Sun AM Small Group Tourney Training Classes Fall 2026

Our Tournament Training classes (max 8:1 students:teacher) combine expert coaching with in-class tournament games to help students improve quickly and confidently. Each session includes:

• Engaging, level-appropriate lessons tailored to each group

• Targeted homework and online assignments to reinforce weekly concepts

• USCF-rated games to apply new skills in a competitive setting

• Personalized 1-on-1 game analysis with coaches

• Fun mini-tournaments, including blitz and bughouse, to build tactical awareness and intuition

Open to students in Grades 1-12 throughout the Tri-Valley.

New convenient location close to 580 and Hopyard Road in Pleasanton.

Sections

1) Beginners (K-3) - 9-10 AM

Designed for students who are completely new to chess or know only the basic rules. This fast-paced program teaches the fundamentals, core tactical patterns, and tournament etiquette, preparing students to play their first USCF-rated games by the end of the session.

2) Challengers (Advanced Beginners) - 9-10:30 AM

For older beginners (Grade 3+) and players who have started playing online or in tournaments (USCF Under 400 or online U600). Students build upon essential tactical skills while developing strategic thinking, calculation, and confidence in competitive play.

3) Intermediate - 9-10:30 AM

For players rated USCF 400-800 or online 600-1000. Instruction covers every phase of the game—including openings, middlegames, and endgames—while emphasizing visualization, calculation, positional understanding, and effective decision-making.

4) Advanced - 9-10:30 AM

For players rated USCF 800-1200 or online 1000-1600. Students learn advanced strategic concepts, deeper opening preparation, endgame mastery, and the mental skills needed to perform consistently in tournaments and continue achieving significant rating gains.

Alternate Dates/Locations (also for makeup classes):

1) Beginner to Intermediate classes on Tuesday nights in Livermore

2) GM-Led High-Performance class (1200+) on Tuesday nights in Livermore

3) Beginner to Advanced classes on Wednesday nights in Pleasanton

About Us

Emerald Hills Chess is a Dublin-based nonprofit whose co-founders have nearly 20 years of combined experience teaching and promoting chess. We serve more than 300 students through 15+ after-school chess clubs and tournament training programs across the Tri-Valley.

Our original club, Fallon Middle School Chess, has won numerous team championships, including the 2023 National Online Championship, produced 7+ nationally age-ranked players, and has been recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for excellence in chess education.

We also hold popular (150-200 players) monthly USCF-rated tournaments for youth and adults of all levels, as well as a weekly free chess club where adults and youth (10+) can enjoy friendly games and improve their skills.

Fall session: Sundays Aug 16 - Dec 20 (17 classes)

1 hr class: $425, early bird (by Aug 9th) $400 ($25 discount)

90 min class: $595, early bird (by Aug 9th) $560; ($35 discount)

Early Fall: Aug 16-Oct 11 (8 classes)

1 hr class: $200

90 min class: $280

Late Fall: Oct 18-Dec 20 (9 classes)

1 hr class: $225

90 min class: $315

Trial classes and other pro-rated partial sessions also available. Email [email protected] for questions.)

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