Free 4-Week Program · Starts Sun 28 June

Chess classes for kids across Bentleigh, McKinnon & Moorabbin

Fun, friendly chess classes for kids who know how to play and want to get better. Our first program is a free 4-week course on Sunday afternoons, starting 28 June.

Classes run on Sundays from 28 June. Group sizes are small, so register early.

Why Chess?

Big benefits for little minds

Chess isn't just a game. It's a workout for growing brains, wrapped up in fun.

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Problem Solving

Kids learn to think ahead, plan their moves and find creative solutions, skills that carry straight into the classroom.

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Focus & Patience

Chess gently builds concentration and the ability to sit with a tricky problem instead of giving up.

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Sportsmanship

Winning graciously, losing kindly, and shaking hands after every game. Chess teaches respect for others.

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Confidence & Fun

Every child gets celebrated for their progress. Games, puzzles and mini-challenges keep the giggles coming.

A Free 4-Week Chess Program for Local Kids

Momentum Chess is a new chess program for families around Bentleigh, McKinnon, Ormond and Moorabbin. Our first 4-week program is free, and we'd love your child to be part of it.

Register Your Interest
The Program

What we'll cover in 4 weeks

Designed for kids who already know how to play. We'll sharpen their tactics, strategy and confidence so they win more games.

Week 1

Start Strong

Opening principles that win games: control the centre, develop your pieces, keep your king safe, plus special moves like castling.

Week 2

Tactics Toolbox

Forks, pins, skewers and discovered attacks: spotting free pieces and setting sneaky traps through fun puzzles.

Week 3

Finish the Job

Checkmate patterns every player should know, converting a winning position, and avoiding the dreaded stalemate.

Week 4

Game Day

A fun mini-tournament to put it all into practice, learning from each game, and a certificate for every player.

The Details

Good to know

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Location

Classes run in the Bentleigh / Moorabbin area, handy to Bentleigh East, McKinnon and Ormond. The exact venue is confirmed with registered families.

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Day & Time

Sunday afternoons over four weeks: 28 June, 5, 12 & 19 July. Your child's class time depends on their level — see Class Times.

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Who It's For

Kids of school age who know how to play and want to improve. Complete beginner? Get in touch and we'll figure something out!

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Cost

The 4-week program is free. No equipment needed. Boards and pieces are provided.

Class Times

When is my child's class?

All classes run on Sunday afternoons over four weeks: 28 June, 5 July, 12 July & 19 July, in the Bentleigh / Moorabbin area. Each child joins the session for their level.

New to chess

12:00 – 1:00pm

For players still learning the rules.

Beginner · Prep–Grade 2

1:15 – 2:15pm

Knows the rules and ready to improve.

Beginner · Grade 3+

2:30 – 3:30pm

Knows the rules and ready to improve.

Intermediate

3:45 – 4:45pm

Comfortable playing full games.

Advanced

5:00 – 6:00pm

Strong players wanting a real challenge.

Not sure which class fits? Register and we'll place your child in the right group. We'll confirm everyone's exact time and venue before week one.

Your Coach

Meet your coach

Gabriel Rips

  • Ranked in the top 0.2% of players on Chess.com
  • Has won and placed in dozens of chess tournaments
  • 5+ years tutoring experience
  • Former committee member of the Monash University Chess Club
✓ Holds a valid Working With Children Check
Expression of Interest

Register your interest

No commitment. Just let us know you're keen and we'll be in touch with venue, day and start date as soon as they're locked in.

We'll only use your details to contact you about the chess program. No spam, ever.

FAQ

Questions parents ask

How much chess does my child need to know?
The program is designed for kids who already know the rules and can play a game. No rating or club experience is needed, just the basics. If your child is a complete beginner, please still register or email us: if there's enough interest we'll figure something out for them too.
Is the 4-week program really free?
Yes, all four weeks are free. We're a new local program and we're excited to bring chess to families across Bentleigh, McKinnon, Moorabbin and surrounds.
What happens at the end of the program?
We finish with a fun mini-tournament and a certificate for every player. We'll keep families posted about anything we run afterwards.
Where and when are the classes?
Classes run on Sunday afternoons in the Bentleigh / Moorabbin area, over four weeks: 28 June, 5, 12 & 19 July. Your child's class time depends on their level — see the Class Times section above. The exact venue is shared with registered families.
What does my child need to bring?
Just themselves! All chess boards and pieces are provided. A water bottle is always a good idea.
Do parents stay during class?
Classes are drop-off: parents don't stay during the session, which helps the kids settle in and focus. Just drop your child off at the start and pick them up promptly at the end. We'll share full drop-off and pick-up arrangements along with the venue details.