If you’re a parent living in Glen Waverley, or anywhere in Melbourne, and you’re looking for the best chess classes for your child, you’re in the right place.
Chess is not just a board game. It’s a brain game. A game that teaches kids to think deeply, solve problems, and make smart decisions—skills that go way beyond the board and help them in real life too.
But here’s the thing: not all chess classes are the same. Some are fun, some are boring. Some follow a clear path, others are all over the place. Some make kids excited to learn, while others leave them confused.
That’s why choosing the right chess class is super important.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the very best chess tutors and classes in Glen Waverley. We’ll show you why online chess training is taking over, why more families are choosing it over in-person classes, and most importantly, why Debsie stands out as the best choice—not just in Glen Waverley, but across Australia.
Debsie is not just a chess academy. It’s a global community of young thinkers and future champions. Whether your child is just starting or already playing tournaments, we’ve got the perfect class for them.
Let’s dive in.
Online Chess Training
Online chess training is a simple and smart way for kids to learn chess from home. With just a laptop or tablet, they can join live classes with expert coaches who teach them step-by-step. There’s no need to travel, and kids can learn from the best, no matter where they live. Online classes follow a clear plan, making it easy for kids to grow their skills, ask questions, and stay excited. It’s safe, fun, and perfect for busy families who want quality learning without the hassle.
A. Landscape of Chess Training in Glen Waverley and Why Online Chess Training is the Right Choice
Glen Waverley is a lovely suburb in Melbourne. It’s filled with great schools, parks, and families who really care about learning and growing. And just like in many parts of Australia, chess is getting more and more popular here. Parents see how much it helps kids stay focused, think ahead, and become more patient.
But here’s something we’ve noticed: while the interest in chess is growing fast, the number of quality, structured chess classes isn’t.
You’ll find a few clubs, maybe some school groups, and even private tutors—but many of them don’t follow a step-by-step plan. Some don’t offer regular classes. Others may not have trained coaches. Many focus only on winning games instead of building confidence and teaching life skills.
That’s where online chess training comes in—and it changes everything.
Online chess is not just about convenience. It’s about quality.
With online classes, your child doesn’t have to travel anywhere. They can join from the comfort of your home, without missing school or activities. They can also learn from the best coaches—not just those in your city, but across the world.
And here’s what makes it better: good online programs follow a clear curriculum. Each lesson builds on the last. Your child gets regular feedback. There are goals, levels, and a strong community to support them.
So instead of guessing what to learn next or wasting time with random lessons, online training gives your child a real path to grow.
And that brings us to the best part.
B. How Debsie is The Best Choice When It Comes to Chess Training in Glen Waverley
Now let’s talk about Debsie—and why it’s the number one choice for families in Glen Waverley and across Australia.
Debsie is not your average chess school. We are a full online chess academy built for kids. We have students from over 9 countries, and a team of FIDE-certified coaches who know how to make learning fun, engaging, and powerful.
But what really makes Debsie special?
1. We have a clear learning path.
Your child won’t jump from one random topic to another. We’ve created a step-by-step curriculum, built by top coaches, that takes them from beginner to advanced in a smart and simple way.
2. We focus on life skills, not just chess moves.
Yes, your child will learn tactics, openings, and endgames. But they’ll also learn patience, focus, confidence, and how to plan ahead. These are the skills that help in school, sports, and life.
3. We make classes exciting.
No boring lectures. Our coaches use stories, games, and challenges to make each lesson fun and easy to remember. Kids love showing up to class, and they leave with a big smile—and a sharper mind.
4. We offer both group and private coaching.
Some kids learn better in groups, others one-on-one. We offer both, so your child gets the attention they need.
5. We run regular tournaments.
Every two weeks, students get to play in online tournaments with others from around the world. It’s safe, fun, and helps them test what they’ve learned in real games.
6. We’re global, but we’re also local.
Even though we’re an online school, we have many students from Melbourne—including Glen Waverley—and we understand what families here are looking for.
7. You can try us for free.
Still not sure? No problem. You can book a free trial class and see for yourself how much your child enjoys it. No pressure. Just pure learning and fun.
👉 Click here to book a free trial
Offline Chess Training
Now, let’s take a moment to look at offline chess training—that is, chess classes that happen face-to-face, either at a school, a chess club, or with a private tutor who visits your home.
Offline chess has been around for a long time. For many years, it was the only way to learn chess. Students would sit across from a coach with a real board between them. They’d move the pieces, play practice games, and sometimes learn in a group setting.
In Glen Waverley, you might find offline chess classes at community centers, libraries, or even some schools. These sessions usually happen once a week and are led by local players or club members. Some private tutors also advertise their services online and may visit your home for one-on-one coaching.
It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Real pieces, real faces, and that personal touch.
But here’s what we’ve learned after teaching hundreds of students—just because it’s in-person doesn’t always mean it’s better.
Let’s take a closer look at the problems many families face with offline chess classes.
Drawbacks of Offline Chess Training
While offline chess training can seem traditional and personal, it comes with quite a few downsides—especially when you compare it to high-quality online training.
1. It’s not always structured.
Many offline coaches don’t follow a set curriculum. One week your child might learn openings, the next week tactics, and the next… well, who knows? Without a clear plan, it’s hard to measure progress or stay motivated.
2. Limited coaching options.
You’re stuck with whoever is nearby. If the local coach isn’t experienced or doesn’t connect with your child’s learning style, that’s a big problem. Why settle for less when your child could learn from world-class coaches online?
3. Travel time and fixed schedules.
Offline classes often require travel. That means rushing after school, sitting in traffic, or adjusting your whole evening around one class. Online learning happens at home, at times that work for you.
4. Fewer practice games.
Offline classes usually meet once a week, and there’s not much time for actual playing. In contrast, online platforms offer more chances to play, compete, and apply what your child is learning.
5. One-size-fits-all teaching.
In a physical group class, the coach may not have time to focus on each child’s unique needs. Some kids get bored. Others feel left behind. Online classes, especially at Debsie, are carefully designed to support all kinds of learners.
6. Hard to track progress.
Most offline coaches don’t give regular feedback or progress reports. With online learning, you get updates, tournament stats, and class reviews—so you always know how your child is doing.
7. Limited community.
Offline students mostly play with the same group again and again. Online students get to meet and challenge kids from all over the world. It’s exciting, motivating, and builds a real love for the game.
This is why more and more parents in Glen Waverley and beyond are turning to online chess schools. They want the best for their kids—strong coaching, flexible classes, and a smart way to grow.
And now, let’s dive into the most exciting part—who the best chess academies are, and why Debsie stands at the top.
Best Chess Academies in Glen Waverley, Melbourne
Here are some of the top chess academies or programs serving Glen Waverley or nearby areas. I’ll start with Debsie, then show some others and how they compare.
A. Debsie
Debsie is the best choice if you want a chess training program that is online, structured, high quality, and child-focused. Here’s why Debsie stands out so strongly, and what you will get if you choose it.
What Debsie Offers
- Structured Curriculum from Beginner to Advanced
- Children start from absolute basics: knowing how each piece moves, what the goal is, and then gradually to more complex ideas.
- Every lesson builds on what came before. So there’s no big gaps. For example: after learning piece movement and simple checkmates, you’ll go to tactics (forks, pins, skewers), then openings, middlegame planning, then endgames.
- It is designed so kids don’t feel lost or overwhelmed—they always know the next step and have small wins along the way.
- Highly Qualified Coaches
- Debsie uses FIDE‑certified coaches. These are coaches recognized by the world chess federation. That means they know strong ideas, not just casual tricks.
- They know how to teach kids: breaking down hard ideas into simple bits, using examples and games. They also give individual feedback so your child improves.
- Group + Private Coaching Options
- If your child likes learning with peers, there are small group classes. These let them see others’ ideas, learn in a social way, and get motivated.
- If your child needs special attention, there are one‑on‑one, private sessions. Coach can adjust to their pace, explain again, or advance faster.
- Interactive lessons
- Debsie uses live lessons (via video), real game‑analysis, positions, puzzles. Kids not only get told things, they do them in class. They get to ask questions, try moves, make mistakes and correct them.
- There are regular challenges, tournaments, practice games, so lessons feel real and applied.
- Life Skills and Personal Growth
- Beyond chess: patience, concentration, planning ahead. Also learning to cope with loss, thinking under time pressure, decision making.
- Debsie aims to help kids grow as people—not just better chess players.
- Flexible Schedule + Convenience
- Because Debsie is online, you can fit classes around school, after‑school, weekends. No commuting. No cost/time lost in traffic.
- You can join from home, no matter where in Glen Waverley or beyond. If you move, or go on holiday, you can still attend classes.
- Global Community + Exposure
- Students from many countries: this means exposure to different styles, new ideas, varied opponents. That is good for growth.
- Regular online tournaments with peers in Australia and abroad give your child real‑game experience.
- Trial Class & Transparency
- You can try a free trial class to see whether your child likes the style. No commitment required.
- Debsie gives progress reports. You see what was covered, what has improved, what the next goals are. So you know exactly what you or your child is achieving.
Why Debsie Wins vs Offline or Other Academies
- Many offline classes or smaller academies do not have as detailed or consistent curriculum. They might run classes randomly without connecting them. Debsie is always building toward clearly defined skills.
- Offline often means fixed location, fixed time, which can be hard for busy families. Debsie offers flexibility.
- Some other schools have good coaches, but less frequent sessions, or large class sizes such that personal feedback is limited. Debsie keeps groups small or provides private coaching to ensure feedback.
- Because Debsie is online and global, there are more frequent tournaments. Offline ones often are local and rare. More practice means faster improvement.
B. Dark Horse Chess
- Based in Melbourne. They do both private coaching and in‑school chess coaching.
- They have a good curriculum and experience. Many students reach state and national levels through their coaching.
- But compared to Debsie: they are mostly offline/in‑school. Less global exposure. Also less flexible if you need classes from home. The number of online competitive tournaments offered may be smaller.
C. Healthy Minds Chess Academy
- Offers both in‑person and online. They have structured programs for school clubs, private groups.
- They serve many schools (including high profile ones) and focus on not just chess tactics but thinking, solving problems, boosting focus, etc.
- Good choice if you want something local and partly offline, especially if your child benefits from being in a classroom. But Debsie often offers more classes per week, more flexibility, more consistent feedback.
D. Chess Republic Academy
- One of the stronger academies in Melbourne. They have multiple locations (e.g. Mulgrave, Berwick, Clyde etc.) and offer classes for all levels.
- They organize tournaments, extra practice times, camps.
- Compared to Debsie: good infrastructure, physical presence. But sometimes travel to those locations adds time. Also, the online component may not be as personal or frequent. Debsie wins here if you want maximum flexibility and strong online learning.
E. Bingo Education (Melbourne Chess Club & Academy for Kids)
- Bingo Education offers chess and other strategic games for kids, along with public speaking, art etc. They aim for fun, strategic play.
- They have in‑campus teaching, group classes. Great for kids who like meeting others in person.
- But their focus is broader (many subjects), so the time per week devoted to chess training may be less deep than at a specialist academy like Debsie. Also, if your child wants to push deeply into tournaments or improve fast, a dedicated chess academy might serve better.
Comparison Table (Debsie vs Others)
| Feature | Debsie | Dark Horse Chess | Healthy Minds | Chess Republic | Bingo Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online & In‑Person | ✅ (strong online) | Mostly in‑person or school‑based | Both | Both | Mostly group/in‑person |
| Curriculum Structure | Very detailed, built by experts | Good curriculum but less frequent feedback | Structured but may vary by group | Strong structure with tournaments etc | Moderate, fun‑oriented |
| Flexibility of Schedule | High – many class times, trial, private options | Lower – tied to school schedules or local venues | Medium | Medium to High (some online) | Lower–depends on class location |
| Feedback & Personal Attention | High | Medium‑High | Medium | Medium‑High | Low‑Medium |
| Global Exposure / Tournaments | Strong | Limited mostly local | Some local/interschool | Quite good local & regional tournaments | Mostly local / in person play |
| Cost vs Value | Very competitive for what you get | Value is good locally, but travel/time adds cost | Good, especially for school‑club options | Slightly higher depending on location | Moderate, but less intensive training |
Why Online Chess Training is The Future
It’s easy to think that learning something like chess should be done in-person. After all, chess is a board game—right? But the world has changed, and so has the way we learn. Just like we now use phones to talk, tablets to read, and videos to learn science and math, online chess training is not just the future—it’s already here. And it’s changing everything for the better.
Here’s a very real look at why online chess training is not just as good as offline—it’s often much better.
Online Means Global, Not Local
In traditional chess classes, your child learns from the one coach who’s available in your area. That coach might be great—or they might not be. But online, your child isn’t limited by geography.
They can learn from top-rated international coaches who have trained champions. They can play with kids from other states, countries, and time zones. The classroom is no longer four walls—it’s the whole world.
This global exposure builds not just chess strength, but confidence, curiosity, and communication skills.
Access to Better Coaches and Resources
Offline chess classes often depend on whoever is nearby and available. But with online learning, you get access to FIDE-certified coaches, tournament-level players, and master teachers who’ve trained hundreds or thousands of students.
Platforms like Debsie hire only the best. Coaches go through training, follow a set curriculum, and know how to teach each age and skill level. No guessing, no random lessons—just high-quality learning, every time.
Students also get access to online resources: recorded lessons, puzzle sheets, annotated games, tournament videos, progress dashboards, and more. You don’t get this in most local clubs.
Learn From Home, Save Time and Energy
One of the biggest headaches for parents is the logistics. Driving across the city. Finding parking. Waiting during the class. Rushing after school. All of that disappears with online learning.
Your child can log in from your kitchen, living room, or even while traveling. The learning fits around your life, not the other way around.
Plus, kids are more relaxed at home. They’re in a space they know. That makes them more open to learning, asking questions, and trying again when they make mistakes.
Consistent Schedules and Regular Feedback
Most offline classes happen once a week. Some get canceled. Some get delayed. Some coaches switch topics without warning. That doesn’t happen with a top online program.
At Debsie, for example:
- There are weekly classes, always on time.
- Students get progress reports, so parents know what’s going on.
- Coaches give home practice, tournaments, and challenges to reinforce learning.
- There’s a clear roadmap from beginner to advanced, so your child keeps improving.
This consistency builds real results. You’re not guessing how your child is doing—you see it clearly.
Regular Online Tournaments Build Real Game Experience
One of the most important parts of chess growth is playing real games. Not just studying ideas, but using them under pressure.
With online chess schools like Debsie, your child can play tournaments every two weeks, safely from home. They’ll play kids of the same level, get live commentary, and then review the games with coaches.
This is huge. It helps them:
- Practice under time limits.
- Learn from mistakes.
- Face new opponents.
- Build sportsmanship.
Offline tournaments are great too—but they happen less often, involve travel, and sometimes kids get nervous in unfamiliar places. Online tournaments build confidence first—and later, they’re better prepared for in-person ones.
Online Teaches More Than Chess
This may sound surprising—but kids learning chess online learn more than just the game.
They also learn:
- Focus: Sitting at a screen and staying locked into a game.
- Discipline: Logging into class on time, doing home puzzles.
- Speaking & Asking Questions: Online classes often feel safer for shy kids. They type or speak their questions freely.
- Tech Skills: Navigating chess platforms, joining video calls, using mouse/touch screens for precise moves—these are real-life skills.
All of these are incredibly useful in school and future studies.
It’s Easier to Track Progress and Set Goals
Offline, it’s hard to know what your child is learning. There may be no homework. No written feedback. No tournament stats. But online? Everything is recorded.
In Debsie’s program:
- Every class has a topic and goal.
- Students get feedback at the end.
- Progress is tracked by levels, puzzles completed, and games played.
- Parents get updates—so you’re always in the loop.
That’s how you know your child is truly improving—not just spending time.
It’s Safe, Structured, and Supervised
Safety is a big concern for many parents. With online classes:
- You don’t need to send your child anywhere.
- You can sit nearby or check in at any time.
- There are strict classroom rules and coach supervision.
- No bullying, no distractions, no safety worries.
And the classes follow a structure—not random games, but guided lessons that build one after another.
No Missed Classes or Gaps in Learning
In offline coaching, if your child misses one class, they may fall behind. In online learning, it’s much easier to catch up.
At Debsie:
- Missed classes can often be rescheduled.
- Students can get review material.
- Coaches stay in touch and adjust if needed.
This means fewer gaps—and more chances to succeed.
Online Is Not Just the Future—It’s the Present
Look around. Most of our work, shopping, even school activities, are online now. Chess is the same. The biggest chess platforms in the world—like Chess.com and Lichess—are online. World champions train online. Tournaments happen online. The best resources are online.
So when your child learns chess online, they’re not “missing out.” They’re joining the main path.
And if they ever want to play in person later? They’ll be better prepared—stronger, smarter, and more confident.
How Debsie Leads the Online Chess Training Landscape
Among all the options out there—offline, online, local clubs, private tutors—Debsie is leading the way when it comes to online chess training, especially for kids. And it’s not just about being online. It’s about how we do things differently.
We’re not just teaching chess. We’re shaping young and smart thinkers.
Let’s break it down.
We Don’t Just Teach Chess – We Teach Thinking
At Debsie, chess is the tool. The bigger goal? Teaching your child how to think.
Every lesson is built to grow:
- Patience: waiting, planning, not rushing moves.
- Focus: paying attention, staying calm under pressure.
- Logic: understanding cause and effect.
- Confidence: making decisions, even after making mistakes.
We’ve seen shy kids come out of their shells. We’ve seen fast learners slow down and become more thoughtful. We’ve seen kids who struggled with school become strategic thinkers who love solving problems.
We’re 100% Online and 100% Structured
Unlike other programs that “also” offer online, Debsie was built from the ground up to be an online-first academy. That means:
- Every class is planned for screen learning.
- Every tool, every platform, every coach is trained for online teaching.
- The whole curriculum is designed to make sense digitally—no confusion, no jumping around.
This isn’t offline learning squeezed into a Zoom call. It’s a full online school—structured, intentional, and super effective.
We Grow With Your Child
Some kids join Debsie at age 6 as beginners. Two years later, they’re playing tournaments confidently. Others come in already strong and want to compete at the next level.
We meet them where they are.
And then we walk with them, step by step, toward where they can be.
Our classes go from:
- Beginner: Learning piece movements, simple tactics, how to win and defend.
- Intermediate: Openings, planning, calculation, time control.
- Advanced: Complex endgames, advanced strategies, tournament preparation.
And if your child wants private coaching or needs more help? We offer that too.
Global Community, Local Support
Yes, we’re online. And yes, we have students from 9+ countries. But we also have many students right here in Glen Waverley and across Melbourne.
That means your child gets the global experience—playing kids from across the world—but also finds local friends and competitors too.
And if they want to play in offline tournaments one day? We help with that too. Many Debsie students go on to play in local clubs and win medals—with strong online preparation.
We Make Chess Fun and Meaningful
Let’s be honest. If a child doesn’t enjoy it, they won’t stick with it.
That’s why at Debsie:
- Lessons are filled with stories, games, and puzzles.
- Coaches use humor, kindness, and real-time feedback.
- Every win is celebrated. Every loss is a learning moment.
Kids love coming to class. And parents love seeing their kids light up with confidence.
We Offer a Free Trial Because We Want You to See the Difference
We’re proud of our program. But don’t take our word for it.
We want you to see it for yourself.
Book a free trial class. Let your child meet our coaches. See how the classes feel. No pressure. No cost. Just a chance to try something that might change how your child learns and grows.
👉 Click here to book your free trial
Final Thoughts
If you live in Glen Waverley, Melbourne, or anywhere nearby—and you’re serious about helping your child grow through chess—Debsie is your best choice.
We’re not the biggest. But we care the most.
We give kids the tools to think better, play smarter, and grow stronger—on the board and in life.
So don’t wait. Try a class. See what makes Debsie different. And give your child a gift that will last a lifetime.