New to chess
Build the foundation
Beginner options include Chess for Tots, Juniors, and Jumpstarters. Lessons cover piece movement, board vision, checkmate patterns, and basic tactics through instruction and practice games.
Chess Max Academy · East 78th Street
Chess classes for kids on the Upper East Side
At our East 78th Street academy, children learn through guided instruction, practice games, and a level-based path designed around their experience and goals.
Grandmaster-founded
A learning culture built around serious chess
Level-based instruction
A suitable next step for each student
In-person at East 78th
230 E 78th Street, New York
Why families choose Chess Max
Start at the right level. Keep moving forward.
At East 78th, students begin at a suitable learning stage instead of being asked to fit a one-size path. Guided instruction, practical play, and review work together.
As skills grow, lessons can move from fundamentals into calculation, complete-game review, and competition goals. If the starting point is unclear, an evaluation gives the team context to recommend the next step.
01 / Placement
Begin with a level that matches current experience.
02 / Instruction
Learn through explanation, practice, and feedback.
03 / Progress
Move from fundamentals toward deeper play.
Learning by level
A path that grows with each player.
Our Upper East Side groups follow the learning stages below. The current schedule lists age and level guidance for each class; a free evaluation can help with placement.
Developing skills
Strengthen decisions
Challengers is the intermediate group. Students work on opening principles, tactical patterns, notation, time controls, and king-and-pawn endings, using practice and review to make more deliberate decisions.
Advanced growth
Prepare for deeper play
Stars is the advanced group. Study calculation, pawn structure, open lines, defense, and strategic planning. Review mistakes and practice decisions that prepare students for competitive play.
Placement help
Not sure which class fits?
A free evaluation helps the team recommend a suitable starting point when the right class is not obvious.
Schedule a Free Level EvaluationChoose the learning format
Choose how your child learns.
Compare group, private, semi-private, and tournament-preparation paths. Request placement help when the right fit is not clear.
See chess lesson prices
01 / Group classes
Level-based group classes
A consistent setting for guided instruction, practice games, and learning with peers at a suitable level.
Explore group lessons02 / Focused coaching
Private and semi-private lessons
Individual or shared coaching for game review, specific skills, and a more tailored learning pace.
Explore private lessons03 / Competitive path
Tournament preparation
Focused preparation for deeper analysis, practical decision-making, and readiness for tournament play.
View tournament registration
More ways to learn:
Meet the coaches
Current class information
View current UES schedules.
Enrollment is ongoing, including after the semester begins. Review the current class options below, or ask for placement help to find a suitable group.
01 / Schedule
View Fall/Winter schedule
Fall/Winter 2026–27
School-year options at East 78th.
Group class registrationReady after reviewing the schedule?
Register for Group Classes
Visit East 78th
Plan your visit.
Find the current address, phone, map, and directions for the Upper East Side academy. Ramaz, Loyola, and Chapin are about 8–18 minutes away on foot. Chess Max Academy is independent and not affiliated with these schools.
Chess Max Academy
Chess Max Academy · East 78th
230 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075 +1 (646) 783-1386 Get directions
Questions from families
What to know before class begins.
Choose a schedule first, then ask for placement help if the right level is not clear.
How do I choose the right class?
Start with the current semester schedule if you already know your child’s level. If you are unsure, book a free evaluation and the team will recommend a suitable next step.
Can beginners and experienced students find a suitable level?
Yes. The current UES program supports beginners through advanced students. Exact options are shown on the current semester pages, and an evaluation can help with placement.
Can my child join after the semester begins?
Yes. Enrollment is ongoing. Check the current schedule for a group that fits your child’s age and experience, or book a free evaluation using the links on this page for a placement recommendation.
Where can I find the Fall/Winter schedule?
View the Fall/Winter 2026–27 schedule.
What lesson formats are available?
Explore group classes, private lessons, and tournaments. Ask the academy which semi-private or tournament-preparation options are currently offered at East 78th.
Where is the East 78th academy located?
Chess Max Academy is at 230 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075. Use the map and directions to plan your visit.
Ready for the next move?
Choose the next step for your child on the Upper East Side and in Lenox Hill.
Families on the Upper East Side and in nearby Lenox Hill can explore the current East 78th schedule, or begin with a free evaluation for a class recommendation.