Unlock Your Potential,
One Move at a Time
Welcome to the Albany Chess Center, where we nurture strategic minds and build a community of passionate chess players of all ages and skill levels.
Why Chess Matters
Chess offers a structured way to practice careful thinking, concentration, planning, and respectful competition.
Critical Thinking
Provides regular practice in comparing options, anticipating consequences, and solving problems.
Patience & Focus
Encourages concentration, careful planning, and the habit of thinking before acting.
Social Skills
Creates opportunities to practice sportsmanship, respect opponents, and meet other players.
Academic Success
Exercises calculation, pattern recognition, memory, and thoughtful decision-making.
Programs are available for youth and adult players at different experience levels.
Our Programs
Explore some of the ways Albany Chess Center helps students and players build confidence, strategy, and a lifelong love of chess.
In-School & After-School
We partner with schools to bring the benefits of chess directly to students, enhancing critical thinking and focus during and after the school day.
Learn MoreOnline Chess Lessons
Flexible, one-on-one online coaching with Albany Chess Center instructors, available from home.
Learn More
What Families Can Expect
Clear instruction, guided practice, and program options designed around different ages, goals, and schedules.
Lessons can be adjusted to the player's current knowledge, learning pace, and goals.
In-person and online options make it easier to choose a format that fits the player's schedule.
Students apply lesson ideas through puzzles, guided games, review, and practical feedback.
Ready to Make Your First Move?
Our one-hour evaluation is the perfect way to get a baseline of your skills and see how our coaching can help you improve.
About the Albany Chess Center
Building a community through the timeless game of chess.
Our Mission
To provide a welcoming and supportive environment for chess enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. We aim to foster intellectual growth, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game through high-quality instruction and community engagement.
Our Story
Founded on the belief that chess is more than just a game, the Albany Chess Center was created to be a hub for learning and connection. We saw a need for a dedicated space where both children and adults could come together to learn, play, and grow. From after-school programs that build critical skills in kids to advanced coaching for aspiring masters, we are committed to enriching the lives of our community members through chess.
Our Instructors
Our instructors are experienced and passionate chess players who provide clear explanations, guided practice, and feedback in a supportive learning environment.
Community Impact
We provide lessons, classes, tournaments, camps, and school programs for players throughout the Albany area.
Quality Standards
Programs use structured instruction, guided practice, and activities appropriate to the group's experience level.
Programs & Schedule
In-person chess classes, tournaments, and community events at Albany Chess Center.
Calendar Listings
No events found
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In-School & After-School Programs
Bringing chess education directly to your school community.
Program Overview
We partner with local schools to integrate chess into the academic landscape. Our programs are designed to be fun, engaging, and profoundly educational, fitting seamlessly into the school day or as a structured after-school activity.
Benefits for Students
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Improves concentration, memory, and patience
- Encourages creativity and foresight
- Teaches sportsmanship and resilience
How It Works
Our experienced instructors handle everything, from curriculum planning to providing all necessary equipment (boards, pieces, and demonstration tools). We work with school administrators to create a program that meets the specific needs and schedule of your students.
Bring Chess to Your School
Interested in offering an optional after-school chess program at your school?
Albany Chess Center provides instructors, materials, and curriculum at no cost to the school.
Have a school leader or PTA member you'd like to share this with?
Download our one-page school overview (PDF) to learn more.
Questions? Email: info@albanychesscenter.com
Camps
Current Camps
Open camp programs currently accepting registration.
Academy of the Holy Names
Camp Week: July 27 - July 31, 2026
Monday - Friday | Academy of the Holy Names
Registration is open for the remaining Academy of the Holy Names camp week, with half-day and full-day program options available.
View Schedule & Activities Open RegistrationCamps
Upcoming Camps
One-day chess camps for school holidays and special dates will be posted here when registration opens.
No Camps at the Moment
There are no upcoming one-day camps currently open for registration. This page will be updated when new camp dates are announced.
View Current CampsSummer 2026 — School Partnership Program
Summer Chess Camp
June 29 – August 28
Nine weeks of structured chess instruction at schools throughout the Albany area. Your school provides the space — Albany Chess Center handles everything else. No cost or administrative burden on your school.
Camp Options
Programs run Monday through Friday with three attendance choices: Morning Half-Day, Afternoon Half-Day, or Full-Day. We keep clear drop-off and pick-up windows for each option.
Morning Half-Day
Focused morning program
Morning block covers instruction, guided play, and lunch transition.
Afternoon Half-Day
Afternoon learning block
Afternoon block includes enrichment, coached games, and recap.
Full-Day Camp
Extended learning & activities
Full day includes both Morning and Afternoon Half-Day program blocks.
Extended Hours & Add-On Notice
Standard drop-off and pick-up times are listed in each camp option above. For families needing additional coverage, optional extended-hour support is available.
- Optional early drop-off starts at 8:00 AM (extra charge).
- Optional late pick-up is available up to 6:00 PM (extra charge).
- Optional food/treat add-ons such as pizza lunch and ice cream may be available at extra charge.
Approximate Daily Schedule
This sample schedule reflects our full-day structure. Timing may adjust slightly by location and group needs, while staying aligned with published program hours.
Program hours remain: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (AM half-day), 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (PM half-day), and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (full day). Standard morning drop-off is 8:30 - 9:00 AM. AM half-day pick-up and PM half-day drop-off both run from 12:30 - 1:00 PM.
School Partnership
The school's role is intentionally simple. Albany Chess Center manages the program, while the host school provides the basic space and access needed to operate the camp successfully.
Your School Provides
- Use of 1–2 classrooms with tables and chairs
- Restroom access for students and staff
- A designated drop-off and pick-up area
- Building access during selected camp weeks
Albany Chess Center Manages
We operate the camp, oversee instruction, supply all chess materials, handle registration and payment, and communicate directly with families. In practical terms, this means no administrative burden on the school beyond confirming logistics and site access.
How It Works
From your first expression of interest to the first day of camp, we keep the process straightforward.
Select Your Week(s)
Confirm one week, multiple weeks, or all nine that fit your school's summer calendar using the form below.
Review Space & Logistics
We contact you to identify classroom availability, confirm drop-off and pick-up logistics, and finalize the schedule.
Launch Registration
We create a payment link specific to your school's camp. Parents register and pay Albany Chess Center directly — no money flows through the school.
Register Your School's Interest
Fill out the form below. No commitment is required at this stage — this simply lets us know your school is interested so we can follow up to confirm the details.
Interest Received
Thank you. We've received your school's interest in our Summer Chess Camp.
Our team will follow up at within 2–3 business days.
Something went wrong. Please try again or email info@albanychesscenter.com.
Prefer to Speak Directly?
We're happy to walk through the details and answer any questions before you commit to anything. Reach out directly:
Current Programs
Locations and organizations where Albany Chess Center currently offers chess programs.
Albany PAL @ Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys
Mondays, 3:45 – 4:45 PM
116 N Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12206
Albany PAL @ Brighter Choices Charter School for Girls
Wednesdays, 3:45 – 4:45 PM
250 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206
Online Chess Lessons
High-quality instruction from anywhere in the world.
High-Quality Instruction, Anywhere
Learn from the best, no matter where you are. Our online lessons focus on private one-on-one coaching tailored to your goals, schedule, and learning style.
Why Choose Online Lessons?
Private Online Lesson Pricing
One-on-one coaching. All sessions are 60 minutes long.
Single Lesson
$50
A flexible option for trying online coaching or booking one session at a time.
10-Lesson Pack
$450
The best fit for students ready for consistent, long-term coaching.
Registration discount available: New online lesson students may qualify for 10% off any private online lesson option. Contact us before payment to receive a discount code.
Albany Chess Center presents
Advanced Online Group Training
Train online with GM Mikhail Golubev in a focused 8-seat advanced training group.
Ukrainian Grandmaster
Mikhail Golubev
Ukrainian Grandmaster
GM Mikhail Golubev
FIDE GM since 1996, peak rating 2570
Advanced Online Group Training
Train with Grandmaster Mikhail Golubev in a focused 8-seat online group for advanced players working on strategy, calculation, openings, and tournament preparation. Golubev is a former Ukrainian Champion and an author on the Sicilian and King's Indian defenses.
- Schedule: Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:00 PM EST
- Format: 4 weeks, 1 hour per week
- Class size: Maximum 8 students
- Runs when full: 8 registrations required
$100
per student, 4-week session ($25/hour)
Limited to 8 seats. Book early.
Advanced players (strong club & tournament experience recommended). Secure checkout via Stripe.
Private Chess Lessons
One-on-one instruction tailored to the student’s level, goals, and schedule.
Private Chess Lessons
Private Chess Lessons offer one-on-one instruction tailored to the student’s level, goals, and schedule. Lessons may take place at Albany Chess Center, online, or at the student’s home with an additional travel fee if applicable.
What Private Lessons Can Include
Private Lesson Packages
Group Chess Lessons
Learn and grow with peers in a fun, social environment.
Group Chess Lessons
Learn and grow with peers in our dynamic group lessons. These sessions provide a fun, social, and structured environment to learn chess fundamentals, practice new strategies, and play against a variety of opponents. It's a fantastic way to build skills and make new friends who share a passion for the game.
What to Expect
Schedule & Pricing
All sessions are 60 minutes long. Please contact us for the latest schedule and availability.
Join the Albany Chess Center
Pay $15/month, attend key programs for free, and save on every class and tournament.
Note: Fields marked with * are required. Your registration information will be sent to us before you proceed to payment.
What Members Get
$15/month unlocks all these benefits
Free Programs
INCLUDEDNo registration needed. Just show up!
Classes
$25 $20
$100 $90 /month
Tournaments
$15 $12.50
Chess Library
Borrow books during programs
Member Code
One code for all discounts
Pioneer Members
Existing members don't pay until their current membership expires. You may opt in to $15/month early if you choose.
Order Summary
Membership is monthly only. There is no yearly membership.
Get Started with Chess
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll reach out within 24 hours to discuss the best fit for you or your child.
24-Hour Response
We follow up quickly
All Levels Welcome
Beginner to advanced
No Commitment
Just an inquiry for now
Tell Us About Yourself
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you to discuss the best program for your needs.
Inquiry Received!
Thank you for reaching out. We'll contact you within 24 hours to discuss how we can help.
Submission failed.
Please try again or email us directly at info@albanychesscenter.com.
Choose Your Lesson Type
Select a lesson or package below to book and pay directly online.
Choose Your Lesson Type
Evaluation
$35
60-minute skill assessment
Online Lessons
$50
per lesson (60 min)
Private Chess Lessons
$110
per lesson (60 min)
Group Lessons
$150
per lesson (60 min)
Saturday Drop-in Classes
Saturdays • Beginner 1:00-2:00 PM • Intermediate 2:00-3:00 PM • 85 Chestnut Street, Albany, NY 12210
Beginner Class
$25
1:00-2:00 PM • Unrated to 800 USCF
Intermediate Class
$25
2:00-3:00 PM • 800-1400 USCF
Not sure which option is right for you? Fill out a quick inquiry and we'll help you decide.
Send an InquiryFrequently Asked Questions
How quickly will you respond?
We typically respond within 24 hours to schedule your session and answer any questions.
What if I'm not sure about my skill level?
No problem! That's exactly what our evaluation session is for. We'll assess your skills and recommend the best path forward.
Can I change my lesson type later?
Absolutely! We're flexible and can adjust your lesson plan based on your progress and preferences.
What equipment do I need?
For online lessons, just a computer with internet. For home lessons, we bring everything. For evaluations, we provide all equipment.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about our programs or want to partner with us, we're ready to help.
Contact Information
The best ways to reach us.
Address
Albany Chess Center
85 Chestnut Street @Westminster Presbyterian Church
Albany, NY 12210
Phone
347-433-6717Ready to Book?
Browse our lesson types and packages and book directly online.
Choose Your Lesson TypeCareers at Albany Chess Center
Join our team and inspire the next generation of chess players.
Interested in working for the Albany Chess Center?
Send your resume to
careers@albanychesscenter.com🎉 Payment Successful!
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Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 19, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Albany Chess Center Inc. collects, uses, stores, and shares information when you visit our website, contact us, register for a program or event, purchase a service, or become a member.
Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly, which may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, age group, membership or US Chess information, school or organization details, program selections, participant information, and notes submitted with a form. The exact information depends on the service you request.
When you make a payment, checkout is handled by Stripe. Albany Chess Center does not receive or store your complete payment-card number. We may receive transaction details from Stripe, such as your name, email address, amount paid, payment status, purchased program, and Stripe transaction or session identifier.
Our hosting and cloud-service providers may automatically process basic technical information needed to deliver and protect the website, such as an IP address, browser or device information, request timestamps, and requested pages or functions.
How We Use Your Information
- Process registrations, memberships, purchases, and program inquiries.
- Confirm payments and send service-related messages.
- Coordinate lessons, classes, camps, tournaments, school programs, and other activities.
- Maintain attendance, membership, payment, and administrative records.
- Respond to questions and provide customer support.
- Protect the website, prevent abuse, troubleshoot problems, and comply with legal or accounting obligations.
Payments and Service Providers
We use service providers to operate the website and deliver requested services. These currently include Google Firebase and Google Cloud for hosting, databases, forms, and server functions; Stripe for payments; and service providers used to deliver operational email. These providers process information under their own terms and privacy practices. You can review the Firebase privacy and security information, Google Privacy Policy, and Stripe Privacy Policy.
Browser Storage and Cookies
The site may use session storage or local storage in your browser to temporarily preserve pending registration or membership information and support website workflows. This storage is not used for behavioral advertising. We do not currently use advertising cookies or Google Analytics on the public website. Third-party services you open, including Stripe, may use cookies or similar technologies under their own policies.
Information Sharing
We do not sell or rent personal information. We may disclose information to service providers that help us operate the website, process payments, deliver communications, or provide requested programs; when required by law or valid legal process; when reasonably necessary to protect people, our organization, or our services; or with your direction or consent.
Children's Information
Many Albany Chess Center programs serve children, but registration and payment information should be submitted by a parent, guardian, school, or other authorized adult. If you believe a child submitted personal information without appropriate adult involvement, contact us so we can review and, where appropriate, delete it.
Data Retention
We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, administer programs and memberships, maintain business and payment records, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and meet legal, tax, accounting, or safety obligations. Retention periods vary by record type. We may delete or anonymize information when it is no longer needed.
Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards intended to protect personal information, including access controls and encrypted connections provided by our hosting and payment services. No online service or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Your Choices and Requests
You may contact us to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information associated with you, or to ask how it is being used. We may need to verify your identity and may retain information when required for legal, accounting, safety, or legitimate business purposes.
Policy Updates
We may update this policy as our services or privacy practices change. The date at the top of this page shows when the policy was last revised.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: info@albanychesscenter.com
Phone: 347-433-6717