Arizona’s chess scene is booming! Recently, 319 students competed at the 2025 State Championships, proving the game is more popular than ever. With a legacy dating back to the 1978 U.S. Open in Phoenix and clubs now found in hundreds of schools , there is a massive local community waiting for you. To help you join over 90,000 national members , we’ve found the top 5 chess classes in Arizona. Below, we break down the best programs for expert coaching, school clubs, and elite tournament training to elevate your game!
1. Kingdom of Chess
Kingdom of Chess is a globally trusted online chess academy that serves students right here in Arizona and across 30+ countries worldwide. Founded in 2018 by Arena Grandmaster Chandrajeet Rajawat, the academy started with just a handful of students. Today, it has trained over 10,000 students and produced 20+ national top 10 ranked champions, 50+ state-level winners and 10 students have qualified for the World Championship. For Arizona families looking for structured, expert-led online chess coaching, Kingdom of Chess stands out as the top choice.
Information
- Website: www.kingdomofchess.com
- Address: Serves online for all Arizona students | US Office: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 105, Wilmington, DE 19806
- GMB Rating: 4.9
- Courses Offered: Pawn Level (Beginner, ages 5–15), Knight Level (Intermediate), Bishop Level (Advanced Strategy), Rook Level (Competitive & Tournament Prep)
- Best For: All ages across Arizona who want structured online chess coaching from FIDE-titled coaches
- Class Format: Live, interactive lessons via Zoom, Teams with small group sizes (max 5 students per class)
- Coach Credentials: Only Grandmasters and FIDE-Certified Coaches are allowed to teach
- Tournament Exposure: Weekly online practice tournaments, FIDE-rated competition prep, and international-level training events
- Special Feature: Free demo session available so that parents and students can try before they commit
Key Features
- Structured level-based curriculum from complete beginner to competitive tournament player
- Small class sizes with a maximum of 5 students, ensuring personal attention for every child
- Weekly masterclasses with Grandmasters and International Masters
- Regular progress updates and class recordings shared with parents
- U.S. time-zone friendly schedules convenient for Arizona families
- 24/7 access to the technology-enabled classroom for self-practice
- Students assessed before joining no random group placements
- Track record: 10+ national champions and 50+ state-level winners
2. Phoenix Chess Academy
Phoenix Chess Academy is one of the most well-known chess programs in the Phoenix Valley. The academy teaches chess all across the region from private elementary schools to homeschooling programs and competitive tournaments. Their coaches, including the highly respected Coach Liulia, are known for being patient, passionate, and deeply committed to each student’s growth. Furthermore, the academy runs regular USCF-rated tournaments that give students real competitive experience throughout the year.
Information
- Website: phoenixchessacademy.com
- Address: 18440 N 7th St #8, Phoenix, AZ 85022 (also serves Chandler and surrounding areas)
- GMB Rating: 4.7
- Courses Offered: Private Lessons, Advanced Group Lessons, Homeschooling Programs, School Programs, Online Lessons
- Tournament Exposure: Monthly USCF-rated scholastic tournaments, Saturday Blitz events, Phoenix Monthly Scholastic, Arizona Golden Cup (year-long USCF series), Arizona Team Championship
- Best For: Children of all ages who want in-person coaching, as well as families looking for competitive tournament play
Key Features
- Teaches chess across the entire Phoenix Valley and is highly accessible for families
- Strong focus on both tactical skills and practical tournament preparation
- Regular Saturday tournaments for youth players of all rating levels
- Homeschooling-friendly programs
- Works with private elementary schools across the valley
- Recognized by US Chess for organizing official USCF-rated events
3. BRAIN POWERS
BRAIN POWERS is a one-of-a-kind enrichment program based in northern Phoenix that uses chess and other strategy games to build intellectual life skills for kids. Unlike traditional chess academies, Brain Powers takes a games-based learning approach combining chess instruction with critical thinking development, focus training, and emotional resilience. The result is a program that not only teaches chess but also helps kids do better in school and in life. In addition, Brain Powers runs USCF-rated scholastic tournaments and day camps that make learning fun and competitive.
Information
- Website: www.k12brainpowers.com
- Address: 615 W Deer Valley Rd # 123, Phoenix, AZ 85027
- Phone: (623) 321-4123
- GMB Rating: 5.0
- Courses Offered: Group Class Activity Sessions (K-12), Strategy Day Camps, Private and Small Group Tutoring, USCF-rated Chess Tournaments, 55+ Senior Programs
- Tournament Exposure: USCF-rated Game-in-30 scholastic tournaments, regular tournament events listed on Southwest Chess
- Best For: K-12 students, especially those who want enrichment beyond just chess focusing on focus, decision-making, and academic performance
Key Features
- Unique games-based approach that builds life skills alongside chess skills
- Programs available for K-12 students, adults (18–54), and active seniors (55+)
- Day camps and group class activities with strategy games for dynamic thinking
- Flexible scheduling with sessions available six days a week
- Focuses on sharpening focus, overcoming challenges, and developing a positive mindset
- Hundreds of local families enrolled, have strong community reputation in northern Phoenix
4. Chess Emporium
Chess Emporium is one of Arizona’s oldest and most established chess institutions founded in 1993. With multiple locations across Scottsdale, Tempe, and the Carefree area, it has grown into one of the nation’s premier providers of scholastic chess instruction and tournaments. Chess Emporium runs clubs in hundreds of Arizona schools. Moreover, it uses the well-structured Chess4Life curriculum, a six-level program that takes students from complete beginner all the way to advanced competitor. It is a great choice for families who want a proven, long-running program with deep roots in the Arizona chess community.
Information
- Website: www.chessemporium.com
- Address (Scottsdale): 7000 E Shea Blvd, Suite E-120, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Phone: (602) 482-4867
- GMB Rating: 4.4
- Courses Offered: Chess4Life (6 levels: Beginner to Advanced), Group Lessons, Private Coaching, Summer and Winter Chess Camps, School Clubs
- Tournament Exposure: Weekly USCF tournaments (Tuesday and Friday evenings), Sunday mixed events, annual Governor’s Cup State Championship hosted on-site
- Best For: Kindergarten through adult players who want structured in-person learning and frequent tournament play
Key Features
- 30+ years of experience and founded in 1993, one of Arizona’s longest-running chess programs
- Three convenient locations in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Carefree
- Chess4Life curriculum with six clearly defined levels from beginner to advanced
- Weekly USCF-rated tournaments available to all students
- Hosts major state championship events including the Governor’s Cup
- Summer and winter chess camps with flexible scheduling options
5. Banawa Chess LLC
Banawa Chess LLC is a boutique chess coaching service led by FIDE Master Jake Banawa who is one of the most accomplished chess instructors in Arizona. Jake holds a peak FIDE rating of 2356 and a USCF rating of 2472. He earned his FIDE Master title in 2011 and received a full chess scholarship worth approximately $61,000 to Webster University, home to the best collegiate chess program in the world. Since 2008, Jake has been offering personalized chess lessons, and he has been coaching in the Phoenix area specifically since 2016. His approach is highly customizable and focused on real, lasting improvement.
Information
- Website: www.banawachess.com
- Address: 1130 E Butler Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85020
- Phone: (602) 461-2797
- GMB Rating: 5.0
- Courses Offered: Private Chess Lessons (in-person), Online Chess Lessons, Coaching for all ages and skill levels, i.e. beginner to advanced
- Tournament Exposure: Students participate in local open tournaments across Phoenix; connection to Rising Phoenix Chess Academy tournament circuit
- Best For: Players of all levels who want personalized, one-on-one coaching from a FIDE Master with a strong competitive background
Key Features
- One-on-one coaching from a verified FIDE Master with over 15 years of teaching experience
- Available both in-person in Phoenix and online
- Have no fixed curriculum, lessons are tailored to the student
- Coaches students of all ages from young beginners to adult learners
- Active connection to the Phoenix chess tournament community
- Patient, professional, and deeply experienced instructor
- Ideal for students who have not responded well to group class settings
Comparison of Chess Classes in Arizona
| Academy | Google Rating | Courses Offered | Tournament Exposure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Chess | 4.9 | Beginner to Advanced (4 levels) | FIDE-level online tournaments, international competition prep | All ages across Arizona who want expert online coaching |
| Phoenix Chess Academy | 4.7 | Private, Group, School, Homeschool, Online | Monthly USCF-rated events, Saturday Blitz, Arizona Golden Cup | Kids and competitive players in Phoenix Valley |
| BRAIN POWERS | 5.0 | Group Classes, Day Camps, Private Tutoring | USCF-rated Game-in-30 scholastic tournaments | K-12 students focused on enrichment and life skills |
| Chess Emporium | 4.4 | Chess4Life (6 levels), Camps, School Clubs | Weekly USCF events, Governor's Cup State Championship | Kindergarten through adult, school club players |
| Banawa Chess LLC | 5.0 | Private Lessons, Online Coaching | Local Phoenix open tournaments | All levels seeking personalized one-on-one coaching |
Conclusion
Choosing a chess class is about more than just learning moves—it’s about joining a powerful local legacy. Whether you choose the elite masterclasses at Kingdom of Chess or the broad scholastic programs offered by Chess Emporium , the benefits of these classes go far beyond the board. Students often see significant improvements in math achievement and develop essential life skills like resilience and strategic foresight. Pick a program from our top 5 list and start your journey toward mastery today!
