Finding a good chess academy for your child in Phoenix can be tricky. There are a few local options, but most of them are in-person and located in specific parts of the city. Online academies have made it much easier for Phoenix families to access quality chess coaching from home.
In this article, we have listed the best chess academies available to Phoenix families both online and in-person. We have put the online option first because it gives your child access to better coaches and more structured training.
This list is for parents looking for chess classes for kids aged 5 to 15.
Chess Classes in Different Areas of Phoenix
Phoenix is a large city spread across different areas from North Phoenix near Deer Valley to South Phoenix, and from Chandler in the southeast to Tempe near ASU. Most in-person chess academies are tied to specific neighborhoods, so your choice may depend on where you live.
Online chess classes, on the other hand, work from anywhere in Phoenix.
Top Chess Classes in Phoenix
Kingdom of Chess
Kingdom of Chess is an online chess academy that teaches kids across the US and 30+ other countries. Phoenix families can join from anywhere whether you are in Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, or North Phoenix.
The academy has FIDE-rated coaches, a structured 4-level curriculum, and weekly Grandmaster masterclasses. Students have won medals at national and international championships.
You can book a free trial class before you decide to join.
Special Features:
- FIDE-rated and certified coaches
- Free trial class for new students
- Weekly Grandmaster masterclasses
- AI-powered progress tracking for students
- 4-level structured curriculum: Pawn, Knight, Rook, King
- Monthly progress reports for parents
- Weekly online tournaments every Sunday
- 10,000+ students trained across 30+ countries
- Recognized by Government of India DPIIT Startup India
Banawa Chess LLC
Location: 1130 E Butler Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Mode: In-Person
Area: North Phoenix / Sunnyslope
Banawa Chess LLC is a local chess option in North Phoenix. It is a community-based setup that works well for families who live close by and prefer in-person classes.
Special Features:
- In-person classes in North Phoenix
- Suitable for beginners and casual learners
- Local community feel
BRAIN POWERS
Location: 615 W Deer Valley Rd #123, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Mode: In-Person
Area: North Phoenix / Deer Valley
BRAIN POWERS is located in the Deer Valley area of North Phoenix. They focus on mental development activities for kids, including chess. It is a decent option for families in that part of the city.
Special Features:
- Located near Deer Valley Airport area
- Focus on mental development for kids
- Suitable for young children
M & B Chess Academy
Location: 6909 W Ray Rd Unit 21, Chandler, AZ 85226
Mode: In-Person
Area: Chandler / Ray Road Corridor
M & B Chess Academy is in Chandler, which is part of the greater Phoenix metro area. It is close to the Ray Road corridor and is suitable for kids and teens who want structured in-person chess training.
Special Features:
- In-person chess training for kids and teens
- Located in Chandler near Ray Road
- Structured classes for different levels
Unity Chess Club LLC
Location: 985 W Chandler Heights Rd Suite 2, Chandler, AZ 85248
Mode: In-Person
Area: South Chandler / Ocotillo
Unity Chess Club LLC is in South Chandler, near the Ocotillo neighborhood. It runs a club-style environment where players of different ages come together to play and learn chess.
Special Features:
- Club-style chess environment
- Open to different age groups
- Located in South Chandler near Ocotillo
Chess Emporium
Location: 1835 E Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
Mode: In-Person
Area: South Tempe / Ahwatukee border
Chess Emporium is one of the well-known chess spots in Tempe. They combine a chess store with classes and open play. It has been part of the Phoenix chess scene for a while and is popular with both casual and serious players.
Special Features:
- Chess store and academy combined
- Classes, open play, and tournaments
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels
- Located in Tempe near the Ahwatukee border
Pacific Hills Chess Academy
Location: Phoenix, AZ (contact for exact address)
Mode: In-Person
Pacific Hills Chess Academy offers chess instruction for kids in the Phoenix area. Detailed location information is not listed publicly, so it is best to contact them directly for class schedules and location.
Special Features:
- In-person chess classes for kids
- Contact directly for location and timing details
Foundation Chess LLC
Location: Phoenix, AZ (contact for exact address)
Mode: In-Person
Foundation Chess LLC focuses on building a strong chess foundation in young learners. Their address is not listed publicly. Reach out to them directly for more information on classes and fees.
Special Features:
- Beginner-focused chess programs
- For young learners starting from scratch
- Contact directly for schedule and location
How We Selected the Best Chess Academies in Phoenix
We looked at each academy based on these factors:
- Mode of teaching — online or in-person
- Age group they serve
- Quality of coaches
- Availability of free trial or demo class
- Structured curriculum for kids
- Tournaments and competitive opportunities
Chess Academies in Phoenix
| Academy | Mode | Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Chess | Online | 5–15 yrs |
| Banawa Chess LLC | In-Person | All ages |
| BRAIN POWERS | In-Person | Kids |
| M & B Chess Academy | In-Person | Kids/Teens |
| Unity Chess Club LLC | In-Person | All ages |
| Chess Emporium | In-Person | All ages |
| Pacific Hills Chess Academy | In-Person | Kids |
| Foundation Chess LLC | In-Person | Kids |
Summary
If you want online chess classes for your child aged 5 to 15, Kingdom of Chess is the best option. It has FIDE-rated coaches, a free trial class, weekly Grandmaster masterclasses, and a structured curriculum. Your child can join from anywhere in Phoenix, no commute needed.
If you want in-person classes close to home, your options depend on which part of Phoenix you live in:
- North Phoenix / Deer Valley area Banawa Chess LLC or BRAIN POWERS
- Chandler area M & B Chess Academy or Unity Chess Club LLC
- Tempe area Chess Emporium
For families who are not sure yet, Kingdom of Chess offers a free trial class so your child can try it before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kingdom of Chess is the top online chess academy for Phoenix kids. It has FIDE-rated coaches, weekly Grandmaster classes, and a free trial. Kids from all over Phoenix can join from home.
Most chess coaches recommend starting between ages 5 and 7. Kingdom of Chess has a beginner program for kids as young as 5.
Yes. Kingdom of Chess is fully online. Your child can attend live classes from home using a laptop or tablet, no matter where in Phoenix you live.
It takes around 32 to 48 sessions to learn the basic rules and simple strategies. For competitive play, most kids are ready within 6 to 12 months.
Online coaching gives your child access to better-qualified coaches and a more structured curriculum. Kingdom of Chess also uses AI tools to track progress, which most in-person schools do not offer.
