The Chess Lions Club offers several chess activities in groups for different levels and ages.
Lessons for children: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
from Saturday 19th September 2026, until Sunday 16th May 2027
Group Guide 2026–2027
This guide is designed to help parents and players choose the most appropriate chess group. Age is an important factor, but a child's chess knowledge, experience, motivation, and maturity are equally important when determining the best fit.
Sunday 🕓10:00–10:40 – Mini Group
Recommended age: 5–6 years old
This group is designed for children who are completely new to chess or who know very little about the game. Most children in this group are still learning the names of the pieces and how they move.
Children who have already been exposed to chess in their daily environment often adapt more quickly. This may include children who:
-
Have family members who play chess.
-
Have friends or classmates who play chess.
-
Have watched other children playing chess and developed an interest in the game.
The main goal of this group is to introduce chess in a fun and engaging way while building the foundations needed for future progression.
Sunday 🕓10:45–11:25 – Junior Group
Recommended age: 5–8 years old
This group is intended for children who already know how all the chess pieces move (minor difficulties with the knight are perfectly normal) or for children who have not yet completed the two Stepping Stones (Petits Pas) books.
Players at this level are becoming familiar with the rules of the game and are gradually learning basic chess concepts and simple tactical ideas.
The focus is on developing confidence, understanding, and enjoyment of the game while preparing students for the beginner level.
Sunday 🕓11:30–12:25 and
Saturday 🕓14:00–14:55 – Beginner Groups
Recommended age: 7 years and older
These groups are suitable for children who are complete beginners or who have not yet completed Step 1 and Step 1+.
Younger children may also join provided that they:
-
Know how all the pieces move.
-
Can set up a chessboard correctly.
-
Are able to play a complete game of chess independently.
At this stage, students begin to develop a structured understanding of chess through the Step Method, learning fundamental tactical patterns, basic strategy, and tournament etiquette.
Saturday 🕓15:00–15:55 – Intermediate Group
Recommended for: Players of any age who have completed Step 1+
This group is intended for players who:
-
Have completed Step 1+.
-
Have already participated in chess tournaments or would like to start competing.
-
Are ready to take their chess development more seriously.
At this level, we gradually move from viewing chess primarily as a game to approaching it as a competitive sport. Students begin to develop tournament habits, calculation skills, strategic thinking, and a disciplined training routine.
This group serves as the gateway to competitive chess.
Saturday 🕓16:00–17:25 – Advanced Group
Recommended for: Dedicated and experienced players
This group is designed for:
-
Children with a clear focus on competitive chess.
-
Older students who enjoy studying and playing chess regularly, including online, even when they have limited time available.
Players in this group form the core of our youth teams and regularly represent the club in individual and team competitions.
Training sessions focus on advanced tactics, strategy, opening preparation, endgame technique, game analysis, and tournament preparation.
Friday 🕓18:30–20:00 – Master Class
Recommended for: Strong club players of any age
There are no age restrictions for this group.
Any club player with an official rating of 1600+ Elo (or an equivalent level demonstrated on major online chess platforms) is welcome to participate.
The Master Class is designed for ambitious players seeking advanced training and deeper understanding of chess. Sessions focus on high-level strategic concepts, complex calculation, opening preparation, endgame mastery, and the analysis of master games.
This is the highest-level training group offered by the club.
Placement Guidelines
The descriptions above are intended as general guidelines. In some cases, a player may be placed in a different group based on their individual progress, maturity, motivation, and overall chess development. The coach reserves the right to recommend the most suitable group for each student in order to ensure the best possible learning experience.
Languages
-
English and French. Instructions can also be given in Spanish and Greek.
-
Advanced Group and Master Class, only in English.
Registration
- For new members: By email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - For old members: You have received a confirmation email
