The City of Dreams is not just a tinsel town with Hollywood glitter. It’s also fast becoming a playground for upcoming chess stars! The attraction of upcoming chess enthusiasts of all ages adds urgency to the demand for the finest quality coaching in this game.

Being a parent, you seek the ideal place to channel your child’s passion for chess. Quality coaching will enable your child to focus bigger and better. A professional coach is there to train them with respect to the game, develop critical thinking skills, and build their confidence.

So, how do you find the best chess coaching in Los Angeles? Let’s dig into the criteria by which we selected our top 8:

So, how did we pick these top 8 Chess Academies in Los Angeles? We looked at a few things:

1. Coaching Experience and Qualifications: We wanted coaches who knew their stuff, right? So, we checked their track record and whether they were certified by the big chess organizations.
2. Student Success Stories and Achievements: We need to see if the kids were actually learning and winning. Did they have good tournament results or high ratings?
3. Training Methodologies and Facilities: Were the classes fun and effective? We looked at how they taught, what they taught, and the place where they taught.
4. Reviews and Testimonials: Finally, we listened to what parents and kids had to say. Were they happy with the classes? Did they feel like they were getting their money’s worth?

The top-rated chess academies in Los Angeles are as follows:

Upstep Academy is like a virtual chess club but way cooler! It’s one of those online chess classes where kids from all over the world, yes, even right here in LA, could learn chess from expert coaches. A through and through passion project. It was founded in 2020 with a simple goal: to aid kids of all ages in becoming chess champions. Well, their team, largely FIDE-rated players, seems to know how to teach chess in a fun and engaging style.

Location: Online platform

Highlights:

• Flexi Learning: You can choose between group classes or one-on-one sessions, whatever works best for your kid’s schedule.
• Expert Coaches: Their coaches are like chess wizards, guiding your child through the chess world.
• Structured Approach: They have a clear plan to help your child improve from beginner to grandmaster.
• Interactive Learning: Their online platform is super cool! It’s got interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and many chess resources to explore.
• Personal Chess Tutor: So, if you want to give your child a fun and challenging way to learn, check out Upstep Academy’s personal tutors.

Website: Upstep Academy

Chess is not just a game; it is a strategic, focused, and intellectually enhancing journey. Los Angeles Chess Academy’s mission is to make sure that people improve upon that journey- whatever level that might be.

Location: Los Angeles, CA 

Highlights:

• Expert Coaching: The fantastic WGM Atousa Pourkashiyan trains coaches, so you can rest assured that you will receive top-class coaching.
• Personalized Learning: They don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. They’ll assess your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and playing style to create a custom learning plan.
• Structured Outcomes: They’ll give your child regular homework to keep them practicing and improving.
• Strategic Focus: They will teach your child the basic opening theory so that he or she can play any opening with confidence.
• Continuous Growth: Whether your child is a beginner or advanced player, the Los Angeles Chess Academy can help them reach their full potential.

Website: Los Angeles Chess Academy

The Angeleno Chess Club is much more than a chess school; it’s the place where you can learn, grow, and have fun. Since its founding in 2015 by International Master Levon Altounian, there has been a passion for chess in his heart, and he has dedicated himself to the delivery of quality chess education. The programs provided include group and private lessons, chess camps, and tournaments, all to develop the very vibrant chess community of Burbank.

Location: Burbank, CA.

Highlights:

• Community-Driven: They foster a community atmosphere with ample opportunities to network with other chess enthusiasts and engage in friendly matches.
• International Master Leadership: Led by Levon Altounian, one of the highest-regarded chess players and coaches worldwide, their teachers are committed to helping your child improve.
• Diverse Training Programs: They have everything from comprehensive programs for advanced players to programs for complete beginners. 
• Integration of Technology: They even have after-school chess clubs and have developed chess apps for Mac and Android!

Website: Angeleno Chess Club

Train Children Chess Academy offers in-class chess lessons for children in schools across Los Angeles and Orange County. Their mission is to improve educational outcomes and social development through chess.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Highlights:

• Positive Learning Environment: The children learn and enjoy the game in a supportive, fun atmosphere.
• Character Development: They teach important values like respect, hard work, and perseverance, all while playing chess.
• In-school Chess Programs: Bring chess directly into the classroom, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
• Critical Thinking Skills: They provide instruction in chess while promoting critical thinking skills.

Website: Train Children Chess Academy

LA Chess for Kids is one of the best places to introduce a child to the world of chess. They make it fun and interactive in terms of games, puzzles, and even group activities that keep kids absorbed. In addition, there are frequent events such as tournaments and chess clubs, providing the kids with the ability to meet other enthusiasts as well as to improve.

Location: Los Angeles, CA.

Highlights:

• Teach Chess Playfully: They games, activities, or other ways to keep children interested and motivated in an interactive manner
• Interactive Experience: Children learn through activities, so puzzle-solving, challenges, and group activities involving chess could be the best way for them to learn.
• Programs for All Skill Levels: Whether your child is a beginner or a more advanced participant, there will be a program that suits his level.
• Fun Events: Regular tournaments, chess club meetings, and other activities help kids meet their counterparts, hone their skills, and enjoy themselves among peers.

Website: LA Chess for Kids

1000GM Chess Academy is on a mission to turn kids of all skill levels into chess champions. They offer an entire training program that takes beginners through to advanced players.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Highlights:

• Affordable Chess Education: Learning chess won’t empty your wallet. Affordable monthly memberships.
• Daily Practice Makes Perfect: They have daily practice sessions so that your child gets a sharp edge and masters chess.
• Tournament Time: They conduct a tournament every month so that your child can practice the game and win trophies.
• Supporting Parents: It believes that parents are one’s greatest assets. So it gives resources to help you as well to support your child to make them a chess whiz.

Website: 1000GM Chess Academy

ChessPalace is Disneyland for chess players! They have all sorts of events for those new to the game and seasoned pros alike. Their tournaments number over 100 per year, including their weekly rated and amateur tournaments, so you have plenty of opportunities to see how you measure up to other players. And if you need to stock up on chess supplies, their store sells chess sets, books, and accessories.

Location: Garden Grove, CA

Highlights:

• Chess Lessons for All Ages: The academy also offers group and private lessons for children and adults. If you have always wanted to learn chess but never had the time, introductory classes there are great for beginners.
• Chess Camps: You want to be inside a world of chess? Just visit their chess camps: an entertaining yet intensive program designed to learn more about playing the chess game.
• Tournament Time: Feeling competitive? They host regular tournaments, so you can test your skills and perhaps win a trophy (bragging rights included!).
• Chess Gear Galore: Want to buy a new chessboard or browse some chess books? Their chess store is well-stocked to feed your chess obsession.

Website: ChessPalace

Train of Thought takes chess out of the black-and-white squares. It uses chess to help kids reach their maximum potential. So, if you want a chess program that extends far beyond the playing field to help your child build useful life skills, Train of Thought is the right one!

Location: Los Angeles, CA.

Highlights:

• Chess with a Purpose: Students are taught critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• More Than Just Moves: Each child receives personalized coaching sessions based on his or her strengths and weaknesses, helping him or her discover hidden talents both on and off the chessboard.
• Chess for Every King (and Queen): Train of Thought offers classes for kids of all ages, from the youngest who are just learning to play to the teenagers who are really building up their competitive edge.

Website: Train of Thought

When choosing a chess academy for your child, consider the following factors:

• • Online Classes vs In-person: In stark contrast to in-person classes, the online mode offers flexibility and allows the child to learn the game at their own pace without peer pressure. Additionally, it saves commute time.
  • Coach’s Qualifications and Experience: A good coach can make all the difference. Look for experience and certification from recognized chess organizations. They can provide quality instruction and guide your child’s development.
  • Class Size and Student-to-Coach Ratio: A small class size allows for much more attention to your child. Other children thrive in group settings. Observe your child’s learning style and select an academy that fits your needs. Online classes tend to be of different sizes benefitting
  • Curriculum and Training Methodology: A well-structured curriculum must incorporate many topics, from basic tactics to advanced strategy. The training method should be appropriate for your child’s learning style.
  • Reviews and Testimonials: Talk with other parents and students who study at the academy to get a clear impression of its quality. You can also visit the academy in person to familiarize yourself with the coaches and students.

Choosing the right chess academy is a big affair. It is equivalent to choosing the best school for your child’s future. The right academy will spark passion for the game, sharpen their mind, and help them realize their full potential.

An academy with positive online reviews, favorable feedback from past and current students, and engaging demo classes can be indicative of a strong institution. Upstep is one such online chess academy, featuring excellent coaches for various levels and maintaining an impressive Google review score of 4.8/5, based on an aggregate of 1,640 reviews.