If you live in Richmond, London, and you’re a parent or student looking to learn chess, you’re in the right place. Richmond is a beautiful area filled with parks, schools, and families who value smart learning. It’s no surprise that chess is growing here. More and more children are getting interested in this amazing game. And more parents are starting to see how chess isn’t just a game—it’s a powerful tool that teaches kids how to think better, stay calm under pressure, and make smart decisions.
Online Chess Training
Landscape of Chess Training in Richmond and Why Online Chess Training is the Right Choice
Richmond is a lovely town. It’s full of nature, schools, and families who care deeply about giving their kids the best education. And yes, it has a small but active chess scene. You’ll find a few local clubs and some community-run chess events.
Some schools even have chess sessions. But here’s the truth—most of these are very basic. There’s no structure, no plan, and definitely no long-term thinking.
Offline chess coaching in Richmond is still stuck in the past. Kids gather in a room once a week, play a few games, maybe hear a tip or two, and then go home. That might be fun for a few weeks. But it doesn’t help your child truly improve. There’s no progress tracking. No feedback. No one guiding the child with a step-by-step path.
Now, let’s compare that with online chess coaching.
Online chess training is like switching from riding a bicycle to flying an airplane. It’s on a whole different level. And that’s not just because of technology—it’s because of how it’s structured.
When your child learns chess online with the right academy, they get a full learning plan. They join a class where every lesson builds on the one before. They have coaches who are trained, certified, and experienced. These aren’t just local volunteers.
These are professionals who live and breathe chess. And your child gets to learn from the best—no matter where they live.
Online classes also fit better into busy family life. No need to drive to a club. No waiting in traffic. Just log in, learn, play, and grow. Kids stay in their comfortable home environment, and yet, they get access to world-class coaching.
And here’s something else that’s super important—when kids learn chess online, they also build strong tech skills. They learn how to use platforms, play in online tournaments, use tools to analyze their games, and more. These are real-life skills they’ll use forever.
So if you’re in Richmond and you’re serious about your child learning chess the right way—online is not just a good option.
It’s the best option.
How Global School of Chess is the Best Choice When It Comes to Chess Training in Richmond
Now let’s talk about why Global School of Chess is not just the best online academy—but the best chess academy for kids in Richmond, hands down.
Here’s what makes us different.
At Global School of Chess, we don’t just teach chess. We teach how to think better. How to stay calm. How to be smart. How to solve problems. These are skills that help in school, in life, and even in sports. We’ve taught students from all around the world.
Right now, we have students from over nine different countries. And every week, they come to class excited to learn.
Our coaches are not just good—they are amazing. They are all certified by FIDE (that’s the world chess federation). Many of them are titled players who’ve played chess professionally. But what makes them great teachers is not just their skill—it’s their heart. They care. They understand how to teach children. They’re kind, patient, and fun.
Each class is live and interactive. This means your child can ask questions, get answers, and really understand what’s being taught. We use stories, puzzles, games, and real examples to make learning fun. Every student gets their own plan based on their level.
So whether your child is just starting out or already winning tournaments, they’ll get exactly what they need.
And we have our own structured curriculum. No guesswork. No random lessons. Every student follows a clear path from beginner to advanced, with milestones along the way. You’ll always know where your child is and what’s next.
We also run fun tournaments every two weeks. These are online and open only to our students. Kids love them. They get to play against friends, win prizes, and most importantly—they get better.
We believe that every child can learn chess. And we’re here to make that happen.
If you’re in Richmond and want your child to learn chess the right way, come take a free class with us. There’s no cost. No pressure. Just a chance to see how much your child enjoys it.
👉 Take a free trial class here and let’s get started.
Offline Chess Training
Let’s now talk about offline chess training—the kind that happens in local clubs, community centers, or schools in and around Richmond.
This is the kind of chess learning most people are used to. You show up at a location once a week, sit in a room with a bunch of other kids, and play a few games. Maybe there’s a coach or teacher walking around, giving tips. Maybe there’s a small lesson at the start. And that’s about it.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with this. In fact, it can be a nice start. Some kids enjoy meeting other players face-to-face. They laugh, they make friends, and they play. For young kids just getting introduced to the game, this kind of relaxed, offline setup can feel comfortable.
But here’s the thing—when you really want to grow in chess, this kind of setup doesn’t work well. It’s not because the coaches don’t care. It’s just that offline classes like this are limited. They can’t give personal attention. They can’t track each child’s growth. And they don’t follow a proper plan.
Most offline clubs teach the same things over and over. If your child misses a session, they’re lost. If your child is ahead, they get bored. If they’re behind, they feel left out. There’s no way to customize the lessons.
Also, offline training usually doesn’t give homework or follow-up. Once the class ends, it ends. There’s no game analysis, no extra puzzles, no practice plan. That’s not how you get better at chess. You need practice. You need feedback. You need someone to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s also not forget the time it takes to get to and from these places. If it’s raining, if your schedule is tight, or if you’re tired—it’s easy to skip a class. And we all know that consistency is key when learning anything new.
So yes, offline chess clubs can be fun. But they’re not enough if you’re serious about helping your child grow in chess and in thinking skills.
Drawbacks of Offline Chess Training
Let’s make it even clearer. Here are some of the biggest problems with offline chess training—especially when compared to what we offer at Global School of Chess.
First, it’s unstructured. There’s no real roadmap. Kids just play games and hope to improve. Sometimes the lessons jump from topic to topic. It’s confusing and doesn’t help long-term growth.
Second, it lacks personal attention. A single coach might be handling ten or more students at once. That means your child may never get their questions answered. No analysis of their mistakes. No focus on what they need.
Third, offline training often misses out on progress tracking. How do you know your child is getting better? How do you know what they’ve learned and what they need to learn next? With us, parents get updates. Students get regular feedback. Everything is clear and transparent.
Fourth, it’s hard to be consistent. Schedules change. Weather gets in the way. Other events come up. And when your child misses a class, it’s gone. They don’t get the same lesson again. No recordings. No make-ups. It just disappears.
Fifth, offline training doesn’t prepare kids for the modern chess world. Most tournaments now are held online. Most tools to improve—like game databases, puzzle trainers, and engines—are all online. If your child is learning offline, they’re missing out on the digital skills needed for chess today.
And last but not least—offline training can be hit-or-miss. Some coaches are great, but many are just local hobbyists. They don’t have the certifications, the experience, or the deep knowledge of how to teach kids properly.
This is why more and more parents in Richmond and around the world are turning to online chess training. It’s not just about convenience. It’s about quality.
And when it comes to quality—Global School of Chess is second to none.
Want to see the difference for yourself?
👉 Join a free trial class here and discover how fun and powerful online chess learning can be.
Best Chess Academies in Richmond, London, United Kingdom
If you live in Richmond, you’re lucky. It’s a town that values education. Many families here want the best for their kids, whether it’s in sports, school, or special skills like chess. That’s why there are a few good chess academies to choose from.
But remember—not all academies are the same. Some focus only on playing. Some only teach beginners. And many don’t follow a structured plan at all.
In this section, we’ll look at the top five chess academies that are available for families in Richmond. We’ll start with the one that truly stands out—Global School of Chess—and then talk briefly about the others.
Global School of Chess
Let’s start with the best.
Global School of Chess is not just the top academy for Richmond. It’s one of the best online chess schools in the world. We say this with confidence, not pride—because we’ve seen the difference it makes for children.
What makes us the best?
Let’s break it down.
We have a clear mission: to help every child become smarter, calmer, and more confident through chess. We do this with live classes, one-on-one coaching, and regular online tournaments.
We teach students from over nine countries across four continents. So no matter where you’re from, your child will meet classmates from different backgrounds and cultures. This builds not just chess skills—but people skills too.
Our coaches are world-class. All of them are FIDE-certified. Some are titled players—meaning they’ve played chess at the highest level. But more than that, they are amazing teachers. They are patient. They make learning fun. They know how to explain ideas in simple ways that kids understand.
Every class is interactive. It’s not a video. It’s a real class where students ask questions, solve puzzles, and play games together. Your child will never feel alone. They’ll always feel seen and heard.
We also provide personal growth plans. That means we track your child’s progress. We give feedback. We adjust the lessons to suit your child’s level. We help them move step-by-step from beginner to expert.
And we make sure chess doesn’t feel boring. We use fun stories. We have competitions. We even offer rewards for improvement.
Our curriculum is structured. It’s designed by experts who understand how kids learn. Every class builds on the one before. There’s no jumping around. No random topics. Just steady, clear progress.
And best of all—it’s online. You can join from home. No travel. No parking. Just easy, focused learning from the comfort of your own space.
Thousands of families around the world have already seen the results. Kids who once had trouble focusing in school are now sharper and calmer. Kids who lacked confidence now walk taller. And kids who used to play chess just for fun are now winning trophies.
You don’t have to take our word for it.
👉 Book a free trial class today and see the Global School of Chess difference for yourself.
Now let’s look at a few other options in Richmond.
Richmond Junior Chess Club
Richmond Junior Chess Club has been around for many years. It’s one of the more well-known local clubs in the area. They meet weekly at a local hall, and their focus is mostly on group play and casual learning.
They do host local tournaments and some training sessions. But their teaching isn’t personalized. There’s no full curriculum. And while it’s a nice social club for kids who want to play casually, it’s not ideal for serious growth or structured learning.
Chess Rising Stars
Chess Rising Stars is another chess coaching group that operates in and around London. They do offer some online lessons and holiday camps, as well as small group coaching.
Their focus is more seasonal and camp-based rather than long-term structured growth. They have some strong coaches, but their program lacks the step-by-step learning path that Global School of Chess offers.
Make a Move Chess
Make a Move Chess is a community-driven group offering chess sessions in schools and community centers. They are focused on making chess accessible, which is a wonderful mission. However, they don’t offer consistent online training, and their curriculum is not structured for skill development.
It’s a good starting point, but not a place to grow deep skills.
Kingston Chess Club
Kingston Chess Club is one of the older chess clubs in the area. They mainly serve adult players, but sometimes host junior evenings or family chess events.
While they do welcome kids occasionally, they are not focused on child development or chess education. There are no regular kid-focused classes or tournaments. It’s more of a gathering place for hobby players.
Why Online Chess Training is The Future
Let’s be honest—times are changing. Fast. The way we learn today is not the same as it was even five years ago. We no longer need to sit in a classroom or drive to a coaching center to get the best education. Whether it’s music, math, or even sports like chess, online learning has opened up the world.
Chess is the perfect example.
Why?
Because chess is a thinking game. You don’t need a big room, fancy tools, or expensive gear. All you need is a board, some pieces, and most importantly—a great coach.
That’s where online chess training truly shines.
It’s not about screens replacing people. It’s about using technology to bring the best coaches, the best lessons, and the best learning systems right into your home. You’re not limited to the coaches in your neighborhood anymore. You can learn from masters who live across the globe.
And the results? They speak for themselves.
Students who learn chess online often improve faster. Why? Because their lessons are consistent, focused, and built just for them. They get to play more games. Get quicker feedback. And grow in a structured way. No guesswork. No wasted time.
Online training also builds independence. Kids learn to log in on their own, manage their chess homework, and analyze their own games. These are not just chess skills—they’re life skills. They learn to think critically, stay organized, and manage time.
Another big benefit? You get recordings of the lessons. If your child misses a class, they can watch it later. If they didn’t understand something, they can go back and watch again. This is a huge advantage that offline training simply can’t offer.
Now think about tournaments. Most chess competitions today happen online. Big platforms like Chess.com and Lichess host events every day. If your child is trained online, they’re already used to these tools. They’re ready to play and win.
The truth is, online chess training is not just an option. It’s the smart choice. It saves time. It saves energy. And most importantly—it gives your child access to the best teaching in the world.
And when it comes to the best teaching…
How Global School of Chess Leads the Online Chess Training Landscape
Global School of Chess is more than just an academy.
We are leaders. Innovators. Mentors. We’ve built a complete learning system for chess—online.
We didn’t just move classes to Zoom and call it a day. We created a full experience. One that’s fun, interactive, and deeply personal.
Every child who joins us gets a full chess plan. Step-by-step. Level by level. From opening basics to endgame mastery. And along the way, we teach real thinking skills. Not just “how to move the knight,” but why to move the knight. What’s the plan? What’s the goal?
We make every lesson fun. We use stories. Games. Friendly rivalries. Puzzles that make kids laugh and think at the same time.
We also care deeply about each student. We check in with parents. We celebrate every small win. We make sure no child feels lost or left out.
And it’s all built around community. Our students know each other. They play in our private tournaments every two weeks. They encourage one another. They grow together.
Parents love us because we’re professional, reliable, and results-driven. Kids love us because we’re fun, friendly, and full of heart.
We are proud to be trusted by families in Richmond, in London, and in countries around the world. But we’re even more proud of the kids we teach—kids who are becoming smarter, calmer, and more confident every day.
So if you’re ready to see what makes us different, don’t wait.
👉 Take a free trial class now and give your child the gift of smart thinking through chess.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right chess academy for your child is more than just picking a place to learn a game. It’s choosing a space where they’ll grow—where they’ll learn how to think clearly, stay calm under pressure, and make smart choices in life.