Learning chess is one of the smartest things you or your child can do. It sharpens the brain, improves focus, and teaches patience. But the key to getting better at chess isn’t just playing lots of games — it’s about learning the right way, from a coach who understands how to teach clearly and simply.
If you’re living in Scottsdale, Arizona, and thinking about finding a chess coach, you’ll come across a few options — some local, some online. But not all of them offer structured learning. Some are just casual clubs. Some offer group lessons where it’s hard to get personal attention.
In this guide, we’ll go over the top 5 chess coaching academies in Scottsdale. We’ll keep it simple and honest, and we’ll explain things as if we’re sitting next to you, helping you make the best choice. You’ll quickly see why Global School of Chess is ranked number one — not just in Scottsdale, but worldwide — and why more families are turning to online coaching for faster, better, and more flexible learning.
Let’s dive in.
1. Global School of Chess – #1 Choice for Chess Coaching in Scottsdale
One-on-One Learning That Makes Sense
At Global School of Chess, we do things differently — and that’s exactly why our students improve quickly and stick with us long-term. We don’t teach in noisy classrooms or crowded group lessons. We teach online, one-on-one, with full attention on one student at a time.
This allows us to do something most local academies cannot: personalize the entire learning journey. From the very first class, we build a simple, step-by-step plan tailored just for you or your child. There’s no guessing. No confusion. Just a clear path forward.
Offline classes often try to teach many students at once. The stronger ones get bored, and the newer ones get left behind. At Global School of Chess, we slow down when we need to, speed up when it makes sense, and always move at your pace.
That’s what real teaching looks like.
Online Chess Lessons That Work Better Than In-Person
We get it — you might think online learning sounds cold or distant. But it’s actually the most effective way to learn chess, when done properly.
Here’s why:
Offline coaching is usually done in groups. Coaches often don’t have a clear plan and just wing it. There’s no homework, no game review, and no focus on what the student really needs. It feels random.
But at Global School of Chess, we follow a structured system. Every topic builds on the one before. Each game you play is reviewed and discussed. And most importantly, every move you learn has a purpose. Nothing is random.
We use screen sharing, interactive boards, and custom lesson plans. Students love it because the learning is clear. Parents love it because they can actually see progress every week.
And since it’s online, there’s no need to drive anywhere, no traffic, and no missed classes. You can learn from the comfort of your home, with top coaches who are experts at both chess and teaching.
Coaches Who Care and a System That Works
We don’t hire part-time tutors or use scripted videos. Our team includes grandmasters, international masters, and elite chess coaches who’ve spent years perfecting how to teach the game to students of all levels — kids, teens, and adults.
But beyond titles, our coaches are kind, patient, and thoughtful. We don’t just teach moves. We teach how to think better, solve problems, and stay calm when the board gets tricky.
Each student gets weekly feedback, practice assignments, and regular updates on progress. This kind of attention doesn’t happen in group classes. And that’s why our students see results — often much faster than those in local academies.
Whether your child is new to chess or already playing tournaments, we’ll meet them where they are and guide them step by step.
You can book a free consultation at gschess.com, and we’ll show you exactly how our process works. No pressure. Just a helpful chat to see if it’s the right fit.
2. Scottsdale Chess School – Local, Group-Based Learning
Scottsdale Chess School is one of the few local options for chess coaching in the area. They offer lessons through school programs and sometimes host weekend events.
The school is well-intentioned, and many parents appreciate the accessibility of the classes. However, the teaching is done in groups, often with 8 to 12 students at once. This makes it hard for coaches to give individual attention or fix specific mistakes a child is making.
There is no standard curriculum, and lessons may change depending on the coach or the students in the room. While it’s a fun starting point, it’s not ideal for long-term improvement.
Compared to Global School of Chess, Scottsdale Chess School lacks structure, customization, and deep learning. It works more as a fun club than a real coaching system.
3. Arizona Chess for Schools – Good for Exposure, Not for Depth
This organization runs chess classes across several Arizona cities, including Scottsdale. Their focus is mainly on getting chess into schools and reaching as many kids as possible.
That mission is admirable, and they do a good job bringing chess to classrooms. But the coaching itself is broad, not deep. It’s usually done in large groups, with little or no one-on-one feedback.
The goal here is exposure — to introduce the game, not necessarily to grow serious players.
If your child is curious about chess, this can be a good start. But if you’re looking for actual coaching, consistent results, and personalized progress tracking, you’ll need something more focused — like the one-on-one lessons we offer at Global School of Chess.
4. Chess Emporium – More About Tournaments Than Teaching
Chess Emporium serves much of the Phoenix and Scottsdale area and is known for running regular chess tournaments. They also offer lessons, mostly in group settings and summer camps.
Their strength lies in organizing competitive events, which is great if your child already knows how to play and wants to test their skills. But in terms of teaching, the experience varies a lot depending on the coach and location.
There’s no unified learning system. You may get different lessons with each session. There’s also very little personal attention unless you pay extra for private classes.
And even then, there is no fixed curriculum — just what the coach feels like covering that day.
At Global School of Chess, every single lesson has a purpose. We don’t just teach for the day. We teach for the long-term, and we make sure students understand why every move matters.
5. Chess Kangaroo – Focused on Early Beginners
Chess Kangaroo is a smaller chess academy serving younger children in Arizona. They focus mostly on early beginners, using playful stories and light instruction to teach piece movement and basic rules.
This can be great for kids under 7 who are just being introduced to chess. But once a student understands the basics, the teaching doesn’t go much further. The lessons are not designed for deeper growth, strategy, or tournament preparation.
Many families start here, then move to more serious coaching as their child improves.
At Global School of Chess, we offer both beginner-friendly teaching and advanced strategy. We grow with the student — whether they’re just starting or already competing. And because our lessons are one-on-one, we can adjust everything to match their level instantly.
The Clear Difference: Why More Families Choose Online Chess Coaching
Offline Coaching Sounds Good — Until You Try It
At first, many families think offline coaching must be better. It feels more “real” because it’s face-to-face. You drive to a chess center, meet a coach in person, and your child sits at a board. That might sound like the right setup — until you actually see what happens inside the class.
Most local lessons are taught in groups. Some kids are learning the rules. Others are already doing puzzles. The coach tries to help everyone, but it’s just not possible to give proper attention to each student. One child may be too advanced for the lesson, while another is completely lost. There’s no way to teach well when everyone’s needs are different.
Also, if your child misses a class, there’s usually no way to make it up. There are no video recordings. No follow-up homework. And you, as a parent, rarely get feedback on how your child is doing. You end up driving across town, paying for the class — and still feeling like not much progress is happening.
Online Coaching Gives You Structure, Focus, and Results
Online chess coaching — when it’s done the right way — is not only just as good as in-person learning, it’s better. At Global School of Chess, we focus on one student at a time. Every lesson is private. That means we know exactly what your child knows, where they’re struggling, and how to help them improve.
We follow a clear, step-by-step curriculum that grows with the student. We don’t skip around or jump topics randomly. Each lesson builds on the one before, so everything makes sense. If your child needs to go slower, we slow down. If they’re flying ahead, we keep challenging them. That kind of flexibility just isn’t possible in a big group class.
We also give regular updates, review games, and provide custom homework between classes. That means your child is not just “playing” chess — they’re learning and improving every week. Parents often tell us, “We’ve seen more progress in two months with you than in a whole year of local classes.” That’s because every moment in our lessons is focused, personal, and carefully planned.
Learning From Home is Easier, Safer, and More Effective
One of the best things about online coaching is that it fits easily into your day. There’s no driving, no rushing, no traffic, and no getting home late. Your child logs in, learns from the same coach every time, and finishes the class right at home — safe and relaxed.
Many kids feel more comfortable learning from home. The space is familiar, they don’t feel watched by other students, and they can ask questions more freely. That kind of comfort makes learning easier. It helps shy students speak up. It helps busy kids focus without all the distractions of a classroom setting.
And because the lessons are one-on-one, your child builds a real connection with their coach. It feels like having a personal mentor — someone who’s not just teaching chess, but guiding them step by step in how to think better, stay calm under pressure, and grow their confidence. This kind of support is exactly what helps students fall in love with learning, and keep getting better, month after month.
Let’s Make Your First Move Together
You Don’t Need to Be Great to Get Started
A lot of people wait until they feel “ready” before starting something new. But in chess, you don’t need to be great to begin. You just need to start. Whether your child only knows how to move the pieces, or you’re an adult who’s been stuck losing to the same tactics, we can help.
At Global School of Chess, we meet you exactly where you are. There’s no judgment. No pressure to perform. We simply listen, understand your level, and build a plan that makes sense for you. Every single student we’ve worked with — beginners, tournament players, or shy learners — started at the same place: with one simple decision to try.
You don’t need to know the names of openings. You don’t need to have tournament experience. You don’t need to be “good.” You just need to be curious. And we’ll take care of the rest, one move at a time.
Here’s What Happens When You Reach Out
When you book a free consultation, we don’t jump straight into lessons. First, we get to know you. If you’re a parent, we’ll ask a few questions about your child — what they’ve learned, what they enjoy, what kind of learner they are. If you’re learning for yourself, we’ll talk through your current level, your schedule, and your goals.
There’s no script. It’s a casual, friendly conversation where you get to ask anything you want. We’ll answer clearly and honestly. We’ll also show you how our coaching works, how our curriculum is built, and what to expect in your first few lessons.
Once we understand your needs, we’ll recommend the right coach, suggest the best schedule, and prepare a simple path forward. You’ll always know what you’re working on, how you’re progressing, and how we’re helping at each step. The goal is clarity — not confusion.
A Year From Now, You’ll Wish You Started Today
A lot can change in just a few months of quality chess coaching. We’ve seen kids go from not knowing how to checkmate to playing confidently in tournaments. We’ve helped adults stop making blunders, understand strategy, and finally feel proud of their play.
And we’ve seen how this growth on the board often leads to growth off the board — better focus, more patience, and stronger decision-making. Chess does that. But only when it’s taught right.
If you’re still unsure, just remember: starting is the hardest part. Once you take that first step, we’ll walk the rest of the path with you. We’ll make it simple. We’ll keep it clear. And we’ll be there to guide you, support you, and celebrate every bit of progress you make.
👉 Book your free consultation at gschess.com
👉 Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s grow — together.
Because your first move doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be made.