KLC Weekly Group Classes
We Strive to make our group Lessons as high quality and focused as one on one private coaching. ​

We offer a comprehensive 10-level curriculum, ranging from New Beginner to Grandmaster Level. 
​​Every group class is thoughtfully designed to deliver the same high-quality instruction and personalized ​attention typically found in private lessons.
​
Year-Round Enrollment
Chess classes begin throughout the year, and we welcome youth chess players to join at any time.
The tuition is billed by semester and will be prorated for students who join mid-semester. ​​
      • One Class Per Week
        Join our structured 10-level group classes, from New Beginner to Tournament Group. 
      • Two Classes Per Week – New! To accelerate the learning progress and Enjoy 15% off both classes!
        Students can attend two classes per week—one at their current level and one a level higher

​Sibling Discount Available
Save $25 off tuition per additional sibling enrolled in the same semester!
We’re happy to offer this discount as a thank-you to families with multiple chess learners.

Payment Option
Payments made via Bank Account, Zelle or Check will not incur any surcharge. 
​A 3.0% surcharge will apply to all credit and debit card payments. 

2026 Spring Semester Weekly Chess Class

22 weeks from 1/3 to 5/31/26. Tuition is billed by semester and will be prorated for students who join mid-semester. 
New Beginner Class  (new to chess)                           $770,  $35/week,
Entry Level Class       (unrated - uscf rating 200)         $836,  $38/week
Intermediate I Class   (uscf rating 200-400)                 $836,  $38/week
Intermediate II Class  (uscf rating 400-600)                 $836,  $38/week
Advanced I Class       (uscf rating 600-900)                 $880,  $40/week
Advanced II Class      (uscf rating 900-1200)               $990,  $45/week
Tournament Group     (uscf rating 1200-1500)             $990,  $45/week
Elite Group Class       (uscf rating 1500+)                    $990,  $45/week

A one-time $50 registration fee applies to new students enrolling in group lessons. ​This is not an annual fee.
Includes: a canvas homework bag, a KLC team t-shirt, classroom and homework materials
​Instruction for Register Weekly Class and Trial Class →

Pleasanton 2026 Spring Weekly Group Class
​1024 Serpentine Ln, Ste 101, Pleasanton, CA 94566​

Fremont 2026 Spring Weekly Group Class
​46164 Warm Springs Blvd, unit 250, Fremont, CA 94539

Foster City 2026 Spring Weekly Group Class
​​Location: 650 Shell Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 (Bright Horizon Chinese School)​

KLC Weekly Group Class Levels       

            New Beginner Level
For students age 5+. No prior chess knowledge OR Only knows the basic rules of how the pieces move. 
Students will learn rules of chess, checkmate, how to attack and defense. 

            Entry Level
For students age 5+, USCF rating unrated - 200, familiar to checkmate, can play the whole game and know basic opening rules.
Students will learn chess tactics, basic middle games and endgames. 

            Intermediate I Level
For students rating 200-400, familiar with checkmate patterns and tactics.
Students will participate in strategy and tactical skill building, and learn basic openings, middle game and endgame skills. 

            Intermediate II Level
For students rating 400-600, have tournament experience, know basic opening line, tactics and basic middle game strategy and ending knowledge.
Training will focus on improve middle game strategy, build opening repertoire, game performance strengths and weaknesses. 

            Advanced I Level
For students rating 600-900, have tournament experience, familiar with some opening lines, has clear middle game strategy and end game skills.
​Students will receive coaching on tournament strategy, middle game theory, rules of endgame and more systematic training.

            Advanced II Level
  For students rating 900-1200, willing to receive more training.
​  Students will receive coaching on chess openings, positional ideas, tactical positions, theory and plan of middle game and endgame.

            Tournament Group
  For students rating 1200-1500, willing to receive more training.
​  Students will receive coaching on chess openings, positional ideas, tactical positions, theory and plan of middle game and endgame.

            Elite Group 
For students rating 1500+, willing to take more professional and intensive training. 
​KLC Elite Group is designed for players rated 1500+ with a goal of reaching 2000. Our training covers opening, middlegame, and endgame topics, with a strong emphasis on master game analysis. We focus on developing students' analytical and calculation skills to enhance their overall chess understanding and performance.
Class Level Promotion Guidelines
At King’s Land Chess, we follow a structured pathway to ensure every student develops the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success.

1. General Promotion Timeline
  • Students typically study in the same level for 2–3 semesters before moving up.
  • Students whose USCF established rating (over 25 games) meets the next level requirement may be promoted at any time.
  • Each level follows a multi-semester curriculum with new teaching materials and topics each session.
  • This approach ensures students fully master the skills required at every stage.

2. New Beginner Level
  • Students complete one semester at this level.
  • After that semester, all students are promoted to Entry Level.

3. Entry Level & Intermediate One Level
    If a student is: unrated, has only a provisional rating (fewer than 25 USCF-rated games), or has an established rating (over 25 games) below the next level requirement,
  • They must complete at least 2 semesters before promotion.

4. Intermediate Two & Above Levels
​(Intermediate Two, Advanced One, Advanced Two, Tournament Group, Elite Group)
  • Promotion is based on coach evaluation or meeting the USCF established rating requirement (over 25 games).
  • Coaches consider:
    • Class performance
    • Tournament results
    • Tactical skill level

5. USCF Ratings & Promotion Criteria
  • Provisional rating: Published after the first 4 USCF-rated games.
  • Established rating: Published after 25 USCF-rated games.
  • Promotion eligibility:
    • Achieve the next level’s USCF established rating requirement (based on at least 25 games), or
    • Pass the end-of-semester evaluation test.

KLC Class Policy and Frequent Q & A
​

  • ​​​Preparation for In-person class​
  1. Materials Provided – All chess sets and teaching materials are supplied by King’s Land Chess.
  2. Health & Safety Measures – Hand sanitizer is available. All chess equipment is sanitized regularly, and classrooms are equipped with air purifiers to keep the air clean and fresh.
  3. Drop-Off & Pick-Up – For student safety, parents should drop off and pick up their child at the door. Students are not permitted to cross the parking lot without an accompanying adult.
  4. Food & Drink – No food or drinks are allowed during weekly classes. Water is permitted. For summer full-day camps, students may bring lunch.
  5. Nut-Free Facility – We maintain a strict nut-free policy. Any lunch or snacks brought from home must be nut-free.
  6. Face Masks – Optional for all students and visitors.

  • Makeup Class and Tuition Policy
At King’s Land Chess, we strive to create a flexible and supportive learning environment for every student. Please review the following important policies to ensure a smooth experience for all families:
🔹 No Refunds or Credits
KLC does not offer refunds or credits for missed classes, late arrivals, or early departures. All tuition payments must be completed before your child’s first class of the session.
🔹 Make-Up Classes
Students who miss a class are welcome to attend a make-up session at either our Pleasanton or Fremont campus, at the same class level, and at a time that works with your schedule. No reservation is needed—just walk in and inform the coach of the date you're attending as a make-up.
Please use any make-up classes within four (4) months from the missed class date.
🔹 Behavior & Dismissal Policy
Students may be withdrawn from the program without refund if:
  • They are disruptive to the class for disciplinary reasons
  • They are not picked up promptly at the end of class
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and productive learning environment for all KLC students.

  • Late Pick-Up Policy
For the safety of all students, we kindly ask that parents be outside the classroom at least 5 minutes before class ends.
• Students will not be allowed to leave unaccompanied unless a signed release form is on file.
• We provide a 10-minute grace period after class. After that, a late fee of $2 per minute will be charged to your account.
• For students in the last class of the day, there is no grace period. Please be especially punctual.
⏰ A gentle reminder: We truly prefer not to charge any late fees. These policies are in place to help our coaches manage their schedules and ensure all students are dismissed safely and on time. Your understanding is sincerely appreciated!

  • Early Drop-Off Policy

Early drop-off is not permitted.
Our campus is closed on weekends from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM for staff lunch and rest.
Drop-off and pick-up times outside of this period will follow the specific event or camp schedule.
As our coaches lead full-day programs, this break is essential for maintaining their energy and focus throughout the day.
We kindly ask that you drop off your child only 5 minutes before their scheduled class.
Please do not arrive earlier than this or during the lunch break.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and efficient learning environment.

  • Online Class Recording Video Sharing Policy

We only share the online class recording videos to students who would miss the classes. Online classes may be recorded for quality purposes and students who are absent to the classes, however, it's not a good way for reviewing the lessons. Our coach will review the homework and lesson in the next class. So if students have any questions, please bring them to the class and feel free to ask the coach.

  • For student who is new to chess, please select the trial class in the New Beginner level.
  • If your kid is familiar with one move checkmate, some basic tactics and can play a complete game independently, they may thrive in our Entry Level class.
  • For those with familiarity with basic opening lines, chess tactics, some understanding of middle game strategies, and knowledge of endgames, the Intermediate One level might be the ideal fit.
  • Student who has USCF rating can select the appropriate class level based on their rating.
  • For student without a USCF rating, please select ONLY the Entry or Intermediate I level for the trial class.

King’s Land Chess – Shaping Young Minds Through Chess Excellence

Founded in 2012 by Woman FIDE Master Coach Kiki Chen, King’s Land Chess (KLC) is a premier youth chess academy based in the East Bay of Northern California. With a singular focus on delivering high-quality, structured chess education to children, KLC has grown into one of the region’s most respected institutions for nurturing talent and developing future champions.
Our academy offers a comprehensive 9-level curriculum, spanning from New Beginner to Master Level. Every group class is designed to provide the same level of quality and personal attention found in private lessons.
From the very first move to competitive mastery—King’s Land Chess is with your child every step of the way.

🧠 Why Choose King’s Land Chess?

At KLC, your child will experience professional training from FIDE-certified coaches using a curriculum created by Coach Kiki herself, aligned with global standards set by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
Our diverse programs include:
  • Weekly Group Classes
  • GATE Program (formerly KLC U.S. Team Class)
  • Small Group Lessons
  • Intensive Training Camps
  • Private Lessons
  • USCF-Rated Tournaments
We provide systematic and level-appropriate training, ensuring each student progresses efficiently and confidently. Whether your child is just learning how the pieces move or preparing for national-level tournaments, they will receive the expert guidance they need.
But our mission goes far beyond trophies.
Through chess, we help children:
  • Build critical thinking skills
  • Develop emotional resilience
  • Strengthen their ability to solve real-world challenges
We believe in educating the whole child. And as experienced chess educators, we also work closely with parents—raising awareness about the powerful role you play in shaping your child’s mindset, confidence, and lifelong learning habits.
Our goal is to raise not only chess champions, but confident, capable young people ready to thrive in the world.
“Chess for the World. Wisdom for Life.”

🏆 Honors and Achievements

Over the past 11 years, KLC has trained thousands of young players and led them to outstanding results at the state, national, and international levels. Each year, several of our students qualify for the World Youth/Cadets Championship Team USA—a remarkable achievement for any academy.
🎉 Key Accomplishments Include:
  •  One student placed 3rd in the World Youth Championship
  • Two students became Pan-American Youth Chess Champions
  • Several students won titles at the North American Youth Chess Championship (NAYCC)
  • Many became National Champions across various age groups
  • Multiple students placed in the U.S. Top 20
  • 1 student earned the FIDE Master (FM) title
  • 1 student earned the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title
  • 3 students achieved the National Master (NM) title
  • 2 students earned the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title
  • 2 students earned the Candidate Master (CM) title
  • Over 20 students qualified for Team USA at the World Youth/Cadets Championship, with 3 selected as official representatives
  • Many of our students ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in their age groups on the US Chess Federation’s Top Player Lists

​📊 Highlights from the August 2022 US Chess Top Player List

In the US August 2022 Top Player list, KLC students are ranked No.1 and No.2 in several age groups.  
http://www.uschess.org/component/option,com_top_players/Itemid,371/
     • In Top Age 7 and Under, Rocky Wang (1845) is ranked No. 2;
     • In Top Age 8, Lerui Zheng (1886) is ranked No.2; Young Cui (1804) is ranked No. 7; Suhas Indukuri (1695) is ranked No.15;
     • In Top Age 10, Patrick Liu (2100) is ranked No. 1, All American Team; Jashith Karthi (1933) is ranked No. 13;
     • In Top Girls Age 10, Jenny Qi (1654) is ranked No.1; Ruyi Hu (1474) is ranked No.6;
     • In Top Girl Age 9, Iris Li (1908) is ranked No. 2, Tianmu Wang (1376) is ranked No.15, Melissa Xu (1334) is ranked No.17;
     • In Top Girl Age 16, Chelsea Zhou (1845) is ranked No. 11.
About Coach Kiki ​
​
​Coach Kiki Chen is the founder of KLC, National Champion Coach, FIDE rating 2140. World Chess Federation certified FIDE Trainer and USCF National Coach. She was the captain of China youth national team. 
In over fifteen years, Coach Kiki has trained thousands of youth chess players. Many students are ranked #1 in US Age 7-10 Group and became Official U.S. Representatives at the World Youth and Cadet Chess Championships. Dozens of students are ranked top 100 in the age categories of US top chess players. Her students have won numerous prizes in international, national and state chess tournaments and won the national champions and state champions.

​​Coach Kiki，国际等级分2140，国际棋联FIDE Trainer认证，美国棋协国家教练，全国冠军教练。她11岁开始学棋，12岁入选国家青少队，并任队长。学棋不到两年就获得中国棋协大师称号，13岁国际等级分（FIDE rating）就达到2140，达标棋联大师。后专职国际象棋教练及裁判。专注于推广青少年国际象棋的教育发展，2012年创建 King’s Land Chess 国际象棋学校。在执教十多年的时间里，Kiki教练培养了数千名青少年棋手，多位学生排名美国7-9岁组全国第一，十多名学生入选美国国家队。Kiki教练对培养年轻棋手（5-12岁）入选国家队有自己特别的一套训练体系，对天赋极高的孩子有一种敏锐的发掘能力，他所培养的青少年棋手都是名列前茅，数十名学生入选美国各年龄组百强名单。她的学生在国家、州及地区比赛中多次赢得全国冠军和州冠军。因为在青少年教育领域的突出贡献，2015年9月被美国加州核桃学区授予教育贡献奖，曾获加州华人杰出青年奖和前美国棋协主席亲笔推荐。