Many people assume I started Chess for Children because I love chess.

The truth is more personal than that.

Years ago, a tragedy occurred that deeply affected an entire family, especially a young girl. What made it even harder to accept was that the tragedy could have been completely avoided if someone had simply stopped and thought about the consequences of their actions before acting.

I remember sitting there with tears in my eyes. I kept asking myself: "What can I possibly do about this? I'm just a chess player." Then a thought struck me. A chess player would never make a move without considering the consequences first. In chess, every move matters Before you act, you think. Before you decide, you evaluate. Before you move, you ask yourself: "What happens next?"

At that moment, I realized that chess teaches far more than a game. It teaches judgment. It teaches responsibility. It teaches patience. It teaches children to stop, think, and make better decisions. That realization changed my life. I left both of my jobs and devoted myself to teaching children through chess.

My mission became simple: To give every child—regardless of race, background, ability, or economic circumstances—the opportunity to develop the thinking skills, confidence, discipline, and decision-making abilities that chess can provide. For more than forty years, I have worked toward that goal.

I have taught thousands of children, written books, coached tournament players, and worked with schools throughout New York and beyond. But the mission remains exactly the same today as it was on that day:

Help children learn to think before they act. Because chess is not really about creating better chess players.

It is about helping create better thinkers.

♟️ Over 40 years, I've helped thousands of children develop confidence, critical thinking, and competitive chess skills—from complete beginners to national champions.

🏆 Coach of 30+ National Champions

Students have won local, state, and national championships across the United States.

🧠 The Colding Method™

A proven teaching system refined through more than 40 years of classroom instruction, private lessons, tournament coaching, and work with thousands of children.

📚 Academic Benefits

Research has consistently linked chess instruction with improvements in concentration, planning, critical thinking, and decision-making.

😊 Builds Confidence

Children learn to think for themselves, make decisions with confidence, and recover from mistakes constructively.

🎯 Fun and Engaging Lessons

Lessons combine stories, puzzles, games, challenges, and tournament play to keep students excited about learning.

📖 Published Author

Author of four chess books, including Teach Your Child Chess in 10 Easy Lessons, How to Behave at the Chessboard, Jess Plays Chess, and Teach Your Class to Play Chess.

⭐ Trusted by Schools and Families

Chess for Children has provided instruction for public schools, private schools, after-school programs, and thousands of families over four decades.

As founder of Chess for Children and creator of the Colding Method™, he has taught thousands of students and coached more than 30 national champions.

Ernest is the author of multiple chess books, including Teach Your Child Chess in 10 Easy Lessons and Teach Your Class to Play Chess. His work has been recognized throughout the chess community, and he has devoted his career to helping children develop confidence, critical thinking, and decision-making skills through chess.

Whether working with complete beginners or advanced tournament players, his mission remains the same: helping children become better thinkers both on and off the chessboard.

Looking for a private chess tutor in Brooklyn?
For more than 40 years, Chess for Children has provided private chess lessons for children of all ages and skill levels.
Whether your child is learning the rules for the first time or preparing for tournament competition, lessons are tailored to meet their individual needs and goals.
Private lessons can help children:
✔ Learn the fundamentals faster
✔ Develop critical thinking and concentration
✔ Build confidence through structured progress
✔ Prepare for school, local, state, and national tournaments
✔ Receive personalized instruction from an experienced National Master
Students throughout Brooklyn have benefited from the Colding Method™, a proven teaching system refined through decades of classroom instruction, private coaching, and tournament experience.

Not located in Brooklyn? No problem. Chess for Children offers online chess lessons for students throughout the United States and around the world. Using Zoom, screen sharing, interactive chess boards, and online learning tools, students receive the same personalized instruction available through in-person lessons.

Online students can:

✔ Learn from home

✔ Review games together with Mr. C

✔ Practice on Chess.com and Lichess

✔ Receive individualized assignments

✔ Prepare for tournaments and competitions

✔ Progress at their own pace

Online instruction has helped students from beginner level through advanced tournament play.

Lesson Pricing

All lessons are taught by National Master Ernest Colding. No contracts. No hidden fees.

Private Lessons

$100

per hour · In-Person

One-on-one instruction tailored to your child's age, level, and goals.

Beginner through advanced
Personalized lesson plan
Tournament prep available
Ages 4–18

Online Lessons

$50

per hour · Zoom

Same personalized instruction — available from anywhere in the world.

Zoom + interactive chessboard
Game review & analysis
Practice assignments
All levels welcome

Group Lessons

$100

per hour · Up to 4 students

Great for siblings, friends, or small class groups. In-person only.

Up to 4 students: $100/hr
Each additional student: +$25/hr
$25 per student/hr for 4 students
Contact us for larger groups

Group rate example: A group of 6 students = $100 + (2 × $25) = $150/hr total — just $25 per student per hour. Group lessons are a great option for families who want to share the cost of expert instruction.

Chess Mastermind Club

$10 / month

Monthly chess magazine featuring Magnus the Checkmate Detective. Fun puzzles, lessons, games, and stories — delivered every month.

Jess's Chess Adventure

$29.99

A beginner-friendly children's chess book by National Master Ernest Colding, featuring Jess. Perfect for kids just starting out.

Not sure which option is right for your child? Book a free 15-minute consultation and we'll help you choose.

Agnes
I’m not sure if Biruk found chess or chess found Biruk. My daughter first started playing in Kindergarten as part of PS/MS 282’s in-class chess program and by first grade her teacher Mr. Colding told her to join the team. It’s been an amazing journey ever since. Not only has chess sharpened her strategic thinking, but it has taught her practice, persistence and patience pay off. Through a lot of hard work and determination she and her teammates won second place at this year’s National Chess Tournament in Dallas.

The most important part of the program, though, is Biruk loves it. Mr. Colding, Ms. Davis, and Mr. Jeffrey have been amazing mentors – patient and loving, but tough, too. And though each player faces their rounds alone, they draw strength from the team, especially during tournaments. I’ve been blown away by this program and I’m thankful every day that it’s something that PS/MS 282 cherishes, too.” – Agnes

Masai was introduced to chess by his dad, who taught him and his two older brothers how to play almost as soon as they could walk and talk. He played his very first tournament at PS282 and WON! That win made him want to join the chess team to learn how to play better so that he could beat his dad and win more trophies. Mr. Colding promised Masai that if he practiced and learned the fundamentals, he would do very well in chess. Thanks to the 282 chess program Masai accomplished all of his goals: he beats his dad at chess on a regular basis and he’s won top trophies both locally and on a national level. The 282 chess program has had an amazing and positive impact on Masai. It has given him confidence, problem-solving skills, and friendships that he’ll have for the rest of his life. When applying to middle schools within our district, it was a challenge to find a school with high academic standards that also had a strong chess team. Ultimately Masai was accepted into his top choice, in some part, because they were eager to have a player with his skills become part of their growing chess program.” – Kimtoya

What age should children start chess?

Most children are ready to begin learning chess between ages 5 and 7, although some younger children can learn successfully with the right approach. Lessons are adapted to each child's age, attention span, and experience level.

Do you teach beginners?

Absolutely. Many students start with little or no chess experience. Lessons begin with the fundamentals and progress at a pace that builds confidence and understanding.

Are online chess lessons effective?

Yes. Using Zoom, screen sharing, Chess.com, and Lichess, online students receive the same personalized instruction and guidance as in-person students. Many of my most successful students train online.

How long are lessons?

Most private lessons are 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the student's age, experience, and goals. Group lessons and school programs may vary in length.

Do students need tournament experience?

No. Some students simply want to learn and enjoy the game, while others aspire to compete. Lessons are customized to each student's interests and goals.

Can you help students prepare for tournaments?

Yes. Tournament preparation includes openings, tactics, strategy, endgames, game analysis, scorekeeping, time management, and competitive mindset training.

Why choose Chess for Children?

Because Chess for Children is more than a chess program. For over 40 years, National Master Ernest Colding has helped children develop confidence, critical thinking, discipline, and decision-making skills through the game of chess. Students have gone on to win local, state, and national championships while learning lessons that extend far beyond the chessboard.

Private Chess Lessons for Children
With National Master Ernest Colding

The Child's Tears That Started Chess for Children

Ready to help your child develop confidence, focus, and critical thinking?

Why Parents Choose Chess for Children

Meet Your Chess Tutor

National Master Ernest Colding has spent more than 40 years teaching children and coaching young chess players.

Private Chess Lessons in Brooklyn

Online Chess Lessons for Children