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
17+
Years of
Experience
5K+
Students
10K+
Tournaments
17K+
Lessons
200+
Five-star
Reviews

Our Stars & Stories

Echo Heming Fang — World Youth Bronze! 🥉🌍

Echo Heming Fang — World Youth Bronze! 🥉🌍

Echo finished 3rd (tied for 2nd) in Girls U7 at the 2026 FIDE World Youth Championship in Spain with 8.5 / 11! ♟️✨ So proud of you, Echo! 👏

🎖️ Levy Rozman Receives the VCS Signature Medal of Honour

🎖️ 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!

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! ✨

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! 🥇

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 🌟

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.

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

William Chao
Jul 24, 2024
Google5 stars

A definite recommend for all families with children interested to learn or further develop their skills in chess. Our 6 year old son participated in the summer camp offered by Vancouver Chess School a...

Surbhi Palande
Apr 28, 2024
Google5 stars

This chess class rocks! Even in the online setup, Tadas and Gyan Awatramani keep the kids hooked with their amazing skills. They organize regular online chess competitions that keep the excitement ali...

T Y
Oct 8, 2022
Google5 stars

My son joined Vancouver Chess School this year and he loves it! I regretted not sending him earlier. The classes are well-structured, the programs are well-organized, and the teachers are all very nic...

Cat Queen
Feb 17, 2022
Google5 stars

My daughter has been taking chess lessons with VCS for two years now. After trying out different activities, chess is the only one that she's enjoyed and kept going. The coaches are amazing and patien...

Patrick Huang
Jul 6, 2021
Google5 stars

I represented team BC at the 2021 Canadian Chess Challenge, tying for first place in my section. Gyan and Jeremy at VCS were incredibly professional, organizing countless training sessions for Team BC...

Youlandy Liu
Feb 18, 2022
Google5 stars

My kids really love this school。The teacher are very professional, very Patient, very methodical. So that kids can go from not doing anything at first to now very like chess. And now with pandemic, ...

Hongyi Bai
Nov 14, 2024
Google5 stars

We have been in Vancouver Chess School for about two years. appreciating the comprehensive program, the flexible schedule ( in-person or online) , and the diverse tournaments chess school offers. Teac...

Sonya Varma
Jan 1, 2022
Google5 stars

My kids had wanted to join VCS classes at Jericho for some time, and the availability of online classes during the pandemic provided the opportunity to overcome scheduling barriers. My 6 year old da...

Serena Wang
Mar 20, 2023
Google5 stars

我们强烈推介温哥华象棋学校,孩子在这个机构学习了一年多,进步非常大。 老师尽职尽责,不断激励孩子们坚持每天练习,完成习题,而且在这里�...

Matthew Du
Aug 8, 2022
Google5 stars

Incredible chess centre! I grew up with this place and do not regret a second!!!...

Ling Li Wu
Feb 22, 2022
Google5 stars

My son has been taking chess lessons with VCS for almost five years. He loves it and has been making big progress here. I would like to recommend VCS....

Not Cool
Jan 25, 2022
Google5 stars

Developing children’s intelligence is the original intention of learning chess, and there is a lot of harvest in its process. You have to work hard if you want to win, but you should always respect ...

M D
Dec 23, 2023
Google5 stars

We have been thrilled with the experience our son Gabriel has had at Vancouver Chess School. The organization of the educational process is outstanding, ensuring a high-quality learning environment. A...

Paul Du
Jul 8, 2021
Google5 stars

This is an exceptional chess school that helped my child develop an incredible passion in the field of chess. The instructors are all engaging and helpful. There are many camps, tournaments, and other...

A M
May 10, 2022
Google5 stars

VCS is a great chess school for kids! In year my son has made a huge progress! He has participated in many tournaments. A few months ago he also participated in School District Championship, where he ...

Eugene Yu
Apr 15, 2021
Google5 stars

The best chess school in Vancouver! My son has been leaning chess in VCS more than three years and he enjoys it very much. The VCS not only holds regular tournaments for different level chess players...

Jennifer Fu
Oct 23, 2021
Google5 stars

Vancouver Chess School is a great platform for kids who love chess. My little girl enjoys the time learning and playing chess at VCS. The coaches are very experienced and patient with kids. The traini...

DIVYA NARAYANAN
Nov 22, 2021
Google5 stars

My Son started attending their online classes for the past 4 months. This has been an exciting and insightful experience learning the nuances of the game, strategies and new ways of approaching a pro...

Sher
May 22, 2023
Google5 stars

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...

Jennifer Russel
Jan 10, 2021
Google5 stars

At the Vancouver Chess School, students learn much more than Chess!! It is a fun, inclusive and welcoming school, where students have the opportunity to compete at a high level, but more importantly ...

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

Test icon

Take the test

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

Register icon

Register

Create your student account in our secure platform.

Lesson icon

Try a lesson

Book a free trial class to get started.

Enjoy icon

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

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

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.

Celebrating students achievements

Echo Fang
Echo Fang

Echo Fang has been promoted to Rook level.

Travis Bleackley
Travis Bleackley

Travis Bleackley has been promoted to Pre-Rook level.

Julien Pattison
Julien Pattison

Julien Pattison has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

Curtis Leung
Curtis Leung

Curtis Leung has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

JACK XU
JACK XU

JACK XU has been promoted to Bishop level.

Julien Pattison
Julien Pattison

Julien Pattison has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

William Lima
William Lima

William Lima has been promoted to Advanced Beginner level.

Lucas Hsieh
Lucas Hsieh

Lucas Hsieh has been promoted to Pre-Knight level.

Raymond Sui
Raymond Sui

Raymond Sui has been promoted to Rook level.

Niko Chen
Niko Chen

Niko Chen has been promoted to Pre-Rook level.

⭐ Daily Puzzles