Montreal is unlike any other city in Canada. It is bilingual, culturally rich, and deeply proud of its identity. From the charming streets of the Plateau-Mont-Royal to the lakeside suburbs of Dorval and the vibrant neighbourhoods around Sherbrooke Street, families across the island of Montreal and the South Shore are actively looking for quality chess coaching for their children. This guide covers every chess option currently available in Montreal so you can make a confident, well-informed choice.
Chess Classes Across Montreal
Parents from all parts of the city are looking for chess programmes for their children. Families from areas like the Plateau, Mile End, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Westmount, Dorval, Verdun, and Côte-des-Neiges are all searching for good coaching options close to home.
Montreal is a city that values education, creativity, and intellectual culture. Spaces like Mont Royal Park, Parc La Fontaine, and the Old Port waterfront are at the heart of family life here. Chess fits naturally into a city that has always celebrated both academic achievement and community connection.
For families who find it difficult to travel across the island after school, online chess classes have become a practical and increasingly popular alternative. Structured online coaching allows children to learn from experienced coaches without leaving home, which suits the demanding schedules of most Montreal families.
Top Chess Classes in Montreal
1. Kingdom Of Chess
Location: Online | Worldwide
Google Rating: 4.9 (379 reviews)
Website: kingdomofchess.com
Coaches: FIDE-certified Coaches, Grandmasters, International Masters, and experienced chess educators
Kingdom Of Chess is a globally recognized online chess academy that provides structured chess training for children aged 5 to 12. The academy offers small-batch live classes where students learn chess step by step, from the very basics through to competitive play. With over 10,000 students across 30+ countries, it is the most trusted online chess academy available to Montreal families today.
Special Features
- Personalized coaching programs designed specifically for children aged 5 to 12
- Small batch sizes so every child receives individual attention from their coach
- Five structured levels: Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, and King
- Every child starts with a placement assessment so coaching begins at exactly the right level
- Monthly progress reports and a dedicated parent dashboard to track your child’s development
- Weekly tournaments and practice sessions to build competitive confidence
- Interactive learning through puzzles, game analysis, and live board work
- Weekly Grandmaster masterclasses open to all students
- Fully live and two-way sessions, not pre-recorded videos
Parents looking for chess coaching for kids in Montreal often find that a structured online program works particularly well in a city where navigating between neighbourhoods after school can be time-consuming. Your child learns at a consistent pace with a qualified coach who knows exactly where they are in their development.
2. Échecs et Maths
3423 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3L1
Location: Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal
Google Rating: 4.7 (61 reviews)
Website: chess-math.org
Coaches: Specialized instructors combining chess and mathematics education
Special Features
- One of the most reviewed chess options in Montreal with 61 Google reviews and a 4.7 rating
- Based on Rue Saint-Denis in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, one of Montreal’s most beloved and vibrant neighbourhoods
- The name Échecs et Maths (Chess and Math) signals a distinctive approach that connects chess learning with mathematical development
- A particularly interesting option for parents who want chess to support their child’s broader academic performance
- Research consistently shows strong connections between chess and mathematical reasoning, making this dual focus genuinely valuable
- Well suited to families in the Plateau, Mile End, and Rosemont areas of central Montreal
- Contact them directly for current class schedules, age groups, and pricing
3. Chess Specialist
3423 R. Saint-Denis #31, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3L1
Location: Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal
Google Rating: 4.9 (10 reviews)
Website: strategygames.ca
Coaches: Experienced chess specialists and strategy game educators
Special Features
- A near-perfect 4.9 rating from 10 reviewers, reflecting a consistently high-quality experience
- Located on the same Rue Saint-Denis address as Échecs et Maths, suggesting a concentration of chess activity in this part of the Plateau
- The website under strategygames.ca suggests a broader focus on strategy games with chess as a core offering
- A good option for families looking for specialist chess guidance from knowledgeable, experienced instructors
- Contact them directly for current session availability, formats, and whether junior programmes are on offer
4. Lakeshore Chess Club
Dorval Ave, Dorval, Quebec H9S 5V8
Location: Dorval, Montreal
Google Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Website: chessyoga.com
Coaches: Community chess players and club organizers
Special Features
- A community chess club based in Dorval, a lakeside suburb on the western tip of the Island of Montreal
- Perfect five-star rating from five reviewers
- The website chessyoga.com suggests a relaxed, mindful approach to the game that goes beyond pure competition
- The Dorval location makes it a convenient option for families in the western suburbs of Montreal and the West Island area
- A peaceful, community-oriented setting suited to players who enjoy chess in a calm and social environment
- Contact them directly for current session days, times, and whether junior players are welcome
5. Blitz Bishops
1525 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1L7
Location: Westmount, Montreal
Google Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
Website: blitzbishops.com
Coaches: Competitive chess coaches with a focus on tactical and rapid play
Special Features
- A perfect five-star rating from 12 reviewers, one of the strongest ratings among the local options on this list
- Based on Sherbrooke Street West in the Westmount area, one of Montreal’s most prestigious and family-friendly neighbourhoods
- The Blitz Bishops name signals an emphasis on sharp, tactical chess and faster time controls
- A strong option for players who enjoy dynamic, attacking chess and want to sharpen their competitive game
- Well suited to families in Westmount, NDG, and the western parts of central Montreal
- Contact them directly for current class schedules, age groups, and session formats
6. Chess Masterclass
Location: Montreal
Google Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Website: chessmasterclass.info
Coaches: Experienced chess educators offering masterclass-level instruction
Special Features
- A perfect five-star rating, reflecting a positive experience from its reviewers
- The Masterclass name suggests a focus on higher-level chess instruction for players who want to develop beyond the basics
- No fixed address listed, so sessions may be held at various venues or delivered online
- Contact them directly through their website for current availability, program details, and suitable experience levels
7. Nero's Virtual Academy
Location: Montreal
Google Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
Website: nvacademie.com
Coaches: Online chess educators offering virtual instruction
Special Features
- A perfect five-star rating from eight reviewers
- Operates as a virtual academy, meaning classes are delivered online rather than at a fixed physical location
- The bilingual website at nvacademie.com reflects Montreal’s French-English character and may be particularly suited to French-speaking families
- A flexible option for families who prefer online learning but want a locally rooted Montreal-based coach
- Contact them directly for current program availability, age groups, and session formats
How We Selected These Chess Classes
To help parents make a confident decision, we evaluated each option based on the following:
- Qualifications and experience of coaches
- Suitability for children aged 5 to 12
- Structure and progression of the curriculum
- Opportunities to participate in tournaments
- Accessibility for families across Montreal and the surrounding area
- Google reviews and overall community reputation
These factors help identify which options genuinely support children who want to learn chess properly, rather than just drop in for a casual game.
Quick Comparison
| Academy Name | Type | Best For | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom Of Chess | Global Online Academy | Children aged 5-12, structured learning, any area of Montreal | 4.9 (379 reviews) |
| Échecs et Maths | In-Person, Plateau | Families wanting chess combined with math development | 4.7 (61 reviews) |
| Chess Specialist | In-Person, Plateau | Families seeking specialist chess and strategy instruction | 4.9 (10 reviews) |
| Lakeshore Chess Club | In-Person, Dorval | Families in Dorval and the West Island | 5.0 (5 reviews) |
| Blitz Bishops | In-Person, Westmount | Players wanting tactical and competitive chess coaching | 5.0 (12 reviews) |
| Chess Masterclass | Flexible, Montreal | Players looking for higher-level chess instruction | 5.0 (2 reviews) |
| Nero's Virtual Academy | Online, Montreal-based | French-speaking families wanting local online coaching | 5.0 (8 reviews) |
Choosing the Right Chess Class in Montreal
Montreal’s chess scene is surprisingly rich and varied. If you live in the Plateau or Mile End, both Échecs et Maths and Chess Specialist are on the same stretch of Rue Saint-Denis and worth exploring together. Families in Westmount and NDG will find Blitz Bishops a strong and highly rated local option. For families on the West Island and Dorval, Lakeshore Chess Club offers a calm and community-oriented setting. Parents who prefer online coaching from a Montreal-based instructor may find Nero’s Virtual Academy a good fit, particularly for French-speaking families. For players looking to develop beyond the intermediate level, Chess Masterclass is worth contacting directly.
For parents who want structured, progressive coaching for a younger child that is accessible from anywhere on the island without the commute, Kingdom Of Chess is the strongest option on this list. It is the only academy here that offers a full five-level curriculum, FIDE-certified coaches, monthly progress reports, and a genuine competitive pathway, all delivered live from home at a time that suits your family.
It is also worth knowing that Fédération Québécoise des Échecs and Chess Canada both support junior development across the province. Montreal regularly hosts rated tournaments for junior players, giving children a clear competitive pathway as they grow in the game.
If you would like to understand more about how chess supports your child’s learning and development, our article on the connection between chess and IQ is a useful read for parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kingdom Of Chess is the strongest starting point for complete beginners. Every child starts with a placement assessment before their first lesson so they are placed at exactly the right level. If you prefer something local, Échecs et Maths on Rue Saint-Denis has 61 reviews and a strong reputation, and is well worth contacting to ask about beginner programmes for younger children.
Yes. Échecs et Maths on Rue Saint-Denis and Nero's Virtual Academy both operate with a French-language presence, which is well suited to French-speaking families in Montreal and across Quebec. Kingdom Of Chess teaches in English but has students from over 30 countries and works with families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The Fédération Québécoise des Échecs organizes provincial tournaments and junior competitions throughout the year, and Montreal regularly hosts rated events for players of all ages. If your child is learning with Kingdom Of Chess, their coach can help guide you on when your child is ready to enter their first rated tournament and how to connect with the provincial chess federation.
Most children can begin learning chess between the ages of 5 and 7. At this stage they start to understand patterns, basic planning, and simple strategy. Kingdom Of Chess works with children from age 5 upwards, with coaching methods specifically adapted for younger learners at every stage of their development.
Summary:
Montreal has one of the most interesting and diverse chess communities in Canada. Échecs et Maths on Rue Saint-Denis stands out with 61 reviews and a unique chess-and-math approach that is hard to find elsewhere. Blitz Bishops in Westmount is the highest-rated option by volume among the local clubs. Chess Specialist on the Plateau offers specialist instruction for families wanting a more focused coaching experience. Lakeshore Chess Club in Dorval is a peaceful West Island option, and Nero’s Virtual Academy gives French-speaking families a locally rooted online alternative.
For parents who want their child to follow a structured learning path with qualified coaches, regular feedback, and a clear progression from complete beginner to confident, competitive player, Kingdom Of Chess is the standout choice. With a 4.9 rating from 379 reviews and students across 30+ countries, it is the most trusted online chess academy available to Montreal families. Because it is fully online, it is accessible to every family on the island and beyond, regardless of which neighbourhood you call home.
Whether you choose a local academy, an online program, or a combination of both, starting chess early gives children skills that go well beyond the board. With the right guidance, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your child’s week.
