Chess wasn’t very popular in Singapore until May 2024, when the country decided to host the 2024 FIDE World Championship. Since then, numerous people, old and young, and even kids, have started taking a deep interest in chess.

In fact, in May 2021, at 17, Siddharth Jagadeesh became Singapore’s youngest Grandmaster.

Chess is a game of strategy and mental agility. To be a pro, your kids require more than natural talent. They need effective chess coaching that offers years of experience, personalized feedback, and access to advanced resources.

This article lists the top 8 chess classes in Singapore that will bring out the best in your child’s potential.

1. Coaching Experience and Qualifications

We prioritized institutions with skilled coaches, proven teaching experience, and recognized chess titles like FIDE Master or International Master.

2. Success Stories and Student Achievements

Classes with students excelling in local or global tournaments were highlighted for their ability to deliver results.

3. Training Methodologies and Facilities

Structured lesson plans, modern tools, and quality facilities were key factors in selecting the top academies.

4. Reviews and Testimonials

Positive feedback from parents and students on teaching quality and progress was also a significant consideration.

• Established in 2020, Upstep Academy is the first global online chess training institute imparting training through a scientifically developed curriculum.
• It is a completely online institute that is easily accessible from Singapore.
• Its primary focus is training kids at an early age to become the future Grandmasters.
• Your kids can either get one-on-one interactive sessions or learn chess with a small group of kids.
• It offers a scientific curriculum for all levels, from beginner to intermediate, advanced, and master’s level.
• Website: Upstep Academy

• The Singapore Chess Federation, founded in 1949, is the highest authority in Singapore and oversees all chess events.
• Its mission is to facilitate a nurturing chess community in Singapore and bring the game’s benefits to the underprivileged.
• It caters to all age groups – from very young kids of Singapore, 5-8 years of age, to adults who are already professionals in the game.
• Here’s the exact address of the academy: 51 Bishan Street 13, #02-01A SIGC, Singapore 579799
• Apart from a structured curriculum, its main advantage is the frequent organization of competitions and events that test the student’s skills.
• Website: Singapore Chess Federation

• Singapore has probably among the best chess classes. It is open to all ages and talent levels, and its principal mission is to prepare students for competitions and events.
• You can find the academy here: 865 Mountbatten Road #02-27/28/20 Katong Shopping Center Singapore 437844
• International chess experts with ample certifications conduct coaching classes for children and adults.
• They have a thematic program to help children better prepare for competitions by providing several start, mid-game, and end-game strategies.
• They further provide a “Learn to Play Chess” course so children above 5 can grasp the basics of chess. 
• Website: Chess Academy Singapore

• Intchess Asia is one of the oldest chess academies in Singapore, established in 1996. They offer specialized chess training for students of all ages, starting out young with children, teens, and up to adults.
• The classes are held at various convenient locations across Singapore. Apart from the regular classes, they also provide private coaching and hold competitions and special events.
• You can find the academy here:
  Mega@Woodlands, #08-83
  39 Woodlands Close
  Singapore 737856

• All the academy’s instructors are FIDE-rated. They also partner with schools across Singapore to provide chess training to students and school coaches.
• Online training courses are an added advantage.
• Website: Intchess Asia

• Royal Chess was founded in 2012 by Tigran Gyozalyan, a professional chess trainer in Singapore. He is the only chess teacher in Singapore who has specialised coaching education.
• He was a FIDE Master and then a FIDE coach. In 1991, he won the USSR championship.
• He has a special approach where he teaches your kids to develop a specific thought process and develop their character. He uses an individualized approach in coaching kids.
• The academy is situated at 60 Hill Street, Singapore 179366*
• Website: Royal Chess

• Learn Chess Academy is a leading hybrid model chess class in Singapore.
• Murali Krishna Chitrada is the lead coach who innovated the three Ps approach: Philosophy, psychology, and physiology.
• LCA offers a hybrid coaching model that combines online and on-site classes. It emphasizes its methodology and uses AI support to coach kids effectively.
• Your kids can either get one-on-one personal coaching or be a part of a two kids’ duo for a more competitive model.
• Website: Learn Chess Academy

• Chess Grande is one of the best chess academies in Singapore, and it is committed to providing top-tier chess training. All of their instructors are FIDE and MOE certified. In fact, 8 out of 15 FIDE-certified instructors in Singapore choose to teach with Chess Grande.
• They offer developmental training and mastery skills coaching to all age groups and skill levels
• They offer programs that include school-based coaching and private lessons. They also organize corporate events designed for companies that value workplace synergy.
• Here’s the exact location of the institute: 874 Yishun Street 81 #06-193 Singapore (760874)
• Website: Chess Grande

• Genius Assembly is strictly focused on providing quality chess training to kids below the age of 12 years.
• They have two courses: (A) a Chess Beginner course for kids (4-12 years) to learn the basics of chess, chess lingo, and beginner tactics. (B)The other course, Chess Intermediate (6+ years), teaches more advanced techniques and tricks.
• Their program also offers an online class once a week and regular practice games to hone your kids’ skills.
• Location: 1187 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-34, Singapore 5339711
• Website: Genius Assembly

1. Location and accessibility

You should choose a chess class that is nearby and convenient to reach. Try to avoid long commutes, which can affect your efficiency during the class.

Online classes are another great option.

2. Coach’s qualifications and experience

Ensure that the academy’s coaches are highly qualified. Check their certifications, achievements, and tournament successes.

3. Class size and student-to-coach ratio

Reduced group size allows the coach to attend to every learner’s needs.

Having fewer students per coach also allows for more focus and tracking of progress. 

4. Curriculum and training methodology

Check to see if the curriculum aligns with your learning goals. Different goals require different learning styles.

A child may need to start with basic strategies, but a professional who is already playing chess should choose more advanced strategies and methods.

5. Reviews and testimonials from students and parents

Often, chess academies’ promotions may not reveal aspects that can be uncovered from genuine customer reviews and testimonials.

Try to get honest reviews from students and their parents regarding the coaches, their communication style, and their success in improving students’ skills.

If you want to excel at the fantastic game of chess, selecting the right classes is vital. Ensure the academy has the resources and coaching to enhance your abilities.

The academy’s success depends on its coaches, coaching styles, and real-life student testimonials.

Choose Upstep Academy to provide the best chess classes for your child, catering to their specific needs. Its online platform offers flexibility and lets children concentrate on the game at leisure.