- New Zealand Premier Online Chess Academy
Top 5 Online Chess Academies in New Zealand - World's Best Chess Academy
If you’ve noticed your child has a knack for puzzles or spends their rainy afternoons hovering over a chessboard, you’re in the right place. In New Zealand, chess is quietly becoming one of the most popular ways for children to develop the kind of focus they often lack from screen time.
At Upstep Academy, we don’t treat chess like a dry academic subject. We treat it as a skill, one that helps with math, patience, and handling a loss with a bit of "Kiwi grit." Whether you’re in the heart of Auckland, a windy suburb in Wellington, or down south in Dunedin, we bring high-quality coaching to your dining room table.
Why Upstep Academy Works for NZ Families
We understand the struggle of balancing school, sports, and social life. Our program is designed to be a “low-stress, high-reward” part of your week.
Times That Actually Work (NZDT/NZST)
There is nothing worse than finding a great tutor only to realize the “live” class is at 3:00 AM New Zealand time. We have dedicated slots specifically for our time zone:
- After School (4 PM – 6:30 PM): Let them get their brain in gear before dinner.
- Weekend Mornings: Ideal for those rainy Saturday mornings when sports are cancelled.
- Holiday Intensives: We run focused sessions during the April, July, and September/October school holidays to keep them off YouTube and on the board.
The Best of Both Worlds: Local Grit & Global Skill
Why do we lean on Upstep’s chess curriculum? Because it has been designed to universally suit the needs of the improving chess player. Additionally, certificates signed by Five-Time World Champion GM Viswanathan are awarded after every level. He is an inspiration for Upstep Academy’s students, as his “speed-chess” style is perfectly relatable for the kids. But we don’t ignore our own backyard. Our coaches reference the games of New Zealand greats like GM Murray Chandler and IM Robert Wade, showing students that a kid from NZ can absolutely take on the world.
Small Groups, Big Confidence
We keep our classes small (usually a 1:4 ratio). This means your child actually gets to talk, ask questions, and build a relationship with their coach. It’s more like a club and less like a lecture.
Course Structure for New Zealand Students
Our curriculum is a carefully layered journey inspired by the training methods of GM Viswanathan Anand, adapted to align with the learning styles of NZ kids.
Beginner to Master Levels
- Foundation: Perfect for kids aged 5–8. Rules, piece movements, and basic chess tactics & checkmates.
- Master: Advanced endgames, profound strategies, and deep calculation for NZ National Schools Finals.
- GAP: Professional-level theory and GM mentorship for the Junior & Age Group Championships, 2026.
Flexible Scheduling
- Easy Rescheduling: Swap your class slot with 24-hour notice.
- Parent Dashboards: Track your child’s progress and NZCF-aligned milestones.
The "Hidden" Benefits: More Than Just a Game
When we talk to New Zealand parents, they often tell us they aren’t looking for their child to become a professional player. They just want their child to develop certain qualities. Chess is one of the few activities that naturally builds these:
- Handling Failure: In chess, there is no “luck.” If you lose, it’s because of a choice you made. Learning to shake hands and try again is a vital skill for Kiwi kids.
- Logical Patience: It teaches kids to “look both ways before crossing the street.” In chess, you have to consider your opponent’s move before you make your own.
- Concentration: In a world of digital distractions, sitting for 45 minutes to focus on one subject is a “superpower.”
- Academic Boost: Many of our parents notice an improvement in maths and reading comprehension of their child. It’s because chess trains the brain to recognize patterns and follow a logic trail.
Top 5 Best Chess Schools in New Zealand
If you are looking for local communities to complement your online training at Upstep Academy, these are the most prestigious institutions in the country:
| Rank | Academy/Club | Location | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Auckland Chess Centre |
Mt Eden, Auckland |
The “Heartbeat” of NZ chess. Famous for its Friday junior nights and historic venue. |
|
2 |
Chess Power |
Nationwide |
Excellent for schools. They run the massive Interschools tournament circuit. |
|
3 |
NZ Chess Academy |
Online / Auckland |
A high-performance center specifically for talented juniors aiming for high ratings. |
|
4 |
Wellington Chess Club |
Thorndon, Wellington |
One of the oldest clubs in the world, offering a deeply supportive community for capital city players. |
|
5 |
Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club |
East Auckland |
Renowned for having one of the largest and most active junior divisions in the country. |
Frequently Asked Questions
All classes are held in NZDT/NZST. We have weekday slots from 4 PM onwards and multiple weekend morning sessions.
Yes. Chess supports the “Key Competencies” of the NZ Curriculum, specifically Thinking and Managing Self.
We accept all major credit cards and digital payments in NZD.
We maintain a strict 1:4 coach-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention for every Kiwi kid.
Simply book a Free 1:1 Demo Class through our website to get a professional evaluation of your child’s skills.
Start Your Kiwi Chess Journey Today
Don’t let your child miss out on the mental “workout” that is sweeping the nation. From the first pawn move to the final checkmate, Upstep Academy is committed to providing the best online chess coaching in New Zealand.