Young chess students learning together in a classroom
Toronto Chess Club / Education

LESSONS AT TORONTO CHESS CLUB

Great players begin with great teachers.

At TCC, we want young Canadians to dream big—and players of every age to find more confidence, understanding and enjoyment in the game. Beginners are welcome, and we also work with developing players and tournament competitors, adapting lessons to each student’s age, experience and goals. Our comprehensive teaching program pairs the world-renowned Chess Steps curriculum with modern tools, purposeful practice and a clear path for progress—from the very first move to confident, highly skilled play.

CHOOSE HOW YOU LEARN

Two paths. One standard.

Learn one-on-one with a private instructor or build skills alongside peers in the Toronto Chess Club Academy.

Peter Lambert seated at a chessboard

ONE-ON-ONE · ALL AGES

Private lessons

From first moves to tournament preparation, personalized instruction adapts to the player’s age, experience and goals.

  • Online or in person
  • Flexible scheduling
  • 60-minute standard lesson
Explore private lessons
Toronto Chess Club Academy

GROUP CLASSES · AGES 6–16

Toronto Chess Club Academy

Level-based classes for ages 6–16 combine structured Chess Steps instruction with guided play, exploration and peer learning.

  • Markham and Oakville
  • 18 weekly classes
  • 90 minutes per class
Explore the Academy

BUILT FOR LASTING PROGRESS

Everything a player needs to keep growing.

A strong lesson does more than explain the next idea. It gives the player direction, meaningful practice and a clearer understanding of what to work on next.

Progress

A clear progression

Chess Steps provides a coherent sequence from foundational patterns toward increasingly sophisticated play.

Tailoring

Teaching that meets the player

Instructors adapt material, pace and activities to the player’s age, experience and goals—balancing structure with play and exploration when younger students need it.

Application

Practice with purpose

Positions, exercises, guided play and follow-up work turn explanation into skills the player can use.

Analysis

Modern analysis

Students learn to use the Lichess suite, examine engine suggestions and identify the chess logic behind them.

Competition

Tournament perspective

When relevant, game review, notation and preparation connect learning to the decisions and pressures of competitive play.

Direction

A visible next step

Useful feedback makes improvement visible and identifies what deserves the player’s attention next.

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN?

Start with a conversation.

A free individual intro can help identify the right lesson format and starting point.

Every chess master was once a beginner.

Irving Chernev