Online Private Lessons
Best for faster progress, very young children, or students who need individual attention.
- Suitable from age 3
- One-to-one coaching adapted to the child's pace
- Personalised study plan and flexible scheduling
Chess for Children
Chess is more than just a game - it builds self-awareness, strategic thinking and confidence.
Why chess for children
Chess gives children a safe place to think ahead, make decisions and learn from mistakes. As they solve problems at the board, they develop concentration, patience, self-awareness and the confidence to trust their own thinking—skills that reach far beyond the game.
Our coaches keep that growth engaging through practical games, puzzles and age-appropriate challenges. Clear, encouraging feedback and lessons tailored to each child's personality, pace and level help every student progress while continuing to enjoy chess.
Choose a path
Choose the right lesson path
Children can learn one-to-one, in a small online group, or directly with the founder through the premium pathway. Each route includes structured coaching, practical games and a clear next step.
Online Group Lessons
Best for children aged 6 to 16 who enjoy learning with peers in a structured group.
- Small online groups by level
- Peer discussion, challenge and regular practice
- Weekend tournaments and optional homework
Premium Lessons
Best for families who want selective founder-led coaching and a deeper personalised plan.
- Direct work with Shir Bar Tal
- High-touch feedback for serious progress
- Suitable for ambitious children and families
Kids and Parents Share Their Experience
Nurit Reder CEO 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.
Dr Behnoosh Farzam UCLA 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.
Yoram Ashery CEO 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.
Idan Lavi Manager of Herzliya Chess Club ★★★★★
Shir created strategic ways to teach children to improve their creativity, patience and tactical thinking. She also excels in pedagogical and professional methods of teaching, and she has a strong track record in organising and managing tournaments.
Sara Klenoff Attorney 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 Hailey London ★★★★★
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 Meir Designer 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 Dupler Eastern 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.
Online kids chess lessons
Enquire Now Help your child grow through chess
Tell us your child's age, level and goals, and we will recommend the right online lesson path.
Contact Us
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.
What Happens After You Sign Up?
Start your 7-day free trial
We match you with the right coach
Join your first lesson and enjoy
Personalised plan and feedback
Join tournaments and improve
Chess for Children - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between private and group chess lessons for children?
Private lessons are one-to-one and move at the child's exact pace. Group lessons are for children aged 6 to 16 and add peer learning, discussion and a more social class format.
What age can a child start learning chess?
Children as young as 3 can begin with online private lessons. Online group lessons are usually best from age 6.
Are the lessons online?
Yes. Our children's private and group chess lessons are online, with structured coaching, practical games and regular feedback.
Do children get tournaments and extra support?
Yes. Memberships include online weekend tournaments, and students can receive expert support and optional homework when they want to progress faster.
Which page should I choose?
Choose private lessons if your child needs individual attention, is very young, or wants faster progress. Choose group lessons if your child is aged 6 to 16 and would enjoy learning with peers.
Terms and Conditions
- Enjoy a 7-day free trial.
- Cancel 48 hours before the trial ends to avoid any charges.
- After the trial, ongoing charges will apply.
- To cancel and avoid fees, contact us at least 48 hours before the next billing cycle.
