- Italy's Premier Online Chess Academy
Why Upstep Academy is the Best Way for Your Child to Learn Chess in Italy (2026)
Chess is becoming a huge part of life in Italy. Whether you are in Milan, Rome, or a small town in the countryside, kids are discovering that chess is more than just a game—it’s a way to become smarter and more focused.
At Upstep Academy, we help your child go from knowing nothing about chess to playing like a pro. We do this through a simple, fun, and structured system that uses English so your child is ready to play anywhere in the world.
What Makes Upstep Academy Special?
We know you have many choices when it comes to online classes. But Upstep is different because we focus on the child’s journey, not just the moves on the board.
- Inspired by a Legend: Our curriculum is certified and inspired by Viswanathan Anand, a 5-time World Chess Champion. When your child completes a level, they get a certificate signed by him!
- Simple Levels: We have 5 easy-to-follow foundation levels. We start with the basics (how the pieces move) and slowly move into advanced strategies. You can view our Full Curriculum here.
- English Only: We teach exclusively in English. This is great for kids in Italy because they learn “Global Chess.” They won’t just be ready for a local club; they’ll be ready for international tournaments organized by FIDE (The International Chess Federation).
How We Help Your Child Grow
In 2026, it is easy for kids to get distracted by phones and videos. Upstep Academy uses chess to help them reclaim their focus.
- A Workout for the Brain: Chess helps kids visualize things in their heads. This is called “spatial awareness,” and it helps a lot with school subjects like Math and Science.
- Making Brave Decisions: In our classes, kids have to make their own choices. If they make a mistake, their coach helps them see why. This builds confidence that stays with them forever.
- A Safe Place to Learn: Our classes are live and interactive. Your child isn’t watching a video; they are talking to a friendly, expert coach. Check out our Coach Profiles to see who will be teaching your child.
Interested in seeing a sample of our international curriculum? Reach out today.
A Step-by-Step Plan for Success
We don’t just “play games.” We follow a scientific plan that works. At Upstep, every student follows our Student Success Path:
- Beginner Level: Learning the rules and basic “checks.”
- Advanced Beginner: Learning how to win your first few games.
- Intermediate: Deepening the understanding of the middle of the game.
- Advanced (Part 1 & 2): Learning the secrets that masters use.
- Master Level: Getting ready for big events like the FSI (Italian Chess Federation) national tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Most of our students in Italy start with zero knowledge. Our Beginner Program makes the first few lessons very fun.
Chess is a global language. By learning in English, your child can use the best books and talk to players from any country. It also helps their school English!
We know Italian families stay active. If you miss a class, we record it for you. Your child can watch it later in our Student Portal.
We keep our groups very small (usually 1-on-1 or small groups of 4). This ensures your child gets the attention they need.
All you need is a tablet or computer. You don’t even need a physical board at first, as we use a high-tech digital board.
Yes. Our Master Level is designed to get students ready for official international ratings.
Every parent gets a “Relationship Manager.” You can see a sample of our Progress Reports here.
Yes! We offer a Free 20-Minute Demo. It’s the best way to see if your child enjoys the platform before you sign up.
Give Your Child a Future Without Limits
Choosing a chess academy is about more than just finding a teacher. It is about choosing a community and a system that grows with your child. At Upstep Academy, we believe that every child in Italy has the potential to be a great thinker, but they need the right tools to get there.
By joining our academy, you are giving your child a “global advantage.” They won’t just be playing a game; they will be learning how to stay calm under pressure, how to solve difficult problems, and how to communicate with people from all walks of life. Whether they want to compete in the World Youth Chess Championships 2026 or simply want to improve their concentration for school, we are here to guide them every step of the way.
The world of chess is moving fast in 2026, and we don’t want your child to be left behind. From our 5-time World Champion-certified curriculum to our small, friendly classrooms, we have everything ready for your child’s success. It all starts with one small move.
Ready to see the Upstep difference for yourself? Book your free demo session today and let’s start your child’s journey toward mastery.
