Chess for young minds
Children & Teens · All Skill Levels · Chiswick & Hammersmith
Learn chess. Build confidence. Have fun.
Meet Bishop, our mascot!
Wednesdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Chiswick · 57 Harvard Road, W4 4ED
Saturdays, 1:15–2:15 pm
Hammersmith · 30–32 Bradmore Park Road, W6 0DT
Online Classes
Individual or group · From anywhere, by video call
About the Club
Passed Pawns was created to give children and teenagers a friendly and inspiring place to discover the wonderful world of chess.
Our classes are led by a chess teacher with extensive experience teaching children and helping young players develop their skills and confidence.
Whether your child is making their very first moves or already has experience playing chess, our lessons offer the perfect mix of learning, practice and fun.
We help young players build confidence, concentration and strategic thinking — while making friends, enjoying friendly competition and discovering what they're capable of.
From small-group sessions in Chiswick and Hammersmith to individual and group lessons online, we offer different ways to learn and improve.
No previous experience is needed, and all chess equipment is provided for in-person classes.
"Before you move a piece, ask yourself: is it safe there? Looking one step ahead is how every great player starts."
Classes & sessions
Learn new skills, solve chess puzzles, and put what you've learned into practice.
Wednesday Club
4:30–6:30 pm
57 Harvard Road, Chiswick, London W4 4ED
Saturday Club
1:15–2:15 pm
Hammersmith Quaker Meeting House, 30–32 Bradmore Park Road, W6 0DT
Online Classes
Individual or group
From anywhere — by video call, at a time that suits you
Ready to make your next move? Choose the class that suits your child and book a free trial lesson. We look forward to welcoming you!
Book a Free Trial LessonJoin a class
Your child's first lesson is free. Simply complete the form, choose your preferred class, and we'll get in touch to confirm the details. All equipment is provided for in-person sessions.
Club news
Chess classes are open to children aged 4 and above, as well as teenagers! Join us on Wednesdays in Chiswick, Saturdays in Hammersmith, or online for individual or group lessons. Beginners and experienced players are equally welcome. Book a free trial lesson — we'd love to welcome you to Passed Pawns!
Book a Free TrialOur chess teacher has been running holiday chess camps for seven years. The programme includes tactics and strategy lessons, chess puzzles, practical games and friendly tournaments. Get in touch to find out the dates of our next camp!
Ask About Camp DatesOur friendly chess tournaments give young players the chance to put their skills into practice, build confidence and enjoy the excitement of competition. Get in touch to find out about our upcoming events!
Ask About the Next TournamentWhere we play
57 Harvard Road, London W4 4ED
30–32 Bradmore Park Road, London W6 0DT
For Parents
At Passed Pawns, our chess tournaments are an important part of club life. Children compete, put their skills into practice and grow more confident at the board. Once your child has gained experience and feels ready for rated competitions, our guide will help you arrange ECF membership, find suitable tournaments and follow your child's rating.
The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing body for chess in England. It supports players and clubs, runs the national rating system and helps organise competitive chess.
About the ECFChildren under 18 who have never been ECF members can join for free for their first year at Junior Bronze or Junior Gold level. Junior Gold covers a wider range of rated tournaments, including eligible ECF and FIDE congresses.
Membership DetailsExplore the ECF events calendar to find upcoming chess competitions. Check each event's age groups, location, entry fee, time control and membership requirements before registering.
Tournament CalendarAfter your child plays in an eligible rated event and the results are submitted, you can follow their games and rating in the official ECF database.
Find a Player's RatingCreate your child's account.
Visit the ECF membership portal and register the CHILD, not yourself. Create a separate account for each child. A parent's email address can be used with distinct usernames.
Choose a membership.
If your child has never been an ECF member and is under 18, look for Free Junior Gold or Free Junior Bronze. Junior Gold is suitable for children planning to enter a wider range of rated tournaments.
Complete the checkout.
Finish the entire registration process, even when the total is £0.00. The free membership must still be processed to become active.
Enter a tournament.
Choose an appropriate event and follow the organiser's registration instructions. ECF membership and tournament entry are separate.
Membership does not automatically give a player a rating. Ratings are based on eligible games submitted to the ECF. Tournament entry fees and membership requirements vary by event. After the free first year, standard renewal fees apply.
Watch & learn
A cartoon series that teaches chess step by step — perfect for beginners to watch at home between classes.
Learn chess step by step with Alex! From setting up the board and learning the rules to spotting tactical patterns and exploring combinations, these 23 video lessons will help young players build their skills and confidence.
Learn how to set up the chessboard correctly and get to know every piece by name.
Watch lesson
