Chess Classes Online for Kids + Adults | Chess Max Academy (NYC & Greenwich)
110 West 79th St. New York, 10024
230 E 78th St. New York, 10075
79 E Putnam Ave Greenwich CT
466 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
1435 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028

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Chess Classes for Kids

Chess Max Academy
Group Classes, Private Lessons, Camps & Tournaments

SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE NOW OPEN!

JOIN SUMMER CAMPS 2026!

Beginner- Friendly summer chess camp
A Fun, confidence building chess program


Welcome to New Location on UES

1435 Lexington Ave
(93rd st and Lex)


Welcome to
Chess Max Academy

STRUCTURED CHESS TRAINING FOR KIDS

Chess Max Academy helps children learn chess through structured classes, personal coaching, practice games, and tournament opportunities.

Our programs are built for beginners through advanced students, with level-based groups so every child can learn at the right pace and play with students of similar experience.

Families can choose in-person chess classes in NYC and Greenwich, live online chess classesprivate lessonssummer camps, and tournaments.

Led by Grandmaster Maxim Dlugy, Chess Max Academy combines a proven curriculum with real classroom practice, homework, and coach feedback to help students improve with confidence.

Learn about Us
Kids chess classes at Chess Max Academy in NYC and Greenwich

Chess Classes

by Chess Max Academy
Kids learning chess with a coach at Chess Max Academy
GROUP CHESS CLASSES

Structured weekly chess classes for kids, grouped by age and level. Students learn tactics, strategy, openings, endgames, and tournament habits while practicing with other children in a focused classroom setting.

Grandmaster Maxim Dlugy teaching a private chess lesson to a young student at Chess Max Academy.
PRIVATE CHESS LESSONS

One-on-one chess coaching for students who want faster progress, tournament preparation, or a personalized training plan. Private lessons are available in person and online with experienced Chess Max Academy coaches.

Kids playing chess at a Chess Max Academy chess tournament in NYC
CHESS TOURNAMENTS

Chess Max Academy runs rated and unrated chess tournaments for kids of different levels. Tournaments help students gain experience, build confidence, practice focus, and learn how to compete in a supportive setting.

Young students playing chess during a group chess class at Chess Max Academy, developing strategy, focus, and tournament skills.
CHESS WORKSHOPS

Chess workshops give students extra practice during school breaks and special program days. Children solve puzzles, play training games, review important ideas, and practice chess in a fun, structured environment.

Children playing giant outdoor chess on a life-size chessboard at Chess Max Academy in New York City.
SUMMER CHESS CAMPS

Our summer chess camps combine lessons, practice games, puzzles, tournaments, outdoor time, and coach feedback. Full-day, half-day, daily, weekly, and multi-week options are available in NYC, Greenwich.

Interactive Chess Max Academy online chess class featuring Coach Maxim Dlugy teaching students through a live virtual classroom with a digital chessboard and real-time discussion.
ONLINE SCHOOL

Live online chess classes and private lessons help students improve from home with structured instruction, interactive practice, and coach feedback. A flexible option for busy families and students outside our locations.

We offer five locations and
Zoom classes for your convenience:

Chess Classes Online and In Person for Kids

Chess Max Academy offers chess classes online and in person for kids in NYC and Greenwich, CT. Our programs are built for beginners through advanced tournament players, with level-based groups, private lessons, camps, and tournaments.

Students learn through structured lessons, guided practice, puzzles, homework, and real game play. Online chess classes are available live on Zoom, while our in-person programs run at Chess Max Academy locations in New York City and Greenwich.

Families can choose the path that fits their child best: group chess classesprivate chess lessonssummer chess campschess tournaments, or online chess classes.

Not sure where to start? Schedule a Free Evaluation and we’ll help place your child in the right program based on age, chess level, and goals.

Chess Classes by Level

Our classes are grouped by age, experience, and playing strength so students can learn with children at the right level.

Tots — beginner chess for young children ages 3.5–5.5 learning the rules, pieces, and basic checkmates.

Juniors — for children ages 5.5–7 who know how the pieces move and are ready for basic tactics, checkmates, and stronger game play.

Jumpstarters — for students ages 6–9 building tactical vision, clock experience, and preparation for tournament play.

Challengers, Stars, Champions, and Masters — intermediate through advanced groups for students with tournament experience, USCF ratings, and higher competitive goals.

Why Families Choose Chess Max Academy

Created by Grandmaster Maxim Dlugy. Our curriculum was developed by a former World Junior Champion and is taught by trained Chess Max Academy coaches.

Clear level placement. Students are grouped by skill so they are challenged without being overwhelmed.

Real progress. Coaches track student development through class performance, homework, practice games, and tournament readiness.

Practice matters. Every class includes structured learning and practical play so students apply what they learn at the board.

More ways to grow. Students can combine group classes with private lessons, camps, tournaments, and online training as they become ready for more challenge.

Follow the quick video guide below to complete enrollment and choose the best class for your child.

We are planning to expand our reach to other neighborhoods, so if you are looking for an amazing chess school in your area, let us know – we may surprise you!

 

Follow the quick video guide above to complete your enrollment and choose the best class for your child.




Chess Max Academy Gift Cards For Any Occasion. <br>$100.00, $150.00, $250.00, $500.00, CUSTOM

NEW!Gift Cards Available!

Chess Max Academy Gift Cards For Any Occasion.
$100.00, $150.00, $250.00, $500.00, CUSTOM

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Online
Chess Classes

Chess Max Academy offers live online chess classes and private lessons for students who want structured chess training from home. Students learn through interactive Zoom lessons, assigned practice exercises, puzzles, game review, and coach feedback. Online classes are a flexible option for busy families, students outside our NYC and Greenwich locations, or children who want to continue improving between in-person classes, camps, and tournaments..

Interactive Chess Max Academy online chess class featuring Coach Maxim Dlugy teaching students through a live virtual classroom with a digital chessboard and real-time discussion.

Chess Max Academy
In The News

1435 Lexington Ave
New Location Opening Soon!

Chess Max Academy is proud to announce that we are opening a new location for chess lessons and tournaments. This new facility will be in the Upper East Side at 1435 Lexington Avenue.

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new in chess podcast
Admin
Maxim Dlugy featured on New In Chess Podcast

Grandmaster Maxim Dlugy sits down with Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam At the Chess Olympiad in Budapest for the New In Chess Podcast. Maxim addresses expanding Chess Max Academy among other subjects going on in the Chess Community.

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466 avenue of the americas west village
Maxim Dlugy
Grand Opening of West Village location at 466 Avenue

Opening on Thursday August 22nd from 5pm - 9pm! Chess Games, contests prizes and special offers await the guests! Please come to support the opening of a new chess club in Manhattan. Please take a look at our tournament calendar starting August 26th!

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chess student
Admin
Orlando National K-12 Scholastic Chess Championship

Congratulations to current and past students of Chess Max Academy with the following amazing results at the Orlando National K-12 Scholastic Chess Championship

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HOW THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT IS INSPIRING WOMEN TO TAKE UP CHESS
New York Times Article
How ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ Is Inspiring Women to Take Up Chess

Fans of the Netflix series, including teenagers and the actress Beth Behrs, are flocking to the game because “women can be rock stars” in chess ...

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THE BEST GIFTS FOR CHESS PLAYERS
The Strategist
The Best Gifts for Chess Players, According to Chess Players

When it comes to choosing a wooden set, grandmaster Max Dlugy, the owner of Manhattan’s Chess Max Academy and author ...

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Chess Max Academy is a registered Affiliate of the U.S. Chess Federation

US Chess Federation
US Chess Federation
One Move At A Time December Edition: GM Maxim Dlugy

Welcome to the December 2021 edition of “One Move at a Time,” the US Chess podcast in which Dan Lucas, the Senior Director of Strategic ...

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IN THE NEWS! THE VILLAGE SUN ARTICLE
The Village Sun
In The News! The Village Sun Article

Grand master flash: Two left standing in ‘chess simul’ versus top player in Washington Square Park ...

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Testimonials
about our chess classes
Eugene Galbmillion

Love this chess school. Facilities are great, teachers are very professional. Online classes are very helpful as well. They often hold chess championships and competitions.

Very recommended to everyone who wants their children to learn and advance in chess.

Antti Rajala

While visiting New York City from Finland. I took one lesson from GM Dlugy. My goal is to become National Master in Chess in the coming 10 years. Mr. Dlugy gave me excellent advice regarding opening choices. An important take away from the lesson was also a list of things to consider when making a move. The list encouraged me to move from a 10-minute game to a longer 30-minutes game which requires more thinking and it helps me to assemble different aspect of what I have learned about chess into a concrete plan of what move to make in a specific situation arising in the game. I put the tool to test and already can see that the accuracy of my play was greatly improved.

Pete Francis

Chess Max Academy is first rate. Coach Surfi has taken my game to a higher level. He makes studying chess fun and exciting. I look forward to my lessons each week.

Justin Kulla

Chess Max has been a terrific experience. Our son grew so much over the past year. He gained, skills, confidence and friendships. While he was the youngest in his class, Chess Max created a supportive environment. With the teacher’s support and encouragement, he competed in tournaments, some of which were at the school and had a terrific time playing against other students across the city. We appreciated the rigor of classes and assignments. Highly recommended for kids who are interested to really improve in chess.

Fu Chen
Chess Max Academy NYC

My two sons (11 and 7) have been attending Chess Max Academy’s online classes for about a year now and they have really benefited from the lessons and homework. Their game has improved and more importantly the classes are fun and the kids they met have helped them remain interested in chess. It is a great program and I recommend it to everyone.

Rohit Bansal
Chess Max Academy NYC

Chess Max Academy has been an incredible experience for my son and my family. My son is 8 yrs old and has been attending for close to a year. He is taking group lessons on Saturdays and 1-on-1 lessons on Sundays. Max and his team are extremely caring and focused on the student’s growth in both chess and life skills. I have seen tremendous growth in my son’s chess skills and his confidence in applying new strategies. The staff are incredibly talented and passionate when it comes to teaching chess. Mr. Surfi, in particular, has done an incredible job of helping my son make leaps and bounds in his chess playing ability. He employed incredible patience and care to see that my son made it through his self-doubt and frustrations. We had such an enjoyable experience that we are most likely going to sign our 5yr old son up to the same curriculum. I could not be more emphatic in my recommendation for Chess Max. It is a great experience for the parents, and especially for the children. It doesn’t matter what your level is when you start, you will see real improvement. Just Amazing. 5 Starts.

Jenny Villar
Chess Max Academy NYC

Chess is part of our daily lives thanks to Chess Max Academy. My 6 YO son started with them at 5 1/2, and they have led him in every step.

Sarfaraz Ahmed
Chess Max Academy of Greenwich

At Chess Max Academy the syllabus and training are designed in a step by step process carefully understanding the individual needs with the expert knowledge and supervision of Grand Master Maxim Dlugy. His years of experience embedded in the training procedures and developing a curriculum ensures the development and the learning curve of chess.

Student Achievements
chess master and student
Avi Kaplan

Avi Kaplan (pictured with his father), wins 11th Grade National K-12 Scholastic Chess Champion. From the Orlando National K-12 Scholastic Chess Championship.

chess student with coach
Abhimanyu Mishra

1st Fall GM Invitational Tournament Sets WORLD RECORD!!

The biggest sensation of Chess Max Academy Tournament was the performance of Abhimanyu Mishra, who at age of 10 years, 9 months and 3 days, became the youngest International Master in history of Chess beating out the previous record held by Praggnanandhaa by 17 days.

chess championship
Nationals in Orlando

K-12 Nationals in Orlando a resounding success for Chess Max Academy’s students!! GM Maxim Dlugy and all the coaches at Chess Max Academy would like to extend our sincere Congratulations to all the students and commend those that have made us especially proud at the 2019 Grade National Championships in Orlando.

chess student
Liam Putnam

Congratulations to Liam Putnam for winning the National 4th Grade Championships in Orlando, Florida, as well as coming 2nd in the K-6 Blitz National Championships. Liam’s current USCF rating is 2007. Age 9. Currently number 4 in his age group in the country.

chess winner
Vishwa Vasnawala

Congratulations to Vishwa Vasnawala for becoming the number one rated girl age 12-and-Under in all of India. Vishwa is in number 5 in rating in Asia and 23 in world. She also a Woman Candidate Master. Vishwa’s current FIDE rating is 1758. Age 12.

chess for kids
Sasha Konovalenko

Rated # 3 girl 16 and under in the USA. Sasha has achieved the title of a Woman Fide Master. We are looking forward to her successes in the coming years. Current rating 2043. Age 16