Chess for Champs Register
Coach Chris Simons smiling beside a wall demonstration chessboard
Coach Chris at the demonstration board

Chess classes and lessons in Gwinnett

Our studio is in Lilburn912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Suite 202-O (upstairs), Lilburn, GA Directions

Group classes for kids and teens. Private lessons for kids, teens, and adults. Community chess clubs.

Find a class → Ask Coach Chris →
Programs

What we offer

Not sure which program fits? Ask Coach Chris.

For schoolsWe teach chess at partner schools in the area. Ask about classes or clubs at your school.

Bring chess to your school

Looking for tournaments? See our November 14 tournament.

Group classes

Chess classes with a clear learning path

Start with First Moves to learn the foundations of chess. Continue with Power Moves to build on those skills through tactics, strategy, and practice. Classes meet weekly, and students can join any week.

Students playing chess at blue-and-white boards in the Chess for Champs studio Beginner

First Moves Beginner

For students who are new to chess or know only a little.

What students learn
  • How the board is set up and how each piece moves
  • Check, checkmate, and stalemate
  • Opening principles and good habits
  • Tactics such as forks, pins, and skewers
  • Planning and decision-making in practice games

Class times

All First Moves classes meet weekly at the Lilburn studio.

  • After school & weekendsAges 6–16
    • Thursday5:15–6:05 pm
    • Friday4:15–5:05 pm
    • Saturday12:00–1:10 pm
    • Sunday12:00–1:10 pm
  • Homeschool, daytimeAges 6–12
    • Mon, Wed & Fri11:00–11:50 am
  • Homeschool teensAges 13–16
    • Mon, Wed & Fri1:00–1:50 pm
Choose a First Moves classSee prices

The next step: Power Moves

After completing the First Moves skills, students continue into Power Moves. The next level builds on those foundations with more tactics, strategy, and practice.

Students in the middle of their games at the Chess for Champs studio; one smiles and waves at the camera Advanced beginner

Power Moves Advanced beginner

For students who have completed the First Moves skills.

What students learn
  • Recognizing and using tactics such as forks, pins, and discovered attacks
  • Opening basics: how to start a game well
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Guided practice games with coaching and feedback

Class times

All Power Moves classes meet weekly at the Lilburn studio.

  • After school & weekendsAges 6–16
    • Thursday6:15–7:05 pm
    • Friday5:15–6:05 pm
    • Saturday1:15–2:25 pm
    • Sunday1:15–2:25 pm
  • Homeschool, daytimeAges 6–12
    • Mon, Wed & Fri12:00–12:50 pm
  • Homeschool teensAges 13–16
    • Wed & Fri2:00–2:50 pm
Choose a Power Moves classSee prices

Has the student played before?

Ask Coach Chris which level is the right place to start.

Ask about placement

Not sure which class to choose? Ask Coach Chris.

Reviews

What families and players say

Each review shows where it was posted.

    Read our Google reviewsLeave a Google review

    “Sunday Funday was awesome!”

    We had the best experience at Sunday Funday with Coach Chris and Megan. My son is 7 and he learned a ton and had a blast! We will definitely be back!

    Angela Esposito · Review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Wonderful Chess Mentor for Our 4-Year-Old”

    We are incredibly grateful to have found such a patient, skilled, and passionate chess master Chris to guide our 4-year-old son’s journey into the world of chess. … Our child looks forward to every session …

    Abinayaneethi · Excerpt from a review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Increased my Elo quick.”

    Chris explains thing so simply and clearly. The way he sees the game you can tell he knows what he’s talking about. I recommend to players wanting to improve.

    Joao Kunga · Review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Wonderful Experience!”

    My son enjoyed the overall experience. We were impressed with how well the coach engaged with the students and made sure they understood what they were learning. … It was a great experience and my son is excited to return.

    Shae Sankofa · Excerpt from a review posted on chessforchamps.com

    “Great Teacher”

    Great atmosphere had a lot of fun

    Parker · Review posted on chessforchamps.com
    In the press

    Featured in Our Town Gwinnett

    Our Town Gwinnett magazine featured Chess for Champs in its July 2023 issue. The article, by Traci Sanders, tells how Chris and Megan Suli started Chess for Champs in 2021.

    Our Town Gwinnett · July 2023 · page 16, continued on page 20

    Read the article

    Some details in the 2023 article, such as class days and locations, have since changed. See our current schedule.

    Open full size in a new tab
    Prices

    Group class prices

    Pay for one class at a time, or save with a four-class package.

    Class prices

    Group class prices
    PaymentWeekdaysMon–FriWeekendsSat–Sun
    Cash$20$25
    Digital payment$25$30
    Four-class package$75$90

    Paying for classes

    Pay at the class location before class begins, using cash or an accepted digital payment method.

    Save on four classes. Use them as you attend.

    Your package covers four class visits. Each class you attend uses one visit. If you miss a week, that unused visit stays available for a future class.

    Weekday packageMon–Fri classes
    $75for four classesSave up to $25
    • Compared with four separate digital payments ($100), you save $25.
    • Compared with four separate cash payments ($80), you save $5.
    Weekend packageSat–Sun classes
    $90for four classesSave up to $30
    • Compared with four separate digital payments ($120), you save $30.
    • Compared with four separate cash payments ($100), you save $10.

    Questions about classes or prices? Ask Coach Chris.

    A smiling young student reaching across a green-and-white board to move a chess piece
    One-to-one

    Private lessons for kids, teens, and adults

    One-to-one instruction tailored to the student’s experience and goals, from learning the pieces to developing tactics and strategy.

    At the Chess for Champs studio
    $45 per hour

    Digital payments include a $3 transfer fee.

    A one-hour studio lesson paid digitally totals $48.

    At your home or another location
    From $65 per hour

    Lessons can be arranged at your home or another agreed location. The rate depends on travel distance and will be confirmed before booking.

    Call or text Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 to discuss goals and arrange a time.

    Call Coach ChrisAsk about private lessons
    Photos & videos

    A look at Chess for Champs

    Photos and videos from our classes, community clubs, camps, and tournaments.

      Camp and tournament photos are from past events.

      Classes

      A student moves a piece while other students play at blue-and-white boards in the Chess for Champs studio
      Games during a class at the Lilburn studio
      Students playing chess at several tables in the Chess for Champs studio
      Students at the Lilburn studio

      Community clubs

      Players at chessboards on tables in a restaurant during a community chess club
      A community chess club night

      Summer camps

      Campers playing chess at blue-and-white boards
      Campers playing chess
      Campers playing chess at a long table while coaches watch
      Games at summer camp

      Tournaments

      Young players at rows of chessboards in a large hall during a tournament
      Players at a Chess for Champs tournament

      Keep up with Chess for Champs

      See photos and videos from our classes, community clubs, camps and tournaments. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, announcements, schedule changes and cancellations.

      Follow us on Facebook
      Follow us on Instagram
      Join our Facebook group
      How to join

      Getting started

      1. Choose a class level

        Start with First Moves for beginner instruction. If the student already has experience and you are unsure about placement, ask Coach Chris.

      2. Choose a class time

        Select a class on the schedule that matches the student’s age and level.

      3. Register for your date

        Use the Register button for the class you plan to attend, at least 8 hours before class. Register every student who will take part. Less than 8 hours before class? Call Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 at least 5 hours before class to ask about availability. Registration details

      4. Pay at the class

        Pay at the class location before class begins, using cash or an accepted digital payment method. Pay for a single class or a four-class package. Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in.

      Weekly schedule

      Choose a class time and register

      Group classes meet weekly at our Lilburn studio. Find a day and time below, then tap Register. Community clubs meet monthly; their locations are listed.

      How registration works Group classes

      • Register online at least 8 hours before class

        Register every student who will take part, including any additional students. Accompanying parents or guardians are not counted as participating students.

      • Less than 8 hours before class? Call by 5 hours before

        Call Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 at least 5 hours before class to ask about availability. A late request is confirmed only when Coach Chris confirms it with you directly.

      • Pay at the class location

        Pay before class begins, by cash or an accepted digital payment method. See prices

      Class times are Eastern Time. This applies to group classes only; private lessons, clubs and tournaments are arranged separately.

      Show:

      Monday

      • 11:00–11:50 amFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
      • 12:00–12:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
      • 1:00–1:50 pmFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register

      Tuesday

      • 6:00–7:30 pmCommunity chess club (3rd Tuesday)All agesStone Creek PizzaMonthlyClub details

      Wednesday

      • 11:00–11:50 amFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
      • 12:00–12:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
      • 1:00–1:50 pmFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
      • 2:00–2:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register

      Thursday

      • 5:15–6:05 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
      • 6:15–7:05 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

      Friday

      • 11:00–11:50 amFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
      • 12:00–12:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschoolAges 6–12Register
      • 1:00–1:50 pmFirst Moves BeginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
      • 2:00–2:50 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerHomeschool teensAges 13–16Register
      • 4:15–5:05 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
      • 5:15–6:05 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
      • 7:00–9:00 pmCommunity chess club (1st Friday)All agesMonthlyClub details

      Saturday

      • 12:00–1:10 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
      • 1:15–2:25 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
      • 2:30–4:00 pmCommunity chess club (last Saturday)All agesMonthlyClub details

      Sunday

      • 12:00–1:10 pmFirst Moves BeginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register
      • 1:15–2:25 pmPower Moves Advanced beginnerKids & teensAges 6–16Register

      Not sure which class to choose? Ask Coach Chris.

      Signing up: tap Register to open the sign-up page for the next date that is still open for online registration. Enter your details, add any additional students under “Additional Attendees”, and submit. Your confirmation arrives by email. If it doesn’t arrive, call or text 404-274-7058.

      Calendar view

      Calendars
      Days of the Week
      Time of Day
      Venues
      Month
      Week
      Day
      MonM
      TueT
      WedW
      ThuT
      FriF
      SatS
      SunS
      28
      –
      Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      29
      30
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      1
      –
      Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      2
      –
      Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      –
      Friday Night Community Chess Club
      3
      –
      Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      4
      –
      Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      5
      –
      Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      6
      7
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      8
      –
      Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      9
      –
      Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      10
      –
      Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      11
      –
      Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      12
      –
      Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      13
      14
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      15
      –
      Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      16
      –
      Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      17
      –
      Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      18
      –
      Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      19
      –
      Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      20
      –
      Tuesday Community Chess Club
      21
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      22
      –
      Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      23
      –
      Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      24
      –
      Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      25
      –
      Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      26
      –
      Monday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Monday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      27
      28
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Wednesday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      29
      –
      Thursday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Thursday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      30
      –
      Friday Homeschool Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Advanced Beginners Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Beginner First Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Homeschool Teens 13-16 Advanced Beginners Power Moves Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Friday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      31
      –
      Saturday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Saturday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      1
      –
      Sunday Kids' First Moves Beginner Chess Class
      –
      Sunday Kids' Power Moves Adv Beg Chess Class
      Coaches

      Meet our coaches

      Coach Chris standing beside a chess club banner Megan

      Coach Chris & Megan

      Owners of Chess for Champs

      Coach Chris has loved chess since learning it from his grandfather as a child. He was trained in children’s chess curriculum while teaching chess in schools around the Atlanta area.

      Megan is a certified teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience. She coordinates our summer camps and loves leading crafts, art and games with young players.

      Together they run Chess for Champs to bring the love of chess to everyone, through group classes, private lessons, tournaments, camps and community clubs.

      Coach Marcel

      Coach Marcel

      Teaches chess in Metro Atlanta schools. He is trained in teaching chess to children and has played the game for decades.

      Coach Zoe Colier

      Coach Zoe Colier

      A former science and math teacher, tutor and camp counselor who loves puzzles, games and hands-on learning.

      Coach Chris Simons

      Coach Chris Simons

      Has taught chess in schools and directed tournaments in Metro Atlanta since 2016, including programs with the Boy Scouts of America, Gresham Park Recreation Center and Georgia State University. An active tournament player, ranked in the top 12% of US tournament players.

      Coach Emmet

      Coach Emmet

      Enjoys the strategy, competition and challenge of thinking ahead, and loves sharing the game with new players.

      Players of different ages at chessboards on a long table during a club night
      A Chess for Champs club night
      Clubs

      Community chess clubs

      Meet other players, enjoy a game, and stay involved in local chess.

      All community clubs are free. Kids, teens, and adults of all levels are welcome. Boards and pieces are provided. Club nights near holidays can change, so check the dates before you come.

      • Friday Night Community Chess Club

        Chess for Champs studio

        First Friday of each month, 7:00–9:00 pm

        912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Suite 202-O (upstairs), Lilburn

        See all datesDirections

      • Tuesday Community Chess Club

        Stone Creek Pizza

        Third Tuesday of each month, 6:00–7:30 pm

        5330 Lilburn Stone Mountain Rd #108, Lilburn

        Grab a slice to support our host restaurant.

        See all datesDirections

      • Saturday Community Chess Club

        Chess for Champs studio

        Last Saturday of each month, 2:30–4:00 pm

        This club is continuing. The next date is not on the calendar yet, so call or text 404-274-7058.

        912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Suite 202-O (upstairs), Lilburn

        View scheduleDirections

      Upcoming tournament

      November Unrated Chess Tournament

      SaturdayNovember 14, 2026

      A tournament for kids, teens, and adults, with divisions for different experience levels.

      • First-TimersRated below 500$20entry
      • BeginnerRated 500–999$25entry
      • IntermediateRated 1000–1500$35entry
      Where
      Auggie’s Game Store, Stone Mountain5385 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, Suite G · Directions
      Check-in
      9:00–9:15 am
      Round 1
      9:30 amThe tournament finishes by 1:00 pm.
      Who can enter
      Kids, teens, and adultsPlayers with a current rating above 1500 are not eligible. Limited to 60 players.
      Divisions
      Placed by rating and experienceWe use the player’s current US Chess, Chess.com, or Lichess rating and playing experience. Players without a rating are placed by experience. The tournament director makes the final placement; players may be moved up or down, and divisions may be combined based on registration.
      Register and pay by
      Thursday, November 12Registration and payment are completed online. No cash payments and no on-site registration.
      Tournament details and registration

      Questions? Call or text Coach Chris at 404-274-7058.

      Format, time control, and prizes

      Unrated: games don’t count toward an official rating, so no US Chess membership is needed.

      Format: four rounds, Swiss system (players are paired with opponents who have similar scores). Time control G/20; d5: each player has 20 minutes for the whole game, and on every move the clock waits 5 seconds before it starts counting down. Boards, pieces, and clocks are provided.

      Prizes: prizes for 1st through 4th place in every division. See the tournament page for the full list.

      Tournament flyer: Chess Tournament, Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Auggie’s Game Store, with three divisions and prizes
      Tap the flyer to view it full size.
      Location

      Where we meet

      Our home is a studio in Lilburn. Club nights and tournaments sometimes meet at partner businesses nearby.

      Classes & private lessons

      Chess for Champs studio

      912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Suite 202-O
      Lilburn, GA 30047

      We’re upstairs in Suite 202-O. Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in. Outside class and club times, visits are by appointment.

      Directions
      3rd Tuesday club

      Stone Creek Pizza

      5330 Lilburn Stone Mountain Rd #108
      Lilburn, GA

      Our Tuesday evening club, 6:00–7:30 pm, on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

      Directions
      Tournament venue · Nov 14 only

      Auggie’s Game Store

      5385 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW, Suite G
      Stone Mountain, GA

      Auggie’s Game Store is hosting our November 14 tournament, our first event with them. It is not a Chess for Champs location.

      Directions
      Questions

      Questions families ask

      Which level should I choose?

      If the student is new to chess, choose First Moves. If the student has played before and you’re not sure which level fits, ask Coach Chris about placement. Students continue into Power Moves after completing the First Moves skills.

      Can a complete beginner join?

      Yes. First Moves is made for beginners, and because classes run every week, a new student can start any week.

      How young can a student start?

      Group classes usually start at age 6. We sometimes accept 5-year-olds who already know how the pieces move, so please ask. Private lessons are another option for younger children.

      How does registration work?

      Find a class on the schedule, tap Register, and submit the form for that date at least 8 hours before class. Register every student who will take part. If it is less than 8 hours before class, call Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 at least 5 hours before class to ask about availability; a late request is confirmed only when Coach Chris confirms it directly. Payment is made at the class location before class begins.

      How do I pay?

      Pay at the class location before class begins, using cash or an accepted digital payment method. See prices.

      How do I change or cancel a registration?

      Call or text Coach Chris at 404-274-7058 or email admin@chessforchamps.com, and we’ll update it for you.

      I tried to register and didn’t get a confirmation. What should I do?

      Call or text 404-274-7058 and we’ll confirm your spot. Please double-check that your email address was typed correctly; small typos (like “gmai.com”) stop confirmations from arriving.

      Contact

      Ask Coach Chris a question

      Ask about classes, private lessons, or which level is right for you.

      Chess for Champs

      Call Coach Chris

      Send a message

      To register for a class, use its Register button.

      Checkboxes