The Chess Club
of Minnesota 

Classes

The Minnesota Chess Academy

The Minnesota Chess Academy offers chess instruction and education for all levels of chess students, from absolute beginners to experienced tournament players, and all ages – from 5 years old to adult.

We offer several different levels of instruction, from beginner to advanced. Our curriculum was designed by our staff of instructors, led by USCF Master Tim Lee, one of the most successful and popular scholastic chess coaches in Minnesota.

Typically our class sizes will range from 10 - 20 students. For those players who want more individualized instruction, our coaches also offer small group sessions and one-on-one lessons.

How is the MCA different than a scholastic chess club?

Local scholastic clubs are great – in fact, we encourage all of our students to get involved in their school’s chess club if they have one. School chess clubs offer students many opportunities to play, learn, make new friends, and compete with their peers.

One of the drawbacks of a school chess club is that some students won’t receive instruction specific to their experience and skill level. With a large group, instructors are often forced to appeal to the lowest common denominator, or tackle subject matter that’s over the heads of many of their students. In addition, school chess clubs dedicate much of their time to playing chess. We encourage this, but in terms of learning new concepts and strategies (there are plenty to learn, by the way!), the opportunities are then limited.

The MCA provides an excellent in-between option – more focused and comprehensive than a regular scholastic chess club, yet more affordable than private lessons with a master (although private lessons are available too). Our courses do not include much time for free play, and instead involve concentrated instruction sessions that thoroughly explain concepts, strategies or tactics, followed by “hands-on” application of the information learned as students play through instructive positions that enable them to experience and understand the concepts. 

Is the MCA right for adults?

Absolutely! Our evening/weekend schedules and concentrated classes are perfect for busy adults who get pulled many different directions during the course of a week. And although you may have several kids as classmates, these are kids who are there to learn. We will even offer "Adults Only" tournaments and classes from time to time, as well as lectures for highly skilled players.

Look to this space in the near future for more information coming soon on specific classes, training tournaments, and more.