Top 5 Chess Coaching Academies in Lake Forest, Illinois

If you’re a parent in Lake Forest, Illinois looking for the right place for your child to learn chess—or if you’re a student eager to get better—you’re in just the right place.

Chess is more than a game. It teaches how to think. How to wait. How to make smart choices. But to grow in chess, you need a coach who knows how to teach, step by step.

That’s what this guide is about. We’re going to look at the top chess coaching options available around Lake Forest. But more than that—we’ll show you why Global School of Chess is the best choice not just in your city, but possibly in the world.

So whether your child is a beginner or already knows the basics, keep reading. This might just be the most important decision you make for their learning this year.

Online Chess Training

Learning chess can feel overwhelming when you’re doing it on your own. You watch a few videos, play a few games, maybe read a book — but somehow, things don’t stick. You still make the same mistakes. You still feel unsure when it matters most. And worst of all, you start to wonder if chess is just “not your thing.”

But the truth is: chess becomes simple when it’s taught clearly, step by step, by someone who knows how to teach it.

That’s what good coaching does. And right now, the best kind of coaching isn’t happening in school rooms or clubs. It’s happening online, one-on-one — where every lesson is personal, focused, and built around the student.

This is why online chess coaching is becoming the first choice for families in Lake Forest and all over the world.

Let’s look at how the local training scene works — and why more students are leaving group classes behind and switching to private online lessons.

Landscape of Chess Training in Lake Forest and Why Online Chess Training Is the Right Choice

Coral Gables is home to great schools, a strong community, and families who take learning seriously.

Lake Forest is home to great schools, a strong community, and families who take learning seriously. You’ll find enrichment programs, arts classes, and yes — chess options too. Some schools offer after-school chess clubs. A few organizations run weekend classes. And there are private tutors in neighbouring cities who drive to homes or teach at local centers.

On paper, that might sound like enough. But when families actually try these programs, here’s what they often say:

“The class is fun, but my child’s not improving.”
“It feels more like playtime than learning.”
“We’ve had a few different coaches, but there’s no clear plan.”
“Every week feels random — and we don’t know what’s next.”

These are real concerns. And they all come down to the same core issue:

Most local chess programs don’t follow a structured path. And they’re not built for one-on-one learning.

In after-school programs, a coach might be teaching 10–15 students at once. Some kids already know the basics. Others are total beginners. So the coach picks a general topic, explains it quickly, then lets the kids play each other. If a child makes a mistake during their game, there’s rarely time to explain what went wrong — or how to fix it.

Even private tutors in Lake Forest often operate without a plan. Some show up and just play a casual game. Others might jump from openings to tactics to puzzles — without knowing what the student actually needs.

There’s no system.
No tracking.
No feedback loop.
And no consistency.

That’s why most students in these programs stay stuck at the same level — even after months of “coaching.”

Now let’s look at what happens when students switch to online one-on-one chess training, done the right way.

With the right coach and a real plan, online coaching gives students:

Personal attention — every lesson is focused entirely on them
A clear path — they know what they’re learning and why it matters
Real feedback — they see their mistakes and learn how to fix them
Faster progress — because the teaching matches how they think
More flexibility — they learn from home, with less stress and better focus

That’s the difference.
And it’s exactly what we offer at Global School of Chess.

How Global School of Chess Is the Best Choice When It Comes to Chess Training in Lake Forest

Now let’s talk about what we do differently at Global School of Chess — and why so many students from Lake Forest are already choosing us.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all teaching.
We don’t do group lessons.
And we never move on until a student truly understands.

We coach the way real learning should feel — clear, calm, and personal.

Let’s walk through what makes us #1.

One-On-One Lessons That Fit You

At Global School of Chess, every student learns in a private online setting. That means no distractions. No trying to keep up with a group. No pressure to perform.

Just you (or your child), a trusted coach, and a focused plan.

The coach explains things step by step. They ask how the student is thinking. They point out what’s going well. And they help fix the habits that are holding them back.

This is where the biggest progress happens — in those one-on-one moments when the student finally says, “Oh, now I get it.”

A Curriculum That Actually Makes Sense

Most coaches teach whatever they feel like. One day it’s forks. The next day it’s endgames. But there’s no connection. No plan. No structure.

That’s not how we teach.

At Global School of Chess, we use a full curriculum — one that’s been tested and refined through thousands of lessons. But we don’t just hand it out. We adapt it to match the student’s level and learning speed.

If a beginner needs help seeing the whole board, we start there. If a more advanced player needs strategy help, we focus there. Every lesson builds on the last — so the student always knows what’s next.

There’s no confusion. No guessing. Just progress.

Coaches Who Know How to Teach, Not Just How to Play

There’s a big difference between being a great player… and being a great teacher.

We’ve built a team of coaches who are both. Some are grandmasters. Some are national champions. But all of them have one thing in common: they know how to explain ideas clearly and patiently.

We train our coaches to listen, ask smart questions, and teach in a way that makes sense — even for nervous beginners or kids who’ve struggled in group settings before.

This is why our students not only improve — they start enjoying the game more than ever.

Offline Chess Training

When most people think of learning chess, they imagine it the traditional way — sitting across the board from a coach, maybe in a quiet room, with pieces between you and a chess clock ticking away in the background. It’s a nice picture. And for a long time, that’s exactly how it worked.

Even now in Lake Forest, there are several local programs that offer in-person chess training. Some are run in schools. Some happen in libraries or community centers. Others are offered through private tutors or small local clubs.

And while it’s great that these options exist, most of them share the same challenge:

They’re not designed for real growth.

They might be good for exposure. They might be fun. But for a student who wants to understand the game deeply — and get better every week — offline coaching often falls short.

Let’s take a closer look at how in-person chess learning usually works in Lake Forest.

After-School Chess Programs

Many elementary and middle schools in Lake Forest work with outside providers to offer after-school chess clubs. These are great for introducing young students to the game in a fun and relaxed way.

But when it comes to structured teaching? These programs almost always fall flat.

Here’s what they usually look like:

10 to 15 kids in a classroom
One coach gives a short group lesson (10–15 minutes)
Then everyone plays games for the rest of the class
The coach may walk around, but most games go unreviewed

This kind of group format isn’t bad — it’s just limited. It works fine when students are brand new to chess and just learning the rules. But once they start wanting to understand why certain moves work or how to fix their mistakes, this format hits a wall.

The coach simply doesn’t have time to sit with each student and teach them one-on-one.

Community Classes and Weekend Workshops

Some local chess groups in the Lake Forest or surrounding area offer community-based classes. These can be held at local libraries, recreation centers, or private learning centers.

While these sessions may be more organized than school clubs, they still tend to follow the same group model. One coach. Many students. Limited time.

Students get general lessons, but not much individual attention. And without personalized feedback, they often don’t know why they’re losing, or what to focus on next.

These classes are affordable, sure. But when it comes to real improvement? They’re just not enough.

Private In-Person Chess Tutors

Hiring a local tutor sounds like a great idea — and for some, it can work. But most of the time, in-person tutoring brings its own challenges.

Here’s what we’ve seen over and over:

Coaches show up and play casual games with the student
Lessons feel unplanned, with no real structure or goals
There’s no progress tracking or post-lesson support
Rescheduling is hard, and if someone’s sick — the lesson is gone

Some tutors are strong players. But very few are trained teachers. And even fewer follow a clear system that helps students build from one level to the next.

So while private tutoring might seem like the most personal option, it often ends up being just a series of chess games with a few comments mixed in — not a true coaching experience.

Drawbacks of Offline Chess Training

Now let’s step back and look at what all of these in-person formats have in common — and why so many students in Lake Forest feel like they’re stuck, even after months of lessons.

If you’ve tried offline chess learning before and didn’t see results, it wasn’t your fault. Most programs are built around a teaching model that simply doesn’t work for real growth.

Here’s what we mean.

1. Group Settings Limit Personal Learning

Whether it’s a school club or a weekend class, group lessons always face the same issue: the coach has to teach to the middle of the group. Some students are bored. Others are confused. And most never get the personal help they need.

There’s no time for reviewing games. No space to ask detailed questions. And no chance to stop and go deeper when something doesn’t make sense.

Compare that to a one-on-one online lesson, where the coach focuses only on the student. Every explanation is custom. Every mistake is reviewed. Every lesson builds on the last.

That’s the kind of attention offline programs simply can’t give.

2. No Curriculum = No Progress

Here’s a question every parent should ask:
Is there a clear plan for my child’s learning?

In most offline settings, the answer is no.

Lessons are often chosen week by week. One session might cover tactics. The next might look at opening variations. But there’s no clear map. No tracking of what’s been learned. No connection from one lesson to the next.

That’s why students forget what they’ve learned… or don’t know what to do when it’s their turn to move.

At Global School of Chess, we solve that with a structured system — but one that adjusts to every student. It’s a plan, but it’s flexible. And that balance is what keeps students learning and motivated.

3. Missed Classes = Missed Learning

Life happens. Especially in a city like Lake Forest, with busy families, traffic, and changing schedules. But in most offline programs, if you miss a class — that’s it. No recording. No backup plan. No way to catch up.

Online learning fixes this.

At Global School of Chess, missed lessons can be rescheduled easily. And we can even provide recordings of past sessions, so students never lose a step — even when life gets busy.

4. Parents Don’t Know What’s Really Being Learned

We’ve heard this many times from parents:

“I know they’re going to class, but I don’t know if they’re actually improving.”

And honestly? That’s a fair concern.

Most offline coaches don’t give updates. They don’t share progress reports. And they don’t explain what your child is working on — or what to practice between sessions.

At Global School of Chess, we keep parents in the loop:

You’ll know what your child is learning
You’ll see how they’re progressing
And you’ll feel confident that the time and money you’re investing is actually making a difference

Best Chess Academies in Lake Forest, Illinois

Portland is a thoughtful city. Families here value learning deeply.

When it comes to chess education in Lake Forest, Illinois, there are only a few options that truly help students grow. Most parents want their child to learn chess not just for fun, but to become smarter, more focused, and more confident. But to get those results, the teaching needs to be solid. The lessons need to follow a path. The coaching needs to be personal. And that’s where most local options fall short.

Let’s go over the top five chess coaching academies that students in Lake Forest might consider. And let’s show you why Global School of Chess is not only the best in the city—but possibly the best in the country.

1. Global School of Chess – The #1 Choice for Lake Forest Families

At Global School of Chess, we believe that every student can become a great thinker. Chess is just the beginning. It’s a tool to sharpen the brain and build the heart. Our coaching is designed not just to improve chess skills—but to build life skills like patience, focus, and smart decision-making.

Here’s why we’re ranked #1:

We Teach Step-by-Step

Many local programs teach chess like it’s just a game. But we teach it like a skill. We follow a full curriculum. Students don’t just jump from one topic to another. They move up level by level. They build a strong base, then grow into tactics, openings, planning, and endgames.

It’s simple, clear, and it works.

Live Classes, Not Just Videos

Every class is live. That means your child can ask questions and get answers right away. They learn with a coach and other students in a fun, focused way. They get real-time help. And every student gets a chance to speak, play, and grow.

Private Coaching for Deep Growth

Want to go even deeper? We offer one-on-one lessons. These are laser-focused on your child’s strengths and struggles. Whether your child is a total beginner or already winning school tournaments, we match them with a coach who fits perfectly.

Tournaments Every Two Weeks

Practice is important. But playing in real games is where confidence is built. That’s why we run bi-weekly online tournaments. These are friendly, but serious. Students get a chance to test their skills, see what works, and learn from real games.

Global Community, Local Comfort

Your child may live in Lake Forest. But in class, they’ll meet kids from 9+ countries. It’s fun, exciting, and it builds confidence. Students learn to play different styles, make new friends, and feel part of something big—all while sitting at home.

Life Skills That Stick

We’re not just building chess players. We’re helping kids become better at life. They learn how to sit still, think clearly, and stay calm under pressure. These are skills that help them in school, in sports, and even in conversations with family.

🎯 Want to try a class for free?
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No pressure. Just great coaching, smiling students, and your child feeling proud and excited to learn.

2. Deerpath Chess Club – Lake Forest, IL

This is a nice local club where kids and adults meet to play casual games. It’s friendly and good for beginners who just want to explore the game.

But it’s not a place for structured learning. There’s no clear coaching path. No curriculum. No progress tracking. And no regular tournaments or deep lessons. It’s more of a fun meet-up than a real academy.

Great for fun. But not great for focused growth.

3. Illinois Chess Teachers

This group offers chess programs in schools around the state. They bring chess to classrooms and sometimes host beginner lessons after school. They help introduce chess to many children.

But the learning experience depends on which coach is teaching. There’s no single system. Some coaches follow a plan. Others don’t. And most students don’t get personal attention unless they pay more for private lessons.

Global School of Chess, on the other hand, has one system for everyone. A system that works.

4. North Shore Chess Center – Skokie, IL

Located over an hour from Lake Forest, this academy offers weekend classes, tournaments, and chess camps. They have a solid reputation and some strong coaches.

However, they focus more on in-person classes. That means you’ll need to drive. Classes follow fixed times. And if your schedule doesn’t match, your child misses out.

With Global School of Chess, you choose the time that fits your life—and your child learns from home, with no travel or time stress.

5. ChessKid.com

This website is known around the world. It’s full of puzzles, videos, and fun games. Many kids love using it. But it’s not a school. It doesn’t have coaches. There are no live lessons. No feedback. No real guidance.

It’s like a playground—good for play, but not for real learning.

If you want your child to truly learn chess, grow in skill, and gain confidence, you need a coach who teaches—not just a website full of games.

Why More Families Are Choosing Online Chess Coaching Over Local Programs

In-Person Sounds Good — Until You Try It

In-person coaching sounds nice in theory. But in most local programs, students are placed in groups. Some know more than others. Some are distracted. Others don’t ask questions. Coaches do their best, but they can’t give full attention to every student.

There’s usually no plan, no game review, and no clear path forward. Most students just play games and hope to improve. But without structure, that rarely happens.

This kind of unstructured learning leads to frustration and slow progress. It’s not enough to “play more.” You need to learn better.

Online Lessons Done Right Are More Focused and Effective

At Global School of Chess, every lesson is private. Every topic is explained clearly. Every game you play is reviewed. You don’t guess your way through chess anymore — you learn it the right way.

The format is easy. You log in. You meet your coach. You work through one topic at a time. You ask questions. You get answers. Then you practice — and you grow.

That’s how learning is supposed to feel.

And because it’s online, it fits your life. No driving. No rushing. No distractions. Just calm, clear coaching that helps students learn faster and enjoy the game more.

Results Are Faster Because the Teaching Is Personal

Our students improve faster not because they play more — but because they learn with focus and support. We don’t just teach what to do. We explain why. That understanding is what builds real progress.

Parents love seeing their child’s confidence grow. Adults enjoy finally understanding strategy. Students go from guessing to thinking — and they start winning.

That’s the power of one-on-one, online learning done right. And that’s exactly what we offer at Global School of Chess.

How Global School of Chess Leads the Online Chess Training Landscape

That’s where Global School of Chess comes in.

Now that you know why online coaching is the future, here’s the real question:

Who should you trust to teach it the right way?

That’s where Global School of Chess comes in. We’ve built one of the most complete, thoughtful, and effective online chess training systems in the world. And it’s working beautifully for students in Lake Forest and beyond.

Here’s what makes us different:

We Built the System From the Ground Up — Not as a Backup

We’re not a school that switched to online during the pandemic. We didn’t just move our slides to Zoom. We designed our coaching — from day one — to work best online.

That means:

Lessons are visual, interactive, and simple to follow
Coaches are trained to teach clearly — not just talk
Students can see, hear, and revisit every step
Learning feels personal, even when it’s virtual

It’s not “online because we have to.”
It’s online because it works better — and we’ve proven that again and again.

Every Student Has a Path — and a Partner

We don’t do drop-in lessons. We don’t teach from a random list of topics. We coach students with:

A full, clear roadmap
Weekly progress tracking
Game reviews with real feedback
Flexible schedules that fit your life

And our coaches aren’t just instructors — they’re mentors. They’re calm, clear, and focused on building each student’s confidence and skill, one step at a time.

This is why our students feel supported.
And it’s why they improve faster than they ever have before.

We Treat Every Family Like Family

We know chess is important to you.
Maybe you’re investing in your child’s focus and patience.
Maybe you’re learning yourself, as an adult.
Maybe you’re helping a child prepare for their first tournament.

Whatever the reason, we’re here to help — not just as teachers, but as partners in your journey.

We keep you in the loop. We show you the growth. And we make the entire process simple, clear, and effective.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Learn the Right Way

You’ve just explored the top 5 chess academies in Lake Forest. Some offer good community. Others offer fun for kids. A few help students prepare for tournaments. But none offer what Global School of Chess delivers — clear, structured, one-on-one learning that’s designed just for you.

Chess isn’t about learning fast. It’s about learning right. And that’s what we’ve built our entire academy around.

We don’t believe in group noise, one-size-fits-all lessons, or rushed teaching. We believe in quiet focus, thoughtful coaching, and steady growth that you can see — and feel