Chess is more popular than ever. Over 650 million people play it worldwide, and youth enrollment in chess programs jumped by more than 40% between 2020 and 2024. Connecticut alone has dozens of clubs and academies to pick from. So, finding the right chess class in Connecticut is not always easy. You need to think about your child’s age, skill level, and schedule. You also need to decide between in-person and online lessons. To help you choose, we have reviewed each program below. We cover their courses, coach backgrounds, tournament access, and who each one works best for.
1. Kingdom of Chess
If you are looking for the best online chess class in Connecticut, Kingdom of Chess is hard to beat. It was founded by Arena Grandmaster Chandrajeet Rajawat and has trained over 11,000 students across 30 countries so far. The results also speak for themselves. Students have won Commonwealth and Asian gold medals, 10 national top-rank titles, and over 50 state-level championships.
So, what makes it stand out? First, every class is live and two-way. There are no pre-recorded videos. Second, the curriculum is built on neuroscience and child psychology, so kids learn faster and retain more. On top of that, students get weekly Grandmaster masterclasses and two internal tournaments every week. In short, it is one of the most complete chess training programs available to Connecticut students today.
Academy Information
- Website: www.kingdomofchess.com
- GMB Rating: 4.9 / 5
- Contact: Available via website contact form
- Address: Fully online serves all Connecticut students.
- Courses Offered: Pawn Level (Beginner, ages 4–7), Knight Level (Intermediate), Bishop Level (Advanced Strategy), Rook Level (Tournament Prep)
- Tournament Exposure: Two internal practice tournaments per week; mock FIDE simulations; state, national, and international event prep
- Best For: All ages (4–18+) who want structured, FIDE-aligned coaching from certified coaches in a flexible online format
Key Features of Kingdom of Chess
- Grandmaster-designed curriculum built on neuroscience and child psychology, not just chess drills
- FIDE-certified coaches with ratings from 1600 to 2500, plus a weekly Grandmaster masterclass for all students
- Two internal practice tournaments every week with fair-play monitoring and post-game Stockfish analysis
- 24/7 access to a personal online classroom with regular progress reports shared with parents
- Free demo class before any commitment; awarded by the Government of India for chess education excellence
2. New Britain Chess Club
The New Britain Chess Club is the largest and most historic chess club in Connecticut. It has run as a USCF-affiliated nonprofit for decades. The club meets every week, and it also hosts the New Britain Summer Open, which has now run for over 55 years in a row. So, if you want real over-the-board chess in a strong local community, this is one of the best options in the state.
Academy Information
- Website: www.chessct.org/nbcc
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: newbritainchessclub@gmail.com
- Address: Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, 1910 Stanley St., New Britain, CT
- Courses Offered: Weekly club play (casual and USCF-rated); Annual Summer Open tournament series
- Tournament Exposure: USCF-rated events; Annual New Britain Summer Open (3 sections); online-rated events via Chess.com
Best For: Adults and intermediate-to-advanced players who want regular over-the-board play in a well-established local chess community
Key Features
- Connecticut’s largest chess club with over 55 years of non-stop operation
- USCF-affiliated nonprofit club that meets every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Annual New Britain Summer Open with multiple sections and family discounts available
- Online USCF-rated events are also available through Chess.com for all members
- Easy to reach, located just off the CCSU campus in New Britain
3. Western Connecticut Chess Academy
Western Connecticut Chess Academy is one of the top in-person chess programs in the state. It is run by Jim Santorelli, who has over 30 years of teaching experience. Even more impressive, his students have won 13 National Championships. That makes him one of the most successful scholastic chess coaches in all of New England. The academy serves kids from kindergarten through high school in Redding and Southbury, and it runs from beginner to tournament-level play.
Academy Information
- Website: www.wcchessacademy.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (914) 589-7325
- Address: Redding and Southbury, CT (class locations vary by session)
- Courses Offered: Beginner Chess (ages 6+), Advanced and Tournament Prep; private lessons; group classes for K–12 and homeschool students
- Tournament Exposure: In-house tournaments; local and national scholastic events
- Best For: School-age children (ages 6–14) in western CT who want personal, in-person coaching from a nationally recognized instructor
Key Features
- Coach Jim Santorelli has led students to 13 National Championships over a 30-year coaching career
- In-house tournaments pair kids with players at the same skill level, so it stays fun and fair for everyone
- Covers everything from absolute beginner through to tournament-ready competitive play
- Open to kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, and homeschool students
- Also available through Southbury Parks and Recreation for easy local enrollment
4. CT State Chess Association (CSCA)
The CT State Chess Association is not a typical academy. However, it is still a key part of chess in Connecticut. It is the official USCF state affiliate, and runs tournaments, statewide championships and supports school chess programs. In fact, if you ever want a USCF or FIDE rating in Connecticut, you will need to go through the CSCA at some point. It also runs online events through Lichess, so players all over the state can join in easily.
Academy Information
- Website: www.ctchess.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (860) 593-0225 | chess.CSCA@gmail.com
- Address: PO Box 370123, West Hartford, CT 06137 (statewide organization)
- Courses Offered: Statewide tournaments; scholastic championships; club and program referrals; Lichess online events for members
- Tournament Exposure: CT State Championship, CT Scholastic Quick Chess Championship, Hartford County Championships, FIDE-rated events, Lichess online tournaments
- Best For: Players at any level who want rated competitive chess and access to Connecticut’s statewide chess community
Key Features
- Official USCF state affiliate and the governing body for all rated chess tournaments in Connecticut
- Runs FIDE-rated events like the Connecticut Classical; annual membership costs just $5
- Online Lichess events are open to players all across the state
- Offers free support and guidance for schools that want to start a chess program
- Issues CSCA Grand Prix Points across a full annual tournament calendar
5. Play More Chess Academy
Play More Chess Academy has been based in Hamden since 2011. It was founded by Rod Groff, who is both a USCF Certified Chess Coach and a Certified Club Tournament Director. The academy is also the home of the Hamden Chess Club, which meets weekly and holds monthly USCF-rated tournaments. Moreover, it offers both in-person and online lessons for all ages. However, one thing that truly sets it apart is its college scholarship program for eligible students. That is a rare benefit you will not find at most other chess classes in Connecticut.
Academy Information
- Website: www.playmorechess.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (203) 680-8456
- Address: 1227 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06517
- Courses Offered: Kids group classes, adult classes, private lessons, summer program, Hamden Chess Club weekly play and monthly rated tournaments
- Tournament Exposure: Monthly USCF-rated OTB tournaments; Kids Team competition; online-rated events
- Best For: Students of all ages in New Haven County who want an affordable, community-driven program with casual and competitive options
Key Features
- Founded in 2011 by a USCF Certified Coach and Tournament Director; also home to the USCF-affiliated Hamden Chess Club
- College scholarship program for qualifying students, one of the very few CT chess programs to offer this benefit
- Both in-person and online lessons available all year, plus a summer program
- Gift certificates are available, which makes it a great entry point for families on a budget
- Friendly, community-first setting that works well for players of all skill levels
6. The Dawson Chess Academy
The Dawson Chess Academy is led by David Dawson, a Chess Olympiad participant who lives in Milford, CT. He offers weekly group sessions at the Margaret Egan Recreation Center, as well as one-on-one and virtual lessons. What makes his coaching style unique is that he does not just teach chess moves. Instead, he ties chess to real-life skills like focus, memory, and critical thinking. He does this through the “Chess for Success in Your Life” workshop series, which he co-built with Julianna Dawson of Whole Life Change LLC.
Academy Information
- Website: www.thedawsonchessacademy.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (203) 489-2502
- Address: 72 Lamplight Ln, Milford, CT 06460
- Courses Offered: One-on-one coaching (virtual or in-person), group coaching, after-school programs, “Chess for Success in Your Life” workshop series
- Tournament Exposure: Competitive readiness workshops; tournament prep available on request
- Best For: Children and families in Milford who want community-based chess coaching from a coach with Olympiad-level experience
Key Features
- Led by a Chess Olympiad participant with real international playing experience behind every lesson
- “Chess for Success in Your Life” series blends chess with everyday life skills and cognitive development
- Both virtual and in-person coaching options; weekly group sessions are held at a local rec center
- Featured in Milford Living magazine; has reached over 201 workshop attendees since launching
- Focused on memory, reading, and critical thinking alongside chess technique
7. e4 Chess Academy
e4 Chess Academy is based in Norwalk and is owned by Arslan Otchiyev. He is a USCF Life Master, a former Connecticut Open State Champion, CT Coach of the Year, and a six-time national champion of Turkmenistan. The academy only launched in 2024, but it has already made a big name for itself. In fact, it now hosts some of the largest USCF-rated scholastic tournaments in Connecticut. So, if your child wants to compete at a high level, this is a great place to train and grow.
Academy Information
- Website: www.chessmmaster.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (203) 918-8553 | arslan@chessmmaster.com
- Address: 15 Belden Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850
- Courses Offered: Group chess classes, private lessons, scholastic K-12 classes, summer camps, team chess programs
- Tournament Exposure: USCF-rated K-12 scholastic tournaments; Open, U2000, U1400, U800, and NER sections; team chess events
- Best For: School-age players in Fairfield County who want competitive coaching from a former Connecticut Champion
Key Features
- Owned by USCF Life Master Arslan Otchiyev, former CT State Champion and CT Coach of the Year
- Hosts one of the biggest USCF-rated scholastic tournaments in Connecticut, with five competitive sections
- Free parking at all on-site events, which is a big plus for families travelling to tournaments
- Group classes, private lessons, summer camps, and team programs are all offered in one location
- Co-sponsor of the Fairfield County and Norwalk City Championships with the CT State Chess Association
8. Chess Max Academy
Chess Max Academy is based in Greenwich and is led by World Chess Champion GM Maxim Dlugy. His students have won 25 or more National Scholastic individual titles and over 50 National team titles. That is a remarkable record by any standard. On top of that, the academy runs classes for children as young as 3.5 years old, all the way up to adult Masters-level players. So, no matter where you are starting from, there is a class that fits you here.
Academy Information
- Website: www.chessmaxacademy.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (203) 717-9723 | office@chessmaxacademy.com
- Address: 79 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
- Courses Offered: Chess for Tots (ages 3.5–5), 7-level group classes through Masters; private coaching; online classes via Zoom; summer camps, including the Anatoly Karpov chess camp
- Tournament Exposure: USCF-rated weekend tournaments; Karpov World Champion summer camp; national competitive preparation
- Best For: Very young beginners through serious competitive players in Fairfield County who want Grandmaster-level instruction
Key Features
- Led by World Champion GM Maxim Dlugy, one of the strongest coaching pedigrees in U.S. scholastic chess
- Alumni have won 25+ National Scholastic individual titles and 50+ National team titles
- Hosts the Anatoly Karpov World Champion summer chess camp, one-of-a-kind program in the United States
- 7-level curriculum from age 3.5 through Masters, with smart boards, Chess Base, and Bluetooth buzzers in every class
- Proprietary mobile app for daily puzzles; 50% off the second weekly group class for enrolled students
9. DIG Chess
DIG Chess is a Fairfield County program where DIG stands for Determination, Integrity, and Growth. It runs group classes in Weston, Westport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport. In addition, it holds weekly USCF-rated tournaments every Sunday afternoon. However, what truly makes DIG special is its work in the community. It runs free chess programs at St. Ann Academy in Bridgeport and through library links across the region. In fact, during Christmas 2024, DIG donated over 210 chess sets to St. Ann’s students — a story that was covered on News 12.
Academy Information
- Website: www.digchessteam.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (860) 801-7630 | digchessteam@gmail.com
- Address: 48 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT (programs across multiple Fairfield County towns)
- Courses Offered: Weekday group classes (in-person and online); recreational team; travel team; summer and school-break camps; birthday party chess events
- Tournament Exposure: Weekly Sunday USCF-rated tournaments (1–4 PM); competitive travel team; scrimmages and regional events
- Best For: Children in Fairfield County who want a team-based program with weekly tournaments and strong community values
Key Features
- Weekly Sunday USCF-rated tournaments, one of the most regular tournament schedules in all of Connecticut
- Both recreational and travel team options; students consistently improve their USCF rating by season’s end
- Free programs for underserved youth at St. Ann Academy and Fairfield County library locations
- Coach Jithu holds a USCF rating of 1976 with national and international tournament experience
- DIG Chess Team Challenge uses a points-based format to keep students engaged and motivated all season long
10. RedBandit Chess
RedBandit Chess is run by National Master Ian Harris. He is a three-time Connecticut State Chess Champion, the Head Coach of the Sacred Heart University chess team, and the co-author of “Mastering Chess: 2nd Edition.” His peak USCF rating is 2364, and he has over 10 years of coaching behind him. What is more, his program does not just focus on chess moves. Instead, it also builds key skills like planning, decision-making, and self-control. As a result, students grow as both chess players and clear thinkers.
Academy Information
- Website: www.redbanditchess.com
- GMB Rating: 5 / 5
- Contact: (203) 941-1697 | iharris@redbanditchess.com
- Address: 74 Newtown Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
- Courses Offered: Private lessons, group classes (children and adults), advanced training groups, school programs, workshops, simultaneous exhibitions, chess retreats
- Tournament Exposure: RedBandit Chess Classic series (G/75 USCF-rated, Friday evenings); tournament game review included outside lesson hours
- Best For: Motivated students of all ages, especially intermediate and advanced players who want high-level coaching from a multi-time CT State Champion
Key Features
- Led by NM Ian Harris: 3-time CT State Champion, Head Coach at Sacred Heart University, peak USCF rating of 2364
- The RedBandit Chess Method builds executive skills, planning, self-control, and decision-making
- USCF-rated weekly tournament on Friday evening at the Norwalk studio
- Chess retreat program at Hotel Zero Degrees, Norwalk, open to young adults aged 13 and up (USCF 1000+)
- Tournament game review is done outside lesson time; a 24-hour cancellation policy adds extra flexibility
Quick Comparison of Chess Classes in Connecticut
| Academy | Format | Tournament Access | Unique Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Chess | Online (all CT) | 2 weekly internal tournaments; FIDE mock simulations | Neuroscience-backed curriculum; weekly GM masterclasses; 11,000+ students globally |
| New Britain Chess Club | In-person | USCF-rated; 55+ year Annual Summer Open | CT's oldest and largest chess club; strong OTB community |
| Western CT Chess Academy | In-person | In-house tournaments; national scholastic events | CT's oldest and largest chess club; strong OTB community |
| CT State Chess Assoc. | Statewide / Online | CT State Championships; FIDE-rated events; Lichess | Official governing body; gateway to all CT rated chess |
| Play More Chess Academy | In-person & Online | Monthly USCF-rated OTB; Kids Team competition | College scholarship program; Hamden Chess Club included |
| Dawson Chess Academy | In-person & Online | Workshop-based competitive readiness | Life-skills-integrated curriculum; community-centered coaching |
| E4 Chess Academy | In-person | Large USCF K-12 scholastic tournaments; team events | Biggest scholastic tournaments in CT; elite competitive coaching |
| Chess Max Academy | In-person & Online | USCF-rated weekend tournaments; Karpov summer camp | Widest age range; 7-level curriculum; World Champion-designed program |
| DIG Chess | In-person & Online | Weekly Sunday USCF-rated tournaments; travel team | Team culture; free programs for underserved youth; community-first |
| RedBandit Chess | In-person | RedBandit Chess Classic series (USCF-rated, Fridays) | Executive functioning focus; chess retreats; elite coaching depth |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Conclusion
Connecticut has a lot of great chess programs to choose from, and each one on this list serves a real purpose. That said, if you want one program that covers it all: structured lessons, certified coaches, proven results, and full flexibility for CT students, Kingdom of Chess is the clear top choice. It works well for both beginners and competitive players. So, whether your child is just starting out or aiming for a FIDE rating, it is well worth a look.
