Learn chess, sharpen your mind.
Weekly in-person classes in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, from your first moves to master-level training. Our new Advanced section is taught by FIDE Master Hans Jung. Build strategy, improve problem-solving, and enjoy the game at any age.
Why learn chess?
Chess is experiencing a remarkable resurgence worldwide, with millions of new players picking up the game each year. From community clubs to online platforms, people of all ages and backgrounds are discovering the timeless appeal of the 64 squares. Whether you're 8 or 80, it's never too early or too late to start.
Studies consistently show that chess strengthens critical thinking, pattern recognition, and decision-making skills that transfer to everyday life. Players develop patience, resilience, and the ability to plan several steps ahead. It's a workout for the mind that also happens to be deeply enjoyable and endlessly social.
Train with a master.
Our new Advanced section is led by FIDE Master Hans Jung, a fixture of Canadian chess for five decades. He won the 1996 Ontario Closed Championship undefeated, ahead of a field of International Masters, reached a peak national rating of 2346, and edited Canada's national chess magazine.
Hans has built as much chess as he has played. He was Canada's first municipal Chess Coordinator, ran the KW youth chess club for two decades, and a generation of Waterloo Region juniors played their first serious games under his direction. He is also one of the world's noted blindfold players, profiled in the Globe and Mail, and once played 26 games at once without sight of a board.
Photo: David Cohen
Three levels. One path.
From learning how the pieces move to training with a master, each level hands off to the next. All three courses run for 11 weeks during the Fall 2026 term.
Beginner Chess
For those new to chess who want to learn the rules, and those who have just begun playing and want to build a strong foundation in the game.
- Learn the rules of the game
- Puzzles to train your problem solving skills
- Post-game analysis to improve your play
Intermediate Chess
For those who are comfortable with the game and are motivated to improve their strategy, calculation, and overall play.
- Recognizing tactical opportunities
- Building effective middlegame plans
- Analyzing games and key positions
Advanced Chess
All ages · By placement · Taught by FM Hans Jung
For strong club and tournament players ready to train seriously. Taught by FIDE Master Hans Jung, one of the most experienced chess teachers in Canada.
- Master-level instruction from FM Hans Jung
- Serious calculation and endgame training
- Analysis of your own tournament games
Tables built for problem-solving.
Our 2,000 square foot space at 187 King St S in Uptown Waterloo is home to Eastbridge Academy's math school. It turns out a room full of tables built for problem-solving works just as well for chess. We've stocked it with dozens of tournament-quality boards and clocks, and there's plenty of auditorium seating for friends, family, and the occasional kibitzer.
The same tables host the Vector Space Chess Club, which keeps the boards busy between terms with open club days, tournaments, youth festivals, and lectures. Classes and club share a room, a wall of clocks, and more than a few players.
Free above-ground and underground parking is available, and the building is directly across from the Allen St ION rail / GRT bus stop.