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?
Champions
Titles
Experience
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.
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.
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.
What parents are saying
Our kid really enjoyed the chess classes. The classes/activities are well structured and the coaches are patient....
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...
The camp at VCS is an amazing experience for all ages. Whether your child is 5 or 15, there is a variety of opportunities of learning. Completely approve of the camp and believe in its ability to impa...
As a volunteer assistant coach of the chess camps, I felt the genuine trust and support from the teachers! The instructors gave every assistant coach some time every camp to teach the class some conce...
My son has been attending classes and tournaments at Vancouver Chess School for several years, starting in-person at his school, then, as he became more advanced, classes at the VCS facility and more ...
My children enjoy the classes offered by Vancouver Chess School and have learned a lot in only a few weeks. The school’s online component is very easy and convenient to use for busy families as well...
Vancouver Chess school is best chess academy in Vancouver. They have very talented staff. The events are well organized. They have excellent virtual chess platform. I am glad that we enrolled our chi...
I love vanchess! It taught my brother endgame techniques that he never knew about and tactics. I appreciate vanchess for its effective teachings....
My son has been attending Vanchess for half a year now. It has been a great learning experience and his skills improved very much. His instructor Gyan is professional, kind, encouraging and patient. ...
Incredible chess centre! I grew up with this place and do not regret a second!!!...
I represented team BC at the 2019 Canadian Chess Challenge (CCC), where I won 1st place in the toughest section of the competition. This year, Gyan personally invited me to Captain Team BC at the 2022...
A fantastic place to let your child experience chess play with different kids in a well organized and clean environment. Their lessons are very useful. My child has been teaching me all that she learn...
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!!!...
Vancouver Chess School has given my 2 kids a fun, intellectual and safe space to hang out with other like-minded children. They have very competent and experienced instructors. Both their in-person (p...
Vanchess has been really helping my son to stay focused and helping him to build confidence. So far I am really happy with my son's progress and looking forward to participating in their future camps ...
The best school ever! My daughter loves her chess classes about 3 years! Thanks for teacher ...
Our older son got curious about chess earlier this year - in the middle of the pandemic - and so we were happy to learn that Vanchess offered all classes in virtual form. After some cautious initial a...
This is a great place if your kid is interested in chess, or you want them to develop their interests. It’s not just a school, but feels more like a community. My son loves Sunday chess club. He get...
My son has been enrolled with the school for approximately 7 months now and he has really enjoyed the experience, plus he has improved his game a lot. The teaching methods adapted for children strike...
Wonderful place for chess. My son luckily found this amazing school when he fell in love with chess, and had much fun during learning. There are nice and professional coaches, passionate classmates, s...
Explore our programs for every
young chess player
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
One-on-one coaching tailored to your child's strengths. Get rapid progress and personalized attention at every step.
Book a Private lesson
Tournaments
From beginners to national contenders - our rated events help kids sharpen skills and boost confidence in a fun, supportive setting.
Join a TournamentStart your chess journey
in 4 easy steps
Take the test
Find your child's level with our free online assessment.
Register
Create your student account in our secure platform.
Try a lesson
Book a free trial class to get started.
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.
Our level system
Beginner
Beginner
What chess teaches your child -
on and off the board
Take the test
Find your child's level with our free online assessment.
Focus, memory & concentration
By remembering strategies and analyzing opponents, kids sharpen focus and build memory - essential for school success.
Academic performance
Studies show chess improves math, reading, logic, and critical thinking - all leading to stronger academic outcomes.
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
it's a powerful learning tool.
Top performers
Celebrating the achievements of our rising stars - students who've stood out in recent tournaments and events.
Noah Sugg
King of the Hill
Noah Sugg
Fire Streak King
Melody Song
Fire Streak Queen
Celebrating students achievements
Echo Fang
Echo Fang has been promoted to Rook level.
Travis Bleackley
Travis Bleackley has been promoted to Pre-Rook level.
Julien Pattison
Julien Pattison has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.
Curtis Leung
Curtis Leung has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.
JACK XU
JACK XU has been promoted to Bishop level.
Julien Pattison
Julien Pattison has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.
William Lima
William Lima has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.
Lucas Hsieh
Lucas Hsieh has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.
Raymond Sui
Raymond Sui has been promoted to Rook level.
Niko Chen
Niko Chen has been promoted to Pre-Rook level.
Our events
