4.6 (54 reviews)
SJ Chess Club offers chess classes at the most affordable price with the highest quality level of instruction. We are solely dedicated to promoting chess to…
Cara really enjoyed the chess class. But one day cried because she needed to beat a fifth /fourth grade player. I think dividing kids to the same level will be more effective for them. Thank you !
San Jose Chess Club
October 24, 2024
We are glad Cara enjoyed the class. We do divide students by chess skill level and never by age or grade. We follow the United States Chess Federation guidelines, and our students tend to be the most successful chess players in the entire state of California year after year! When students begin to compete in outside competition they'll be partnered and paired up just as we do in class.
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My son loves academicare chess classes held at oak school. He always look forward for Mondays as it the chess day!
My kid was very excited and had a lot fun in this class for the Winter and Spring sessions 🤩
I never get any feedback about any of his chess games how he is performing or where he should improve . At least we should get one feedback about their classes.
San Jose Chess Club
December 7, 2023
Hello there, Of course we provide feedback - you never approached us to touch base regarding feedback/ performance for your student.
Good use of lunch times! Thank you. She’s learning slowly.
My kids like Chess, it is so great for their minds to learn patients and strategy!
I enrolled an older child with chess experience, and he said the class was mostly kindergarteners new to the game. My son only once played against another child who had prior experience; he spent many sessions setting up the board and helping his opponent. It would be better if the kids could be sorted by ability. We heard many great things about this program in the past, so I assume this is a pandemic staffing issue.
San Jose Chess Club
March 27, 2024
Hello there, the students choose their matched opponent by choice; our Coaches are there to support and facilitate. We do not pick students to play with one another, as that would be "forcing" them to play with student(s) they are not comfortable with and can make their game match unpleasant for them.
My Kindergarten boy LOVES going to chess club and fully learned how to play the game during his year. He's now in 1st grade and still going, still loving it!
My son is having tons of fun and I look forward to enrolling my daughter.
My kindergarten girls really enjoyed this. We did two courses back-to-back and they stayed excited and engaged.
My boys enjoy their time at the Chess Club and I'll enroll them again next year!
While my daughter is enjoying chess club, I am severely disappointed that this class markets itself as a "15:1" student-teacher ratio when in fact, there were at least 25 children in the class this past week. How can a child get one-on-one assistance with such a high student-teacher ratio? The price does not support the disception of a "low" student-teacher ratio.
We joined the season late but my son enjoyed every class. The instructor is high energy and explains the game in a way that kids are learning while having fun.
My daughter won the tournament, you should provide at least a certificate for token of appreciation.
San Jose Chess Club
May 12, 2021
Thanks for the feedback! Trophies are on the way... If your daughter earned one, they will be delivered next week.
A good place to learn more about Chess and Statics!
My daughter had so much fun! Coaches are nice and knowledgeable. We are gonna sign up again in the fall.
My son enjoyed the class very much! We will enroll him again next year!
I signed up my son Brenden who is in Kindergarten at Reed. He absolutely loves it and looks forward to the class every Wednesdays.
My son has fun there! He really enjoy playing with his friends and learn from each other.
My kids had a good lady teach them a few years ago. My sons had chosen this after school activity quite a few times over the years. Last year the lady quit at the last moment, so they sent the director or the owner for the last few classes. The last class, when I picked up my kid, I noticed that a couple of classmates were crying about it, and my sons look a little spooked too. After inquiring with the kids, I learned that the instructor was extremely upset that the last lesson and was being too rash and even insulting with some of the students in the class. He was rude with some of the kids in front of the whole class and insulted few others. When I asked the teacher about it, he said that he didn't care. In a confrontational manner he explained that he had kids win championships with his company before and that he did not mind that some kids were not coming back or were scared. He certainly did not care that some parents were annoyed. He was not losing business for it, and he could afford it anyway.
We have a "positive reinforcement" policy at school, and we don't call kids names, yell at them or pull apart a quarter of the class and tell them not to come back because they are not worthy. I felt it was uncalled and was particularly disappointed with the inactivity of the principal about it.
We don't have any "review" system at school, so parents just choose within the options and their kid's interest, not about the quality or the type of class. I suppose the children insulted never told their parents about it, a probably just a couple of us approached the principal, she did not care.
We have a "positive reinforcement" policy at school, and we don't call kids names, yell at them or pull apart a quarter of the class and tell them not to come back because they are not worthy. I felt it was uncalled and was particularly disappointed with the inactivity of the principal about it.
We don't have any "review" system at school, so parents just choose within the options and their kid's interest, not about the quality or the type of class. I suppose the children insulted never told their parents about it, a probably just a couple of us approached the principal, she did not care.
San Jose Chess Club
March 27, 2019
Thank you for your feedback. I am very sorry your children were not satisfied. So far to date, we have received tons of amazing feedback from the Fairwood Chess Club classes. We immediately called and emailed you to touch base after your complaint the school office, we could NOT reach you on several occasions. We are still not sure what went wrong but both your enrichment PTA coordinator and Principal followed up on your concerns. I am quoting the Principal here: "I am not sure why she wasn't happy but it seems as though everyone else is. You are doing an amazing job, keep up the good work. Thank you."
Also, The 'lady' in question did not ever quit, she is still with us after two decades of successful chess! I am not certain why you were not happy with Candidate Chessmaster Brett but he started the program there at your school several years ago and many Fairwood families requested him back, that is why he finished out the 2017-2018 school year there and started this school year back at Fairwood School. And FYI: Last Spring Chessmaster Brett was so successful he sent a chess team from Fairwood to compete in outside chess tournaments including the 44th annual CA State Chess Championships... His team returned to Fairwood with huge trophies and several TOP 10 state rankings in numerous sections, this is an amazing feat!
Positive reinforcement is exactly how we teach this great game and probably why we are the most successful chess school on the West Coast! Every single one of our staff members who has taught Chess at your school was brilliant coaches and your students were very fortunate to have them:
-Brett: A USCF Candidate Chess Master with 24 years of professional chess competition and instruction. Also a CAL-Chess tournament director. He is also a K-12 Physical Education coach and HS/Collegiate Baseball & Softball Coach.
-Loanna: A USCF Certified Life Coach and also our regional Director for Chess Club operations. She is also an Elementary & ECE Teacher.
-Fabian: A FIDE Chess Expert with over a decade of professional competition and in-class instruction. He is also our contributor for online instruction on ChessKid.com and a mechanical engineer.
-Dr. Carine: A former FIDE youth-master and a current USCF Expert. She is a Physician in both the Pediatrics & ED departments at Stanford Hospital.
Finally, I would like a chance for our program to make it up to you and your child. We offered FREE tuition, a private lesson, etc but we have NOT heard back from you. We are not sure what else we can do. No one else has ever complained about our Chess Club programming at your school or any other school we have ever taught at in the Sunnyvale Elementary School District which we have been teaching scholastic chess in for well over two decades.
Also, The 'lady' in question did not ever quit, she is still with us after two decades of successful chess! I am not certain why you were not happy with Candidate Chessmaster Brett but he started the program there at your school several years ago and many Fairwood families requested him back, that is why he finished out the 2017-2018 school year there and started this school year back at Fairwood School. And FYI: Last Spring Chessmaster Brett was so successful he sent a chess team from Fairwood to compete in outside chess tournaments including the 44th annual CA State Chess Championships... His team returned to Fairwood with huge trophies and several TOP 10 state rankings in numerous sections, this is an amazing feat!
Positive reinforcement is exactly how we teach this great game and probably why we are the most successful chess school on the West Coast! Every single one of our staff members who has taught Chess at your school was brilliant coaches and your students were very fortunate to have them:
-Brett: A USCF Candidate Chess Master with 24 years of professional chess competition and instruction. Also a CAL-Chess tournament director. He is also a K-12 Physical Education coach and HS/Collegiate Baseball & Softball Coach.
-Loanna: A USCF Certified Life Coach and also our regional Director for Chess Club operations. She is also an Elementary & ECE Teacher.
-Fabian: A FIDE Chess Expert with over a decade of professional competition and in-class instruction. He is also our contributor for online instruction on ChessKid.com and a mechanical engineer.
-Dr. Carine: A former FIDE youth-master and a current USCF Expert. She is a Physician in both the Pediatrics & ED departments at Stanford Hospital.
Finally, I would like a chance for our program to make it up to you and your child. We offered FREE tuition, a private lesson, etc but we have NOT heard back from you. We are not sure what else we can do. No one else has ever complained about our Chess Club programming at your school or any other school we have ever taught at in the Sunnyvale Elementary School District which we have been teaching scholastic chess in for well over two decades.
My kids loved chess and learning from Chessmaster Brett at Fairwood. Thanks!
My son likes much! How Can he join some competition like uscf?
My kid loves it! Nice techniques! Very motivating indeed!
Brett does a wonderful Job teaching Children! He is a very skilled Chess Instructor and has been doing this for many years.
They are amazing and really care about all students. very respectful to parents! My son loves their program!
We had a great experience with my kid when she was in kinder with chess club, but this year it was not as much fruitful as we anticipated.
San Jose Chess Club
March 27, 2024
Hello there; we strive to make the one-hour-a-week meeting fun and engaging for all students. However, if the student does not practice at home to retain the lesson taught in class, then yes, that may not be fruitful. We encourage all students to dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to practicing their chess play.
We loved chess club! can't wait for next session! Our coach was very patient and friendly, my son learned a lot and totally enjoys coming every Wednesday!
Highly recommended and we'll likely join the club again next school year. My daughter loved it, learned a lot and came away with a 1st place award. She's only 7 and just learned chess!
My daughter attended this Chess Club after school care and learned how to play chess over 8 weeks.
March 30, 2018
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THUY CHAU
Verified Purchase
My daughter is in T-K and we were hesitant in signing her up for chess club, but she thoroughly enjoys the class. She looks forward to her class every week and would get upset when she misses it. I was impressed when she played with her older brother the other day and saw her play for the first time. Apparently she learned a lot from the class alone, considering we didn't practice with her at all.
June 1, 2017
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Kate Hillier
Verified Purchase
We were unsure about enrolling our son in chess at the beginning of Kinder, but he has absolutely loved it. He's asked to go back and do each subsequent session, and has finished the year with a great grasp of the concepts, and loves to play. Considering he's a super active kid who doesn't much like staying still, we are super impressed at how engaged he has been, and the fact that they have kept it fun and interesting for all levels of children (with occasional donuts :)). Definitely back next year!
April 24, 2017
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Raj Char
Verified Purchase
Our Son goes to Chess Club at Cumberland Elementary. He thoroughly enjoys being there and he is learning a lot. The books that they provide are very helpful and guides him step by step. In fact, being a chess player myself, I learned a lot of new things from the book and it has improved my game. The teachers Coach Loanna, Master Brett and Coach Fabiano are awesome and are very encouraging.
November 7, 2016
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Susie D.
Dr. Carine is my favorite chess teacher of them all. She is a Stanford Pediatrician and amazing with her students! Though most of the chess club kids are taller than her she really demands authority.
November 3, 2016
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Christine Crosby
Verified Purchase
Great program and very convenient. Keeps my son excited about Chess!
November 1, 2016
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Pete Dailey
Verified Purchase
Our daughter came home with a nice 1st-Place trophy yesterday. She's 7 and has been practicing for this tournament. She has learned the game well, knows some openings, and has really enjoyed herself. Her older brother also really enjoyed Chess Club and had a similar experience. It's so nice to play a board game with my kids that I enjoy rather than something that I tolerate in order to engage with them. It's something my kids can benefit from for life. Thank you so much!
October 31, 2016
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John Milinark
This group of chess teachers are amazing! This class is so much better than any other chess class my daughter & son have ever been in!!
October 29, 2016
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Maryia Kavaliova
Verified Purchase
My son liked to go to these classes! We will continue with the next session!
May 17, 2016
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George Kuvosovich
My kids had a blast. Now they are having a school wide tournament so even kids that can't afford to be in chess class constantly get to compete!
March 23, 2016
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Scott Nance
Chess Coach Fabian rocks! So cool this club actually teaches abs holds tournaments and they even send teams to state championships everywhere. Other clubs they just sit around and play.
March 17, 2016
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Michael Wozniak
Verified Purchase
My 5 year old has really enjoyed the chess class and wants to play every night.
March 15, 2016
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Jonchi(Jimmy) Lee
Coach Brett is the best! He coaches my son in baseball and now in chess class!
December 1, 2015
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Ray G Limpangug
Great program! Now since my son is learning how to play chess so am I. It's a great way to spend time with your children. Especially with all the video game they play now a days.
December 1, 2015
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thuy nghiem
What a great idea to enhance a child's academic growth!
November 9, 2015
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Matthew Spangler
Verified Purchase
Great! My son loved it! Now wants to play chess a lot. Recommended.
November 2, 2015
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Mike S.
Great job in-class and follow ups. We continued again as usual. Besides the fun, it's a rewarding enrichment for them.
September 2, 2015
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William Smith
Before joining this club my son could barely play and was getting frustrated. His concentration and confidence is way up since attending and now I can't win a game.
August 28, 2015
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Shivali Patel
My two children had so much fun, the older child was able to learn so much but the Kinder stalled a little in the beginning. The Kinder teacher is a Stanford pediatrician and she is great!
August 28, 2015
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Kayla Henson
Amazing class for the youth! I would highly recommend it to anyone!
August 28, 2015
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Kenneth Dutra
My son has been in the chess program at Eisenhower School for 6 years straight, we did not expect much but he had a lit of fun with his friends learning & playing. Last year my son was coached by coach Loanna before the state championship and he took 6th overall in the state of California! Not to mention the Eisenhower team coached by the SJ Chess School brings back huge trophies year after year from their success at the annual State Chess Championships, we are lucky to have you still here even with the retirement of Cheryl Karp we were worried you may not be back. Thanks for all you , do, you are underrated.
August 28, 2015
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william the first Ortega
I have seen children who had little interest in chess change to become tournament winners and become really focused in chess and other academic areas. They were able to learn openings and many middlegame positions. I find the chess club very rewarding to children!
August 28, 2015
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Carmen Messam
This program is GREAT!! my children learned a lot and had fun.
August 13, 2015
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Josh Parker
I've had the opportunity to work with some of the TOP chess teachers in all of CA!!!
August 10, 2015
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Kyle Crom
Amazing program! Best chess instruction we have ever had!
March 24, 2015
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Emily Leong
Verified Purchase
Poorly-run program. Administrators did not respond to emails. Instructor never gave my kids their workbooks even after multiple requests. My kids did not learn much chess through this program and I would not recommend it to anyone. It was a waste of money.
