New to chess
Build the foundation
Learn the rules and piece movement, recognize basic tactical ideas, and build a thoughtful routine at the board.
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.
These are descriptive stages, not official class names. An evaluation can help identify a suitable starting point.
Developing skills
Strengthen decisions
Use guided practice and game review to strengthen pattern recognition, calculation, planning, and more consistent decisions.
Advanced growth
Prepare for deeper play
Study positions in greater depth, review complete games, and prepare for competitive play when that matches the student’s goals.
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.
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 registrationCurrent class information
View current UES schedules.
Choose a semester before registration or ask for placement help.
01 / Schedule
View Fall/Winter schedule
Fall/Winter 2026–27
School-year options at East 78th.
02 / Schedule
View Summer schedule
Summer 2026
Summer 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.
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.
Where can I find the Summer and Fall/Winter schedules?
Use the two schedule cards on this page: Summer 2026 and Fall/Winter 2026–27.
What lesson formats are available?
The verified UES page links to 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.
Explore the current East 78th schedule, or begin with a free evaluation if you would like a class recommendation.