Top Chess Tutors and Chess Classes in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, Australia

Discover the best chess tutors & classes in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast. FIDE coaches for kids & adults. Build focus, patience, and strategy. Book your free Debsie trial today.

Welcome to your clear, simple guide to finding the best chess tutors and classes in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.

I’m Debsie. I run a friendly online chess academy that helps kids and adults think better, focus longer, and play smarter. In this guide, I will show you why online chess training beats the old way, how a strong plan and caring coaches make all the difference, and where to find the top choices near you. I will also explain, step by step, how to pick the right class for your child or for yourself—without stress, guesswork, or wasted time.

You will see why a live, structured, online class with a clear path works so well, even more than local drop-in sessions. You will learn how a simple weekly routine, a coach who knows your goals, and playful practice can turn small steps into big wins. And you will see why Debsie sits at the top of the list for Mooloolaba learners: real coaches, real care, real results.

If you want to try a class while you read, you can grab a free spot now. It takes less than a minute to book: take a free trial class with Debsie today and feel the difference from the very first move.

Ready? Let’s start your path to calm thinking, kind confidence, and strong chess—one good move at a time.

Online Chess Training

Let’s keep this simple. Online chess training is a live class on your screen, with a real coach, a small group, and a clear plan. You log in. You see your coach. You learn one idea at a time. You play short games. You get feedback right away. You know what to do next week. No travel. No wasted time. No confusion.

This way suits busy families in Mooloolaba. School runs are full. Traffic on Nicklin Way can be slow. Sports and homework take time. With online training, your child can start a lesson at home in one click. You save fuel. You keep evenings calmer. Your child learns more because the routine is smooth.

Good online chess is not a YouTube video. It is not a random puzzle app. It is not a big crowd with no help. Good online chess is personal. The coach calls your child by name. The coach knows their level. The coach gives clear tasks: “Try this idea today. Play two practice games. Review this short puzzle set.” Your child feels seen. Your child feels safe to ask questions. That is how learning sticks.

There is one more key piece: a step-by-step path. We keep the steps short. One week, learn how to protect the king. Next week, learn how to use your knights. Then learn a simple plan in the opening, like “control the center, castle, connect rooks.” Small wins build trust. Trust builds love for the game. Love brings effort. Effort brings growth.

Online training also lets us track progress in a clean way. We can see puzzles solved, games reviewed, and goals met. We can spot gaps fast. Maybe endgames are weak. Maybe time use is poor. Maybe nerves kick in during a close game. We teach calm habits: breathe, look at all checks, captures, and threats, then move. These are life skills too—focus, patience, and clear thinking under pressure.

If your child learns better with stories, we teach with stories. If your child loves numbers, we teach with patterns and counts. If your child needs movement, we add short “stand up and stretch” breaks. Online gives us tools to fit the child, not force the child to fit the class.

Would you like to feel this difference? Book a free trial class with Debsie. Sit beside your child for the first 10 minutes. You will notice how kind and clear the coach is, and how calm your child becomes once the lesson starts. One class can show you a lot.

Landscape of Chess Training in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast—and Why Online Wins

Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast have a warm and friendly chess scene. There are local groups and clubs where players meet to play over-the-board games and weekend events—especially around Buderim and nearby suburbs. Suncoast Chess Club runs regular events and welcomes new players across ages and levels. They host tournaments where juniors can play adults and gain Queensland ratings, which is great for experience.

Across South-East Queensland, you will also find school coaching providers and community programs that do in-person classes. Some are Brisbane-based, some work across the Sunshine Coast and beyond. Providers like Gardiner Chess and Chess Mates have a long presence in Queensland schools. Topchess runs school and holiday programs across the region too. These in-person options are useful if you want occasional over-the-board events or school clubs.

There are also active clubs in larger cities nearby, like Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with weekly meets and rated events. These are great for tournament practice but often require long drives from Mooloolaba, and late-night finishes can be hard for families.

So, the local picture is this: you can find places to play, and you can find in-person lessons. But the schedule may not match your family. Travel adds stress. And many in-person classes are mixed-level and unstructured, with little personal follow-up. Online training fixes these pain points: zero travel, flexible time slots, small groups by level, clear lesson plans, and tidy progress reports.

A good plan matters more than a nearby room. A caring coach matters more than a long drive. That is why more Sunshine Coast families are choosing live online training for weekly learning, and then using local clubs for occasional weekend play. It is the best of both worlds: steady growth at home, plus fun events when you want them.

If you want to try this blend, take a free trial with Debsie now. We will guide you on how to mix weekly online lessons with weekend over-the-board play so your child gets both confidence and match practice.

How Debsie Is the Best Choice for Mooloolaba Learners

We put students first. Our coaches are patient, FIDE-certified, and trained to teach kids in simple steps. We do not rush.

We put students first. Our coaches are patient, FIDE-certified, and trained to teach kids in simple steps. We do not rush. We do not talk over your child. We ask questions and listen. We spot tiny wins and celebrate them. We correct mistakes with care. And we show your child a path that makes sense.

Here is how we run your learning journey:

A friendly start. Your free trial is a real, live lesson. We check your current level with easy puzzles and one short game. The coach talks to you about goals: do you want school wins, tournament play, or just a joyful brain workout? We set a clear plan.

A custom fit. We place your child in a small group with close skill levels. No more feeling lost in a class that is too hard. No more boredom in a class that is too easy. We keep groups small so each student speaks, solves, and plays every session.

A simple weekly rhythm. Every week has one focus: a tactic (pin, fork, or skewer), a plan (attack the king safely), or a skill (endgame basics). The coach teaches with stories, shapes, and short tasks. We play mini games to practice just that week’s idea, so learning feels light and clear.

Real feedback. After class, we share quick notes: what went well, what to try next. Your child gets a short home task (10–15 minutes). It fits busy lives. It builds a habit of steady practice without stress.

Friendly tournaments. We run regular online events for our students. They are safe, well-run, and fun. Your child can test skills against peers in a kind space. We also help you pick local weekend events on the Sunshine Coast if you want over-the-board play.

Global community. Students join from many countries. Your child meets friends from around the world who love the same game. It is inclusive, warm, and exciting.

Life skills built in. We teach calm thinking, patience, planning, and kindness. We talk about how to handle a loss with grace, and how to bounce back. We teach how to think before moving, in chess and in life. Parents often tell us school focus and homework habits improve after a few weeks.

Clear results. We keep track of what your child has learned. You always know the next step. You can see growth in puzzles solved, time use in games, and stronger endgame play. Small changes add up.

You can start with a free trial today. See the coach. See the plan. Watch your child light up. If it feels right, we set a schedule that fits your week.

Offline Chess Training

Offline chess training means you go to a venue. Your child sits at a table with a coach and other students. Pieces are on the board. It is social, and it can be fun. You can find this at local clubs, school programs, and community centers across the Sunshine Coast. Places like Suncoast Chess Club run over-the-board events and are welcoming to new players. If your child loves face-to-face games, these sessions help them meet friends and play real boards.

Some families enjoy the feel of a real board and clock. The sound of pieces is nice. Kids learn table manners and tournament habits. Over-the-board events are still important if your child wants official ratings and medals. Offline play is great for that. But weekly learning is different from weekend events. To grow every week, your child needs a plan, structure, and steady feedback. Many offline programs are drop-in, mixed-level, and short on follow-up. Your child may play, but may not learn the key ideas in order.

Travel is another issue. If the class is in Buderim or further, you drive, park, wait, and drive back. If a session runs late, bedtime slips. Homework piles up. This adds stress to family life. For a one-off event, that is fine. For weekly study, it gets hard fast.

That is why many Mooloolaba parents now do a simple mix: online lessons for weekly learning; local clubs for occasional over-the-board events. This mix gives you smooth progress and keeps the joy of real boards alive.

If you want help planning this mix for your child, we can make a simple monthly plan for you during your free trial. It will show what to learn online each week and which local events to try every few weeks.

Drawbacks of Offline Chess Training

Offline classes can work, but let’s be honest about the common gaps so you can choose wisely.

Offline classes can work, but let’s be honest about the common gaps so you can choose wisely.

Unclear levels. Many offline groups mix beginners with advanced kids. The coach tries to teach all at once. Some kids get lost; others get bored. Online, we group by level, so everyone learns at the right speed.

No set path. Without a clear plan, lessons feel random. One week it’s openings, next week it’s puzzles, then just free play. Kids enjoy it but do not build solid skills. Online, we follow a simple path and track progress.

Less feedback. In a busy room, a child might go through a whole game without feedback on key moments. Online, the coach can pause, share the screen, and ask, “What are the threats?” The child learns the thinking steps, not just the moves.

Travel stress. Even a 20-minute drive each way adds up. Traffic, parking, and late dinners make it hard to keep a weekly habit. Online, you click and learn. You save time and energy.

Inconsistent coaches. Some community groups rely on volunteers or rotating helpers. They are kind people, but the teaching can be uneven. At Debsie, your coach is trained to teach kids. Lessons are warm, consistent, and clear.

Limited schedule. Offline classes often run only at fixed times. If that time clashes with sport or homework, you miss out. Online, we offer multiple slots, including early evenings and weekends, so you find a time that fits.

To be clear: offline events still matter. We love real boards. We encourage tournament play when you are ready. But for steady weekly growth, online training with a strong plan is simply easier, smoother, and more effective for most families.

If this sounds right for your child, take the free trial class today. See how calm and simple it can be. Watch your child focus, smile, and learn.

Best Chess Academies in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

You want clear choices. You want real growth. You want a class that fits your home life in Mooloolaba. Below is the simple, honest ranking.

You want clear choices. You want real growth. You want a class that fits your home life in Mooloolaba. Below is the simple, honest ranking. We keep Debsie at #1 because our full online system—live coaches, small groups, careful feedback, and a warm learning path—solves the biggest pain points for families here. After that, we list some good options across the Sunshine Coast and Queensland so you can compare. We keep those short and fair. You will quickly see why most parents choose Debsie for weekly learning and then use local clubs for occasional over-the-board play.

Before we dive in, if you would like to feel the difference now, you can book a free trial with Debsie. Sit next to your child for the first minutes. See the calm pace. See the simple tasks. See how fast the coach spots small wins. That little moment matters more than any ad copy

1. Debsie (Rank #1)

You want a strong start and a steady path. You also want kindness. That is Debsie. We teach live online lessons with FIDE-certified coaches who speak in clear, gentle words and move at your child’s pace. Our goal is simple: help your child think better, feel calmer, and enjoy the game every week.

What makes Debsie different (and better for Mooloolaba families)

A real plan, not random lessons. We do not jump around. We follow a simple ladder of skills that builds confidence fast:

  • Week 1: king safety and checkmate shapes (two rooks mate, ladder mate).
  • Week 2: basic tactics (pins, forks, skewers) with tiny “spot it” drills.
  • Week 3: opening habits (control the center, castle, connect rooks).
  • Week 4: endgame basics (king and pawn vs king, opposition).
  • Week 5: attack plans without blunders (look at checks, captures, threats).
  • Week 6: review and apply (mini-games, slow thinking steps, quick recap).

This is not a fixed “one size fits all” kit. We tune the ladder to the child. But the shape is always clear, so your child never feels lost.

Small groups, close levels. We place your child with peers who are within a tight rating/skill band. No more “too hard” classes that crush confidence. No more “too easy” sessions that feel like babysitting. In our small rooms, your child speaks often, solves short tasks, and plays mini-games every lesson.

Coaches who listen. Our coaches are trained to ask kind questions, not give long speeches. We say things like, “What are their checks? What are their captures? What are their threats?” We teach a habit, not a script. That habit helps in school too—pausing, scanning, then acting.

Clear feedback after every class. You get a tiny note: one bright spot, one focus, one micro-task (10–15 minutes). This keeps stress low and progress steady. Busy evenings in Mooloolaba stay calm.

Flexible times that match real life. We offer slots across afternoons, evenings, and weekends. If you have surf club, soccer, or music, we help you find a time that works. You can also reschedule easily when life gets busy.

Friendly student tournaments (online). Every two weeks, we run short, safe events just for our students. The coach reminds the key idea of the week before the first round, and checks one game afterward so each child gets a “tiny fix” to use next time.

Bridge to local over-the-board play. We love real boards too. After a few weeks, we show you nearby events on the Sunshine Coast so your child can try a Sunday tournament when ready. We explain what to bring, how the clock works, and how to be calm at the board. When your child uses online habits at a real table, the growth feels magical.

Life skills, woven into every move. We teach how to breathe before hard choices, how to lose with grace, and how to try again with a plan. Parents often tell us homework focus improves, and bedtime is calmer after chess class. That is the heart of our work.

Global, warm community. Students join from many countries. Your child meets kind peers, sees different styles, and learns to say “good game” with a smile. It feels safe, friendly, and fun.

If this sounds like the right feel for your family, try a free class now. Let your child experience a gentle coach, a short clear lesson, and one small win today.

What a first month looks like with Debsie

  • Week 1 (Welcome & Map): We check your child’s level with a few puzzles and a tiny game. The coach sets a calm pace. You receive a one-page plan with the next four lesson themes and micro-tasks.
  • Week 2 (Tactics & Safety): We practice pins and forks with two-minute drills. We learn to spot the enemy’s best move before making ours. The homework is five short puzzles—no more than 10 minutes.
  • Week 3 (Openings That Make Sense): We learn to bring pieces out fast and castle early. The child plays two mini-games that start from a simple opening shape. We record one key moment and talk about it.
  • Week 4 (Endgame Calm): We learn how to use the king as a fighter. We walk a pawn to promotion the right way. Your child sees that endgames are not scary—they are clean and calm.
  • Review Call: We share a tiny progress note, update the plan, and adjust the group if needed. You always know the next step.

Special support for Sunshine Coast families

Mooloolaba evenings can be full: beach time, homework, sport. So we build for short, strong lessons that do not drain energy. Our classes are 45–60 minutes, with a little stretch break if needed. We also help you blend online learning with local events so your child enjoys real-board play without weekly travel stress. We keep a simple calendar of suggested Sunshine Coast events for our families and explain entry, time controls, and what “rated” means, so nothing feels confusing.

Want to see this in action? Book your free trial class. In one session, you will know if this fit feels right.

How Debsie compares to typical offline options

  • Structure: We follow a clear ladder; many local sessions are open play or mixed-level talks with less follow-up.
  • Time: We save you the drive to Buderim or beyond; you click, learn, and keep evenings peaceful.
  • Feedback: We give a tiny note after each class; offline nights often end with no time for review.
  • Consistency: You keep the same coach and group; some in-person groups rotate leaders or rely on volunteers.
  • Safety and focus: Online rooms are quiet, gentle, and moderated; busy halls can be loud and tiring for younger kids.

Again, we do not reject over-the-board chess—we love it. We simply place weekly learning online, where structure and calm are easier, and use local events for joyful test days. That mix works best for most families we help.

If you are ready, start with your free trial now. Let’s make the first move together.

2. Gardiner Chess (Queensland)

Gardiner Chess is a well-known provider in Queensland. They run school coaching across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, and they organise official inter-school championships statewide. For families who want in-person school programs and weekend events, they are active and established.

Why Debsie is still better for weekly growth: Debsie focuses on tight, level-matched online groups, clear weekly feedback, and minimal travel. Many school programs are tied to school hours and can be mixed-level, with less follow-up for your child at home. With Debsie, you get a strong study habit every week and still join Gardiner-run events when you want tournament practice. If you are curious about local inter-school or one-day junior events on the Sunshine Coast, we help you pick dates and prepare calmly.

3. Suncoast Chess Club (Buderim)

Suncoast Chess Club welcomes new players and hosts regular over-the-board sessions and family-friendly tournaments in Buderim. It is a good place to meet local players, play with a real board and clock, and enjoy the community vibe. This is helpful once your child knows the basics and wants live games on a Sunday or a Tuesday evening.

They also advertise junior events and community meetups from time to time. Contact details and venue info are easy to find online. If you plan to go, we can brief your child on the simple rules of tournament behaviour so they feel ready and calm.

Why Debsie is still better for learning: Clubs are fantastic for play, but they are not built for a step-by-step teaching path with weekly feedback. Use Debsie for learning and Suncoast for occasional real-board fun. That combination gives you both progress and local friends.

4. Chess Mates (South-East Queensland)

Chess Mates runs classes for kids in many schools across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and beyond, plus online classes and holiday programs. If your school hosts them, it can be an easy way to try chess right on campus.

Why Debsie may suit you better: We keep groups tiny online and match by level with care. We also provide a micro-task and note after each class and guide you toward the right local events. If your child needs a calm, steady, highly personal plan, Debsie is the better weekly base.

5. TOPCHESS (Queensland)

TOPCHESS lists strong tutors and a structured program from beginner to advanced, with coaches who hold Blue Cards. They serve Brisbane and run school and small-group sessions. This is a solid choice if you want a face-to-face coach and can handle travel.

Why Debsie may be a better fit: Online saves your travel time from Mooloolaba, and our groups are tightly level-matched with written feedback each week. We also wrap in friendly online tournaments and a clear monthly plan that fits busy family life.

A simple way to choose (so you avoid overwhelm)

Ask yourself three calm questions:

  1. Do I want weekly structure without the drive?
    If yes, Debsie is your best friend. We run live, small, clear classes online with careful feedback. You keep your evenings calm.
  2. Do I want local real-board play sometimes?
    Great. We map a simple path: learn with Debsie each week, then join a Sunshine Coast event or club night when ready. We point you to options and explain how to prepare.
  3. Do I want my child to grow in life skills too?
    Debsie builds thinking steps that help in school and sport: pause, scan, choose. We teach how to handle nerves and losses with grace. These habits last.

If this matches your heart for your child, take the free trial now. One small lesson can change the way your child thinks about hard tasks.

What your child will learn with Debsie in the first 90 days

  • Openings that make sense: Bring pieces to good squares. Castle early. Avoid early queen chases. Your child learns “why,” not just “what.”
  • Tactics that pop up a lot: Pins to freeze a piece. Forks to win material. Skewers to attack the stronger piece behind. We practice with tiny, joyful drills.
  • Endgame calm: King activity, pawn structure, and the right path to promotion. We make endings feel like a puzzle, not a panic.
  • Planning and time use: How to avoid quick, nervous moves. How to make a short list of candidate moves, then choose with care.
  • Mindset: How to breathe when stuck, how to reset after a mistake, and how to finish strong.

We keep score of growth in a gentle way: puzzles solved, good habits used, time on task, and brave tries. We praise effort, not just wins.

If you want this kind of steady, human-first coaching, book your free class today. You will see the approach in the first 10 minutes.

What parents in beach towns love about Debsie

  • No commute. You are not racing down Nicklin Way or hunting for parking near Buderim Hall. Your child logs in, learns, and logs out—calm and ready for dinner.
  • Short, strong work. We focus on one idea per week, so even a tired brain can succeed.
  • Kind voices. Our coaches are patient and warm. Kids feel safe asking “silly” questions. There are no silly questions here.
  • Real results. After a month, parents often say: “My child stops and thinks more.” That pause is the seed of strong play—and strong study habits too.

You can try this risk-free. Join a free trial class. If you love it, we schedule a time that fits your week. If not, you still walk away with a mini plan for your child.

How Debsie stacks up at a glance

  • Debsie: Live, small online groups, clear plan, weekly notes, no travel, friendly student tournaments, gentle bridge to local events.
  • Gardiner Chess: Strong statewide organiser for school coaching and inter-school events; great for tournaments and school-based sessions.
  • Suncoast Chess Club: Welcoming local club nights and family-friendly tournaments in Buderim; great for real-board practice.
  • Chess Mates: School classes and holiday programs across South-East Queensland, plus online options.
  • TOPCHESS: Queensland coaching with structured levels and Blue-Card coaches.

Use Debsie for the weekly learning engine. Use local options for over-the-board joy. That mix gives you the best of both worlds.

If you are ready to begin, grab your free trial class now. Let’s make a simple plan that fits your home, your week, and your child.

Why Online Chess Training Is the Future

The future of learning is simple: clear lessons, kind coaches, and zero wasted time. Online chess gives you all three. It fits real life in Mooloolaba—school, sport, beach

The future of learning is simple: clear lessons, kind coaches, and zero wasted time. Online chess gives you all three. It fits real life in Mooloolaba—school, sport, beach, homework—and still builds strong skills week by week. Let’s keep it very plain and human.

First, time is precious. Driving to a class, finding parking, waiting in a hallway, and driving back eats your evening. Online saves that hour. Your child finishes dinner, logs in, learns, and then has time to rest. Calm nights make steady habits.

Second, online makes the classroom smarter. In a live online room, the coach can share a board, highlight squares, show quick puzzle slides, and rewind a position with one click. The class stays tight and focused. There is no shuffle, no loud room, no side talk. Your child sees one clear board and one clear next step.

Third, online lets you match levels better. We can place your child with peers who are truly close in skill. This makes the room feel safe. Your child speaks up, solves small tasks, and feels good. Confidence grows. When a class is mixed-level, that feeling is harder to create.

Fourth, feedback is easier. Because we see every move on the shared board, we can spot patterns fast—rushing, missing checks, forgetting king safety—and fix them gently in the moment. After class, you get a short note with one bright spot and one focus for the week. That tiny loop—teach, do, reflect—is the engine of growth.

Fifth, online builds life skills beyond chess. Your child practices a calm routine: log in on time, greet the group, listen, try, reflect, and say “good game.” We coach breathing before tough moments. We teach how to pause and scan checks, captures, and threats before moving. These habits help with school tests, sports pressure, and everyday choices.

Finally, online opens the world. Your child meets friends from other towns and countries who love the same game. The room feels warm and global. Kind words travel far. This builds social ease and curious minds.

That is why online is not a second choice. It is the smart choice for weekly learning. You can still use real-board events as a treat and a test day. But your child’s steady ladder—tactics, plans, endgames, mindset—climbs best online, with a coach who knows them and a path that makes sense.

If this future suits your family, try a free trial class with Debsie today. See the calm pace. See the simple next step. Feel the difference.

How Debsie Leads the Online Chess Training Landscape

Now let’s talk about why Debsie sits at the top. It’s not just our friendly coaches or our soft voices. It’s the whole system: careful design, tiny steps, strong follow-up, and a heart for each child. We make learning feel light, clear, and real. Here is exactly how we lead.

A curriculum that feels human

We built a full path from absolute beginner to strong tournament player. But we kept it in simple blocks so it never feels heavy.

  • Start with safety and shapes. We teach king safety and basic mate patterns first. Kids love patterns. When they see them in games, they smile and trust themselves.
  • Layer tactics slowly. Pins, forks, skewers, discovered attacks—one at a time, with tiny drills and playful mini-games. No long lectures. Just one idea, used well.
  • Openings that tell a story. “Bring your pieces to the party. Castle. Help your rooks meet.” Kids remember stories. They remember why a move makes sense, not just the move.
  • Endgames for calm minds. We show the power of the king in endings. We practice the right path to promotion. We make it neat, not scary.
  • Mindset every week. We weave in “pause and scan,” deep breaths, and kind self-talk. We talk about bouncing back after a mistake. We model it ourselves.

This is not a rigid script. It is a gentle ladder. We move up when your child is ready. We repeat a rung if needed. We celebrate small wins.

Coaches who teach like caring guides

Our coaches are FIDE-certified and trained to teach children with warmth and clarity. We do not rush. We ask short questions. We listen. We draw out ideas with “What changed?” and “What is their best move?” We praise effort and good thinking, not just wins. Kids feel safe to say, “I don’t know.” That is when learning starts.

A class that runs like clockwork

Every session follows an easy rhythm: hello, quick warm-up puzzle, short teaching moment, guided mini-game, reflection, and micro-task. This rhythm makes brains relax. Kids know what is coming. The coach keeps things moving, but never hurries. If a child needs a stretch, we stand up for 20 seconds. Then we get back to the board with fresh focus.

Personal notes after each class

Parents want to know what happened and what to do next. We send one tiny note: what went well, what to try, and a 10–15 minute task. That is it. No long reports. No confusion. Just a clear next step that fits your week.

Built-in practice that kids actually do

We keep practice short and sweet: a handful of puzzles and, if time allows, two quick games with the week’s idea in mind. We teach kids to review one moment from their game—just one—and ask, “What was I trying? What was my opponent trying?” This baby step makes review a habit.

Friendly tournaments that teach, not scare

Every two weeks we host short online events for our students. Before round one, the coach reminds one key tip. After the event, we look at one instructive game together. Kids get used to the clock and the nerves in a safe space. They learn to greet, play, and say “good game” with a smile.

A bridge to local over-the-board play

We help you pick a gentle first real-board event when your child is ready. We explain clocks, scoresheets (if used), and simple manners at the table. We share a one-page “tournament checklist” so the day goes smoothly. Many families tell us their child felt calm because the steps were not new. Online practice made the day feel familiar.

Clear growth without pressure

We track progress in kind ways: puzzle accuracy, awareness of checks and threats, basic mate patterns used in games, and better time use. We do not chase ratings or rush kids. We care about steady habits and joy in the work. Ratings rise as a result, not as a command.

Flexible times for real life on the Coast

We know evenings can be busy with sport and beach time. We offer multiple time slots and make rescheduling easy. We fit the class to your life, not the other way around. When a plan is easy to keep, it lasts.

A real person to talk to

You can reach us. If you have a question about level, nerves, or how to motivate a tired child, we are here. We share small, practical tips—short breaks, gentle goals, sticker charts, or a simple “two good things from today’s class” talk at dinner. We stand with you.

Results that show up in school and life

Parents tell us their child thinks before acting, sits longer on hard tasks, and handles frustration better. That is chess done right. We want your child to win games, yes—but more than that, we want your child to win at calm thinking and kind confidence.

What your first 30 minutes with Debsie feels like

You click the link. Your coach smiles and greets your child by name. We start with one easy puzzle. Your child answers. The coach praises the thinking step, not just the move. We teach one tiny idea, then play a short mini-game to use it. Your child gets a small success. You get a short note and a micro-task for the week. You close the laptop and feel light, not tired. That is how it should feel.

If you want to feel this yourself, take a free trial right now. It takes less than a minute to book.

How to start (super simple)

  1. Pick a time for your free trial class.
  2. Join from home on any laptop or tablet.
  3. Meet your coach. Learn one idea. Play a mini-game.
  4. Get your tiny next step and a suggested weekly slot.

If you like the feel, we set your schedule. If not, you still leave with a short, useful plan for your child.

A final word from us to you

You want your child to be calm, brave, and smart. You want them to smile at hard puzzles and try again when they slip. We want the same. We built Debsie to be a gentle, strong hand for families like yours—right here on the Sunshine Coast and around the world.

Let’s make one good move today. Book your free trial class. Watch your child light up. We will take it one small step at a time, together.