies to problem-solving and decision-making.
Exclusive Community: Connect with high-performing chess enthusiasts.