Sun AM Small Group Tourney Training Classes Spring 2026 (Beg/Adv Beginners 9-10 AM, Intermediate/Advanced 9-10:30 AM)

Our Sunday AM tournament training classes (max 8:1 student:coach) provide tailored, engaging lessons, targeted homework, and online assignments that reinforce each week's lesson, USCF-rated games that put learnings into competitive use, 1:1 game analysis by coaches, and fun games like blitz and bughouse.

We also hold weekly Chess.com tournaments with gift card prizes.

Open to players in Grades 1-12 throughout Tri-Valley.

Sections:

1) Beginners (Grade 3 and under): 9-10 am for completely new players to those who know the basic rules. We provide a fast track for kids to learn the core tactics and start playing rated tournament games by the end of the session.

2) Challengers (Advanced Beginners): 9-10 am for older (Gr 3+) beginners up to players that have started to play online or tournaments (up to USCF 400 rating/600 online). We reinforce the key tactics and teach kids how to start thinking strategically - and win.

3) Intermediate: 9-10:30 am for players (USCF 400-800 / online 600-1000). We target all facets of the game - from openings, middlegame, and endgames - as well as improve visualization and problem-solving on the board.

4) Advanced: 9-10:30 am for players (USCF 800-1300 / online 1000-1600 rating), we teach the essential strategies and mental skills that translate to tournament toughness and ongoing rating gains.

5) GM-Led High-Performance: (1300+) - Thursdays 3:30 to 5 PM

About Emerald Hills Chess

We’re a Dublin nonprofit whose founders have a combined 15+ years of experience promoting and teaching chess. We teach 300+ students in 12+ Tri-Valley after-school clubs and tournament training classes, including our original program, Fallon Chess Club, which has won numerous regional, state, and national team titles (including 2023 national online champions) and produced more than half a dozen nationally-ranked players.

 We also host affordable and popular monthly tournaments for youth and adults of all levels and ratings, and a social Adults (19+) club on Thursday nights, perfect for chess parents looking to bond and keep up with their kids!

Full session: Sundays Jan 11 - May 17 (18 classes)

1 hr class: $450, early bird (by Dec 21) $425; ($25 discount)

90 min class: $630, early bird (by Dec 21) $595; ($35 discount)

(Trial classes and pro-rated discounts for part-session registrations; email [email protected] if any question)

Early Spring Session: Jan 11 to Mar 8 (9 classes) 

1 hr class: $225, 90 min class: $315

Late Spring Session: Mar 15 to May 17  (9 classes) 

1 hr class: $225, 90 min class: $315

$20 sibling discount is available.

Discounts for siblings and/or multiple programs (i.e. small group class AND after-school chess club) will show up automatically at checkout