Hi there. It’s lovely to have you here. If you live in Evergreen, Lake Forest and you’re thinking about finding the right chess teacher or class—this is a great place to start.
Whether your child is just learning how the pieces move or already playing full games, finding the right help can make all the difference. And in a quiet, thoughtful neighborhood like Evergreen, where families care deeply about strong learning and steady growth, chess isn’t just a game—it’s a way to teach focus, smart choices, and confidence.
In this article, we’ll talk about the world of chess training here in Evergreen. You’ll learn how online classes work, why they’re becoming more popular, and how Debsie is leading the way with care, structure, and real results.
We’ll also talk about some of the local and national programs, so you can compare and feel confident. But just know this—if you’re looking for something that’s gentle, personal, and really helps your child grow, Debsie might be the best move you ever make.
Online Chess Training
Imagine your child sitting at the kitchen table. There’s a little bit of homework done, maybe a snack nearby. And then they open a laptop. On the screen, a kind coach appears with a chessboard already set. The coach smiles and says, “Ready to play?” That’s how online chess training feels. Simple. Friendly. And right at home.
Online chess is not new. But now, it’s better than ever. More and more families in Evergreen, Lake Forest are choosing online lessons—not just because they’re easy to attend, but because they work.
You don’t need to drive anywhere. You don’t need to sit in traffic. You don’t even need to wait in a hallway while your child takes class. Online chess training happens right in your living room or your child’s room. And the best part? It’s real. It’s personal. It’s live.
Each child learns at their own pace. If they’re fast, the coach moves ahead. If they need time, the coach slows down. There’s no rush. And no pressure. It feels more like a friendship than a class—but with real progress behind it.
Now, there are different kinds of online chess programs. Some just give you videos and say “watch this.” Others put kids in big groups and call it a class. But real learning happens when it’s one-on-one—or in a very small group—with a coach who actually sees your child, hears them, and talks to them with care.
That’s what Debsie does. And we’ll get to that in a moment.
Landscape of Chess Training in Evergreen, Lake Forest and Why Online Chess Training Is the Right Choice
Evergreen is a peaceful part of Lake Forest. Kids here grow up surrounded by trees, quiet streets, and good schools. It’s a place where parents want the best—not just in academics, but in activities that help kids think, stay calm, and feel proud of themselves.
Now, there are some local options for chess. Maybe a few after-school clubs. Maybe a private tutor or two who comes to your house. There might even be a small weekend class at the local library or community center.
These can be good starting points. They introduce kids to chess. They help them play and explore. But most of these offline options don’t go very far. They don’t always have a long-term plan. Some just let kids play games without teaching key ideas. Others teach random tricks or tips, but no full structure.
Also, in-person classes mean you have to plan around them. If your child is tired, or school runs late, or weather turns bad—you miss a class. And that missed class can mean missing out on a key skill.
In Evergreen, where life is peaceful but busy, online training fits in like a puzzle piece. It lets you pick the time. It lets your child learn from home, in a cozy space. It also means you don’t need to hunt for a good local coach—because now, the best coaches from around the world are right there on your screen.
Online chess with a structured academy is not just as good as in-person. It’s often better. Because it’s built with purpose. Built with care. And shaped around your child’s needs, not just a schedule.
How Debsie Is the Best Choice When It Comes to Chess Training in Evergreen, Lake Forest
Now, let’s talk about Debsie. Because while there are many chess programs out there, Debsie is special.
Debsie is not just a website. It’s not just a Zoom call. It’s a full, loving learning space that helps kids grow—not just in chess, but in life. Every lesson is live. Every coach is trained and certified. And every child gets their own path to grow.
Here’s how it works. When your child joins Debsie, they don’t just jump into a class. They’re gently welcomed. The coach sees where they are. Maybe they already know how to move pieces. Maybe they don’t. That’s okay. Debsie starts from where your child is—and then builds forward.
Lessons are planned. Each week has a purpose. One week might focus on pawns. The next might teach how to checkmate. The week after, your child might learn how to think two steps ahead. It’s all done softly, clearly, and at the perfect speed for your child.
Debsie coaches don’t use big, scary chess words. They don’t rush. They don’t show off. They teach with kindness. They speak in simple words. And they always listen.
If your child is shy, Debsie works well. If your child is full of energy, Debsie works too. The coaches are trained to meet each student where they are. That’s what makes learning feel so comfortable.
And parents—you’re not left out. After each class, you can get notes. You’ll see what your child learned and what’s coming next. You’ll feel part of the journey. You won’t be wondering, “Are they really learning?” You’ll know they are.
Debsie also runs fun tournaments every two weeks. These are gentle events where kids can try what they’ve learned. No pressure. Just good games, kind words, and a safe place to try and grow.
Because it brings the best parts of learning—structure, kindness, steady growth—and puts them all in one easy, joyful place. Right in your home, at a time that fits your life.
👉 Click here to take a free trial class with Debsie
Offline Chess Training
If you live in Evergreen, Lake Forest, you probably already know how peaceful and family-friendly this neighborhood is. It’s a great place to raise kids. The schools are strong. The trees are tall. And many parents care deeply about what their kids do after school—chess is one of those activities that feels like the right kind of choice.
You may find chess clubs at local schools or through the community center. Maybe a friendly teacher offers lessons after school, or a tutor visits homes to play and teach. Sometimes these lessons are held in a group, where a few kids sit around a board and the coach talks them through a game.
There’s something sweet and traditional about that. It feels real. Kids get to play with real pieces, shake hands, and learn face to face. It’s social. It’s cozy. And for many families, it’s how chess begins.
But even with that charm, offline chess classes often come with limits. They usually happen once a week. Sometimes a child forgets what they learned the week before. If they miss a class, there’s no way to get it back. That week’s lesson is just… gone.
Many offline coaches don’t follow a full plan. They just play and talk. Or they share small tips without any step-by-step progress. That makes it hard for a child to grow steadily. It also means parents can’t really track progress unless they sit in on every class.
And what happens when the coach gets busy? Or there’s no space for more students? Or your child wants to go deeper but the class is too full or too fast? Offline lessons don’t always have the space or time for personal growth.
Still, some parents continue with offline classes out of habit. It’s what they know. But more and more are now asking, “Is there a better way to help my child grow—not just in chess, but in thinking, focus, and confidence?”
And that’s where the conversation starts to shift toward online learning.
Drawbacks of Offline Chess Training
Let’s talk gently and clearly about what makes offline chess training hard for many families—especially in a quiet, thoughtful community like Evergreen.
First, time. Getting to a lesson means driving. Parking. Waiting. Even if it’s just a short ride away, it still eats up a chunk of your day. For families juggling school, work, sports, and everything else—it’s just one more thing to manage.
Second, the pace. In most offline classes, the coach has to keep things moving for the whole group. If your child is quick to understand, they might get bored waiting. If they need more time, they might feel left behind. It’s hard for one coach to match the perfect pace for every child in a room.
Third, the structure. Many offline classes are casual. They don’t follow a full curriculum. A child might learn a fun trick one week, but not understand how it fits into the bigger picture. That can make learning feel random or scattered. And for a child who thrives on routine and small wins, that can hurt confidence.
Fourth, feedback. Most offline coaches don’t give detailed notes after class. Parents are often left guessing: “What did my child learn today? Are they improving? What’s next?” That gap can be frustrating.
And finally, the cost. Private coaches can be expensive. Group classes may be more affordable, but offer much less personal attention. And when progress slows, it’s hard to know if it’s the teaching—or just the format that doesn’t fit.
Offline chess training isn’t bad. It has heart. It has history. But it often doesn’t have flexibility, personal pacing, or structure.
That’s why more families—especially in places like Evergreen—are now turning to something smarter. Something easier. Something built around each child’s real growth.
That’s why they’re choosing online chess training. And more specifically, why they’re choosing Debsie.
Best Chess Academies in Evergreen, Lake Forest, Illinois
In a thoughtful, close-knit neighborhood like Evergreen in Lake Forest, families want depth, care, and real results from chess programs—not just playtime. Let’s talk about the most accessible chess resources nearby, and then show how Debsie still offers the best path forward.
1. Debsie — The Top Choice for Evergreen and Lake Forest Families
Debsie is not just another chess option—it’s a learning home. Here’s how we’re different:
Our lessons are live, one-on-one or in small, supportive groups. They follow a clear path that fits each student’s level and pace. Every coach is certified, approachable, and trained to explain simply and kindly.
After every session, parents get thoughtful updates so they know exactly what their child has learned and what’s next. We record every class so students can rewatch lessons. Every two weeks, we host gentle, friendly tournaments that help kids test their skills in a warm, encouragement-filled space.
That combination—personal attention, structured learning, real feedback, and connection—makes Debsie stand out not just in Evergreen or Lake Forest, but anywhere.
2. Lake Forest Chess Club at the Library
There’s a friendly chess club that meets regularly at the Lake Forest Library. Players of all ages gather for casual games and some shared strategy talk. It’s welcoming, gentle, and a nice place to meet fellow chess fans.
This is a warm, social start, but it’s not built for steady growth. There’s no curriculum, no follow-up, and no way to track progress over time.
3. Northshore Chess Club—Saturday Chess at Starbucks
Every weekend, the Northshore Chess Club gathers at a local Starbucks. People of all levels meet to play, sip coffee, and enjoy chess in a relaxed setting.
It’s cozy and casual, perfect for social play. But it doesn’t offer structured coaching, lesson notes, or long-term progress tracking.
4. ThinkMove Chess Academy at Lake Forest Elementary School
The ThinkMove Chess Academy offers a structured program after school at Lake Forest Elementary School. Younger students learn rules, tactics, and get to play—it’s a well-organized class with puzzles and peer play.
That’s wonderful for early exposure and practice. But it’s limited by its time frame, location, and lack of continued structuring or follow-up.
5. Local Chess Clubs and Private Coaches
Around Lake Forest, you’ll find other casual chess clubs, meetups, and private tutors—some with impressive qualifications like grandmasters. For example, grandmaster Nikola Nestorović offers coaching nearby.Schools and community programs may also run occasional clubs or events.
These can be inspiring and helpful. Yet, like other offline options, they often lack continuity, structure, flexible scheduling, and personal feedback systems.
Why Online Chess Training Is the Future
Things have changed. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s better.
Today’s families are busy. Not just in a “we have things to do” kind of way, but in a deeper, more meaningful way. Parents want their time to matter. They want their child’s learning to feel peaceful, personal, and purposeful. That’s exactly why online chess training is not just an option anymore—it’s the future.
Let’s say it clearly: driving back and forth to a class, sitting in traffic, rescheduling when things don’t work, or worrying about who else is in the room—those things don’t add to learning. They get in the way.
Now imagine this instead: Your child comes home, grabs a snack, sits down at the computer, and joins a chess lesson with a coach who already knows their strengths and struggles.
They’re not waiting for others to catch up or getting left behind. They’re learning at their pace, in their space, with someone who cares. You, as a parent, can hear the lesson from the next room. You know what’s going on. You don’t have to ask, “So, how was class?” You already know.
In-person classes often follow a one-size-fits-all approach. But no two kids are the same. Some are shy. Some are full of energy. Some love to talk through every move. Others want time to think quietly. Online lessons—especially with a platform like Debsie—allow for all of that. We meet the student where they are. We adapt. We support.
Online training also opens doors. No longer are you limited to the tutors in your zip code. You get the best of the best—certified coaches who love teaching, no matter where they live. It means your child can learn from world-class talent, all while sitting at home in Evergreen.
It’s also flexible. If you have a busy week, no problem. With online lessons, you can reschedule, rewatch, or even get a recording to review on your own time. No missed learning. No stress. Just steady, calm progress.
How Debsie Leads the Online Chess Training Landscape
When people talk about online chess learning, they often imagine something cold or mechanical. Maybe a screen with no face, just videos or puzzles. Maybe a class where your child is one of twenty, with no real connection. But that’s not what Debsie is.
Debsie is warm. It’s real. And it’s built to help children grow—not just at chess, but in how they think, focus, and believe in themselves.
We begin with care. Every student starts with a coach who listens. We don’t assume anything. We meet the child where they are. Maybe they’ve never played before. Maybe they already know how to checkmate. Either way, we make a plan that’s just right for them.
Every class is live. No pre-recorded videos. Your child isn’t clicking through lessons alone. They’re working side by side with a real coach—someone who’s patient, kind, and knows how to explain things in simple, encouraging ways. It feels like a conversation. Like a quiet walk with a wise guide.
Our coaches are FIDE-certified. That means they know the game deeply. But more importantly, they know how to teach. They use simple words. They slow down when needed. They offer praise when it’s earned. They help students feel proud, even when things get tough.
And our lessons? They follow a plan. A real one. Not just random games or flashy tricks. Every class builds on the last. A child learns how the pieces move, then how to protect them, then how to plan ahead.
Slowly, steadily, their confidence grows. They begin to think before acting. They begin to notice patterns. And soon, they start to feel smart—not just at chess, but in life.
Parents are never left out. After each class, we share progress. We let you know what your child is working on. We help you feel part of the journey. And if you ever want to revisit a lesson, every class is recorded. You can watch it together, learn together, or just enjoy seeing how far your child has come.
Conclusion
Evergreen, Lake Forest is a beautiful place. Families here believe in quiet growth, steady effort, and meaningful learning. And chess—when taught with care and structure—can be one of the best tools for that.
The local options? They’re fine. They offer a place to play and maybe meet others who enjoy the game. But when it comes to true learning—step-by-step, personal, warm, and thoughtful—there’s nothing quite like Debsie.
We don’t just teach kids how to win games. We teach them how to think ahead, stay calm under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and keep trying. These are chess lessons. But they’re also life lessons.
That’s what we believe in. And that’s what we bring into every class, every call, every moment with your child.
You don’t need to drive. You don’t need to guess if it’s working. You’ll see the growth. You’ll feel the calm. You’ll know you made the right choice.
If you’ve been wondering when to start, now is the time. We’re ready. We’d be honored to meet your child, learn about them, and help them become the best thinker—and person—they can be.
👉 Click here to take a free trial class
Comparisons With Other Chess Schools: