Home Chess Lessons

Turn your living room into Chesslandia! Designed for ages 3+ and taught by certified tutors, our at-home lessons bring chess to life through characters, adventures, and play.

Trusted by thousands of families

400+
Certified Tutors
50,000+
Children Taught
1,000,000+
Lessons Delivered
600+
School Partners

How to get started

1
Register for a Trial

Register below and let your child give it a try—their first class is only $15, making it simple and pressure-free to get started!

2
We'll Reach Out

We will reach out to confirm details, answer any questions, and help you choose the a time that works best for your family.

3
Learning Starts at Home

Your tutor will come right to your door with all the tools needed to make your child’s first lesson unforgettable.

See the magic of story-powered chess in action

Watch kids light up as stories, movement, and mini-games click into real-time learning with a live tutor guiding every step.

Learn chess, step-by-step

Unlock your child’s potential with Story Time Chess’s award-winning, story-powered method. Through 30+ imaginative stories and lovable characters, we guide kids step-by-step from first moves to real strategy—piece movement, checks and checkmates, tactics, openings, and endgames. Watch confidence grow as learning feels like play.

Months 1-3: Laying the Foundation

On the Board: Learn how each piece moves and start playing full beginner games.

Off the Board: Focus, memory, and listening skills sharpen, along with early lessons in sportsmanship—like how to win (and lose) with grace.

Months 4-6: Thinking Ahead

On the Board: Opening strategies start to click thanks to our very own Secret Missions!

Off the Board: Critical thinking takes root as choices, consequences, and the excitement of problem-solving become part of the game.

Months 7-12: Playing with Purpose

On the Board: Games become more strategic, with key skills like trading wisely, castling early, and spotting threats.

Off the Board: Patience and resilience grow as mistakes turn into learning opportunities, and effort leads to mastery.

Years 1-2: Tactical Mastery

On the Board: Advanced tactics like forks, pins, and skewers make gameplay sharper and more strategic.

Off the Board: Planning skills strengthen, confidence builds, and logic becomes a tool for tackling tough challenges.

Years 2-3: Strategic Mindset

On the Board: Visualizing moves, mastering endgames, and playing with creativity and strategy feels effortless.

Off the Board: Leadership shines, sportsmanship strengthens, and a calm mindset turns challenges into opportunities.

Years 3+: A Lifelong Skill

On the Board: Deep strategy, complex puzzle-solving, and tournament-style play open up new levels of competition.

Off the Board: A strong sense of self, creative problem-solving skills, and a mindset built for success make an impact in school and beyond.

Learn chess, step-by-step

Unlock your child’s potential with Story Time Chess’s award-winning, story-powered method. Through 30+ imaginative stories and lovable characters, we guide kids step-by-step from first moves to real strategy—piece movement, checks and checkmates, tactics, openings, and endgames. Watch confidence grow as learning feels like play.

Months 1-3: Laying the Foundation

On the Board: Learn how each piece moves and start playing full beginner games.

Off the Board: Focus, memory, and listening skills sharpen, along with early lessons in sportsmanship—like how to win (and lose) with grace.

Months 4-6: Thinking Ahead

On the Board: Opening strategies start to click thanks to our very own Secret Missions!

Off the Board: Critical thinking takes root as choices, consequences, and the excitement of problem-solving become part of the game.

Months 7-12: Playing with Purpose

On the Board: Games become more strategic, with key skills like trading wisely, castling early, and spotting threats.

Off the Board: Patience and resilience grow as mistakes turn into learning opportunities, and effort leads to mastery.

Years 1-2: Tactical Mastery

On the Board: Advanced tactics like forks, pins, and skewers make gameplay sharper and more strategic.

Off the Board: Planning skills strengthen, confidence builds, and logic becomes a tool for tackling tough challenges.

Years 2-3: Strategic Mindset

On the Board: Visualizing moves, mastering endgames, and playing with creativity and strategy feels effortless.

Off the Board: Leadership shines, sportsmanship strengthens, and a calm mindset turns challenges into opportunities.

Years 3+: A Lifelong Skill

On the Board: Deep strategy, complex puzzle-solving, and tournament-style play open up new levels of competition.

Off the Board: A strong sense of self, creative problem-solving skills, and a mindset built for success make an impact in school and beyond.

Why choose Story Time Chess?

Made for how kids actually learn

We use stories, mini-games, and movements called chessercises to help naturally build focus, logic, and confidence (without the “are we done yet?”).

Personalized lessons, playful learning

One-on-one attention means each lesson is tailored to your child’s pace, personality, and learning style, all from the comfort of home.

Flexible scheduling made easy

We work around your family’s routine. Pick a time that fits, and we’ll handle the rest—no commutes, no setup, just fun learning at home.

FAQ's

From schedules to sign-ups, here are the most common questions parents ask us about home lessons. Still curious? Head to our FAQ page for the full scoop.

Can parents watch the lesson?
Yes, you're welcome to watch—but we’ve found that kids often learn best when they feel free to explore and make mistakes on their own. We encourage a little independence so your child can shine!

How long is each lesson?
Lessons are 45–60 minutes, depending on your child’s age, attention span, and pace. Your tutor will tailor each session to their needs and aim to end on a high note so learning always feels rewarding.

Can siblings or friends join the same lesson at home?
Yes! We can create a private group class for your family or friends.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens! Just let us know 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule, and you won’t be charged. This helps us honor your tutor’s time and keeps things running smoothly for everyone.

View full list of FAQ's >

Meet our tutors

Every tutor completes our training in story-based instruction and child engagement. Many are competitive players and experienced educators who know how to make ‘aha!’ moments happen during each lesson.
Chelsey
Tutor & Martial Artist
With the discipline of Taekwondo and the spirit of play, Chelsey helps kids find confidence through focus, respect, and fun.
Alessandro
Tutor & Chess Philosopher
Alessandro believes every mistake is a masterpiece in progress, teaching kids that learning is about courage, curiosity, and joy.
Leila
Tutor & Broadway Dreamer
From center stage to chessboard squares, Leila inspires kids to express themselves boldly and think like stars.
Parker
Tutor & Board Game Buff
Whether it’s chess, Clue, or a brand-new favorite, Parker loves games that bring people together and spark creative thinking.
Seth
Tutor & Music Maker
Whether strumming a guitar or guiding a game, he brings rhythm, creativity, and joy to every moment with his students.
Molly
Tutor & World Explorer
After years abroad teaching and traveling, Molly brings a global sense of curiosity and connection to every story and lesson she shares.
L'Oreal
Tutor & Creativity Coach
L'Oreal knows every child learns differently, and she loves finding imaginative ways to make lessons click.
Ana
Tutor & Curriculum Creator
As both an educator and creative team member, Ana helps shape the stories that make learning chess so magical.

See what other parents are saying!

"Story Time Chess is amazing! Their teachers are so good with kids, warm, funny and entertaining. An engaging and fun way for my daughter to learn chess at such a young age, which will make a difference as she continues to develop and begins school on the near future."
Sarah T.
Parent
"Chess class is THE highlight of my 3.5 year old's week. I'll admit, I was skeptical on whether 3 year olds can learn chess, but now I'm a believer. Our tutor got my daughter out of her shell and engrossed in chess within 10 minutes."
Edward H.
Parent
"We love, love, love Story Time Chess! The lessons are the highlight of my daughter's week - she is learning so much and loves re-telling the lesson-based stories over and over (!) and is even teaching chess to her parents."
Sherri P.
Parent
"I have an Autistic teenage son. He looks forward to his weekly chess lessons. His amazing and patient coach keeps him interested during the entire session, which is no small feat. I am so grateful for the skill, professionalism, and understanding we have experienced at Story Time Chess."
Martine D.
Parent
"I have seen so much personal and social growth in my son from Chess. Along with chess tactics, the tutors are teaching my son life skills like strategy, sportsmanship and imaginative thinking, and I couldn't recommend them more."
Aviva G.
Parent