Vancouver Chess School
Chess background

In-Person & Online Chess Classes and Tournaments,
Trusted by World Champions!

Vancouver Chess School has guided over 5,000 juniors to success — including 3 World Champions, FIDE Masters, and countless national & provincial champions — through our proven 12-level program, expert coaching, and exciting tournaments. Starting at $100 CAD/month.

What are our superpowers?

3
World
Champions
Titles
3
FIDE masters
16+
Years of
Experience
5K+
Students
9K+
Tournaments
17K+
Lessons
170+
Five-star
Reviews

Our Stars & Stories

🎖️ Levy Rozman Receives the VCS Signature Medal of Honour

Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, sends his best wishes to all Vancouver Chess School students and shares his hope to visit Vancouver one day.

Karson Lu 👑 Crowned U7 FIDE Rapid World School Champion 2024!

Huge congratulations to Karson Lu on his incredible victory at the U7 FIDE Rapid World School Championship 2024 in Callao, Lima, Peru! 🏆 A remarkable achievement that brings pride to Vancouver Chess School and inspiration to all our juniors.

Hikaru Nakamura’s Legendary Visit to VCS! ✨

During a special training session, Hikaru Nakamura surprised our Team BC and Sunday Chess Club students! He played blitz, signed autographs, posed for selfies, and was awarded the very first VCS Signature Gold Medal — now officially named the Hikaru Nakamura Medal 🥇. A truly unforgettable day for all our young players!

Elliot McCallum Wins Gold at the FIDE World School Championships 2023! 🥇

Huge congratulations to our Grade 1 Provincial Champion, Elliot McCallum, on his sensational victory in the U7 category at the FIDE World School Championships 2023 in Rhodes, Greece (April 13–23). A proud moment for Elliot, VCS, and the entire Canadian chess community!

Elliot McCallum Presents VCS Signature Medal to Super GM Wesley So 🌟

At the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship, 9-year-old Elliot McCallum proudly awarded the VCS Signature Medal to Super GM Wesley So, celebrating his brilliance, sportsmanship, and inspiration to young players worldwide. A powerful symbol of respect across generations — from a rising talent to a living legend. 🙌♟️

Zhu Chen, 9th Women's World Chess Champion, Supports VCS.

We are proud to have the long-time support of Zhu Chen, the 9th Women's World Chess Champion. Over the years, we've exchanged ideas, class materials, and curriculum with her, strengthening our mission to provide world-class chess education. In this video Zhu Chen wishes all the best to the students and parents of Vancouver Chess School in their chess journey. 

Our 3 pillars of excellence

Proven 12-Level Curriculum

Our structured program ensures that every student - beginner to advanced - follows a clear path to mastery. Each level builds on the last, developing logic, tactics and strategic thinking.

Curriculum illustration

World-Class student success

We've taught over 5,000 students, with multiple National & Regional Champions - and 3 World Champions and 3 FIDE Masters trained at our school. Your child joins a winning tradition.

Student success illustration

Innovative Chess platform & Games

Our Chess heroes platform offers interactive lessons, challenges and rewards, on a state of the art custom-built platform, designed to engage and motivate young learners.

Chess platform illustration

What parents are saying

Nolan Males
Mar 30, 2023
Google 5 stars

It was very fun. I just had my first lesson there, and it was super fun. I am in level one chess, and I really enjoyed it. I would totally do the rest of the levels there. It was super fun and you sho...

Karen K
May 22, 2024
Google 5 stars

We are so happy that we found Vanchess school and registered online classes for our son to learn chess. It is definitely the right choice. Our son shows great interest in playing chess, active thinkin...

Yanyan Yang
Apr 29, 2022
Google 5 stars

My son has been with Vancouver Chess School for a few years, where he gained great knowledge of chess techniques and strategies. with the guidance from experienced coaches in VCS, my son has successf...

Michael Ye
Jan 3, 2021
Google 5 stars

My son has been learning chess in Vancouver Chess School since 2018. He also participated many tournaments organized by the school, off-line and on-line. VCS provides very high-quality and systematic ...

Y Zho
Apr 28, 2024
Google 5 stars

My son just started taking classes at VCS last year. He got promoted to pre-bishop recently. It’s quite an achievement for a beginner just started play chess couple of months ago. VCS provides effec...

crystal zhu
Mar 22, 2023
Google 5 stars

My son loves Vancouver Chess School, he had a lot fun and learned a lot....

yan yang
Oct 28, 2021
Google 5 stars

The Camps are very interesting, you get to do a lot of fun chess activities, like class games, puzzles, and learn new openings. There are also CMA rated tournaments on Fridays....

x g
Apr 28, 2022
Google 5 stars

Looking for a place to develop my son chess skills. Found Vancouver Chess School, Best choice ever. Great online class, Competitive chess event to keep things interesting for kids. If your kids like c...

Tran Vinh
Apr 6, 2023
Google 5 stars

Our children began learning at Vancouver Chess School around six months ago. Their remarkable progress in chess is all thanks to the outstanding coaching and education provided by the school. Recently...

Eric Chan
Feb 26, 2023
Google 5 stars

Vancouver Chess School is fantastic! VCS is very well organized, structured, and provides learners of all levels with opportunities and support to improve their skills.. or to just have fun playing c...

Gem Yu
Jul 12, 2021
Google 5 stars

VCS is a great chess school for kids. They have a lot of excellent programs, all well organized. The coaches are nice and experienced. My 8-year-old son has been there learning to play chess for more ...

Kaustav Mukherjee
Jul 30, 2023
Google 5 stars

Vancouver chess school has been a wonderful experience for my 8 year old. He’s gained meaningful skills, developed self-confidence and earned a medal for his accomplishments which he’s very proud ...

Jiankun Li
Nov 18, 2023
Google 5 stars

Strongly recommend National Preparation Program workshop at Vancouver Chess School by Coach Gyan and Coach Maxim, their lectures are concise and dig into deep concept in a easy to understand way for t...

Nana Z
Feb 11, 2022
Google 5 stars

My son is learning chess there from 5 years old. Teachers are amazing, VCS is great place for kids to learn chess, they can meet lots of chess lover and lots of chance to play chess. Mr G is my son’...

Alice Fan
Jan 7, 2021
Google 5 stars

My son started learning chess at Vancouver Chess School, and he's been there for one and half year now. It is fun for him, and it teaches him important life lessons. For example, defeat helps you beco...

Cal
Sep 3, 2024
Google 5 stars

My son just completed a chess camp at VCS and had a great experience. He was really pleased with the way the camp was run and noted how enthusiastic Gyan and the other instructors were in maximizing t...

Flora Liu
Oct 2, 2022
Google 5 stars

Vancouver Chess School is an amazing place for chess lovers. My son Ryder has learnt a lot both is summer camps and in group lessons and always had tons of fun. Highly recommended!!!...

Ryan Leong
Oct 23, 2024
Google 5 stars

Vancouver Chess School is not just a chess school. It is a place where children foster many different skills such as decision making, adapting to a competitive environment, and an opportunity to give ...

Tia
Oct 18, 2023
Google 5 stars

The Vancouver Chess School has been a game-changer for my autistic child. Not only has he made remarkable progress in his chess skills, but he genuinely looks forward to every session. The instructors...

Jiyang Gao
Jan 24, 2021
Google 5 stars

I first got to know Vancouver Chess School when I registered my son for the VCS’ Chess in School program in 2016. I simply wanted to expose him to an extracurricular activity, but I didn’t expect ...

All reviews

5 stars

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Explore our programs for every
young chess player

Group Lessons

Group Lessons

Small groups led by experienced coaches. Kids progress through our 12-Level curriculum with games, fun homework, and teamwork.

Join a Group lesson
Private Lessons

Private Lessons

One-on-one coaching tailored to your child's strengths. Get rapid progress and personalized attention at every step.

Book a Private lesson
Tournaments

Tournaments

From beginners to national contenders - our rated events help kids sharpen skills and boost confidence in a fun, supportive setting.

Join a Tournament

Start your chess journey
in 4 easy steps

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Take the test

Find your child's level with our free online assessment.

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Register

Create your student account in our secure platform.

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Try a lesson

Book a free trial class to get started.

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Enjoy!

Watch your child grow in confidence
and skill.

Our Unique Chess Learning Methodology:
A Pathway to Mastery

At Chess Heroes Academy, we believe every child learns best when they're challenged and inspired. That's why we built a 12-level system tailored to their unique pace - whether they're just starting or already making brilliant moves.

Assessment

Not sure which program
is right for you?

Take our quick free online test

Take the test

Our level system

Absolute
Beginner
Beginner
Advanced
Beginner
Pre-Knigt
Knight
Pre-Bishop
Bishop
Pre-Rook
Rook
Pre-Queen
Queen
King
Chess teaches

What chess teaches your child -
on and off the board

Test icon

Take the test

Find your child's level with our free online assessment.

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Focus, memory & concentration

By remembering strategies and analyzing opponents, kids sharpen focus and build memory - essential for school success.

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Academic performance

Studies show chess improves math, reading, logic, and critical thinking - all leading to stronger academic outcomes.

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Confident decision - making

In chess, kids learn to assess risks and make choices under pressure - building judgment they'll use far beyond the board.

Where Play Builds Real Skills

Chess Heroes is more than a game —
it's a powerful learning tool.
Through fun challenges, quests, and battles, students sharpen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills — all while staying engaged and motivated.
With unlimited practice in tactics, positional play, and endgames, every move helps them grow — both as chess players and thinkers.
A smart, safe, and enriching way for kids to build real skills while having fun.
Your Strength, Your Journey –
Make It Legendary

Top performers

Celebrating the achievements of our rising stars - students who've stood out in recent tournaments and events.

King of the Hill

Raymond Sui

King of the Hill

Queen of the Hill

Mahalakshmi Annal

Queen of the Hill

Fire Streak King

Raymond Sui

Fire Streak King

Fire Streak Queen

Melody Song

Fire Streak Queen

Celebrating students achievements

Timur Uygun

Timur Uygun has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

Kevin Lian

Kevin Lian has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

Carlyle Shu

Carlyle Shu has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

Amirali Abedi

Amirali Abedi has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

Annalise Lu

Annalise Lu has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Winston Hu

Winston Hu has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Charlotte Lu

Charlotte Lu has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Yeying Cheng

Yeying Cheng has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Inez Tsang

Inez Tsang has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Asher Tsang

Asher Tsang has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Our events

Play. Improve. Repeat.

19Mar
Prime Time Battle

19Mar
Over the Board. Real Battles.

20Mar
Best starting tournament!

21Mar
⭐ Daily Puzzles