Weekly Sunday Classes in Brooklyn
Sunday Chess Academy for Children in Brooklyn
Small, level-based chess classes taught by National Master Ernest Colding, with more than 40 years of experience teaching children.
Reserve Your Child’s SeatClasses are limited to only 10 students.
Brooklyn Location
521 Halsey Street
Brooklyn, NY 11233
Every Sunday
Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes
$25 Per Child
Affordable weekly instruction with small class sizes
Only 10 Students
Individual attention in every class
More Than a Chess Class
Many parents are searching for an activity that is fun, educational and capable of helping their child become more confident. Our Sunday Chess Academy in Brooklyn was created to provide exactly that kind of experience.
Children learn the rules, tactics, strategy, checkmates, planning and tournament skills. But our goal is bigger than teaching children how chess pieces move.
We teach children how to think.
Chess gives children a safe place to make decisions, solve problems, learn from mistakes and try again. Each move asks a child to slow down, examine the situation and consider what might happen next.
These habits can help children develop patience, concentration, planning, confidence and independent thinking.
“We don’t just teach chess. We teach children how to think.”
— National Master Ernest Colding
Choose the Right Class for Your Child
Students are placed in a class based on their age, experience and current playing level.
Only 10 Students Per Class
Small classes allow each child to receive more guidance, more playing time and more individual attention.
Reserve a Seat NowLearn From National Master Ernest Colding
National Master Ernest Colding has spent more than 40 years teaching children how to play chess and, more importantly, how to think.
During his career, Mr. Colding has taught more than 10,000 children. His students have included beginners learning their first moves, school chess teams, tournament competitors and national champions.
His teaching method does not depend on children memorizing long lists of moves. Students are encouraged to understand the position, ask questions, recognize patterns and discover solutions.
Experience You Can Trust
- National Master
- More than 40 years teaching children
- More than 10,000 children taught
- Coach of national champions
- Extensive experience with beginners and tournament players
- Proven child-centered teaching methods
Why We Limit Each Class to 10 Students
Children learn best when the instructor can see how they are thinking. In a very large class, a child can easily become lost, distracted or overlooked.
By limiting each Sunday class to 10 students, we can observe each child’s games, correct misunderstandings and provide challenges that match the student’s level.
More Attention
Students have more opportunities to ask questions and receive personal feedback.
Better Grouping
Children can play opponents who are close to their age and skill level.
More Playing Time
Every student has time to practice the ideas taught during the lesson.
What Happens During a Typical Sunday Chess Lesson?
Each class combines instruction, guided practice and supervised play. Lessons are adjusted according to the students’ ages and playing levels.
1. Warm-Up Puzzle
Students begin with a position or question that encourages them to observe carefully and start thinking.
2. The Main Lesson
The class learns a new idea such as checkmate, tactics, planning, development or endgame technique.
3. Guided Practice
Students practice the lesson through positions, exercises, questions and short games.
4. Supervised Games
Children play while the instructor observes their decisions and provides feedback.
5. Review and Challenge
The lesson ends with a review and a challenge that encourages students to continue improving.
Skills Children Can Develop Through Chess
Chess gives children repeated practice using their minds in an active and enjoyable way.
Concentration
Children learn to remain focused while examining a position and considering their choices.
Planning
Students practice thinking ahead instead of reacting without a plan.
Confidence
Solving problems and making independent decisions helps children trust their thinking.
Patience
Chess teaches children that slowing down can lead to better decisions.
Problem Solving
Every position presents a new problem that must be understood and solved.
Responsibility
Students learn that their choices have consequences and that mistakes can become lessons.
Who Can Attend?
The Sunday Chess Academy welcomes children from complete beginners through experienced tournament players.
- Children who have never played chess before
- Young beginners who know how some pieces move
- Students who play at home or at school
- Children who want to enter their first tournament
- Experienced players seeking stronger competition
- Students who need help with tactics, strategy or endgames
Parents who are uncertain about the correct class can complete the registration form and provide a brief description of their child’s experience.
Sunday Chess Classes at 521 Halsey Street
521 Halsey Street
Brooklyn, New York 11233
The location provides Brooklyn families with a convenient place for children to learn, practice and enjoy chess every Sunday.
Please reserve a seat before attending because enrollment is limited.
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to know how to play chess?
No. The Explorer Class is designed for beginners, including children who have never played before.
How much does each class cost?
Each class costs $25 per child.
Are chess sets provided?
Yes. The equipment needed for lessons and supervised games is provided.
How do I know which class is right for my child?
Use your child’s age and experience as a guide. Beginners generally belong in the Explorer Class, experienced recreational players in the Strategist Class and advanced or tournament players in the Champions Class.
Can my child attend a single class?
Yes. Families may begin with an individual Sunday class. Continuing weekly will provide the greatest educational benefit.
Is this only for serious tournament players?
No. The academy welcomes children who want to learn for fun as well as students who want to compete in tournaments.
Why are classes limited to 10 students?
Small classes make it possible to give students more attention, observe their games and provide instruction based on their needs.
Give Your Child the Opportunity to Become a Better Thinker
Join us this Sunday for expert instruction, engaging lessons and a welcoming chess community in Brooklyn.
Explorer Class: 12:45 PM
Strategist Class: 2:00 PM
Champions Class: 3:15 PM
521 Halsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233
