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Chess lessons for kids in Melbourne
Patient, structured and fun lessons for children of every level, from learning how the pieces move to preparing for junior championships. In person in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, or online.
From first moves to first tournaments
Learning the game
The rules, the pieces and the first simple plans, with plenty of games and puzzles. Lessons build good habits early and keep chess fun.
Getting better
Tactics, openings that suit your child’s style, and going over their own games to find what’s really costing them points.
Ready to compete
Preparation for Victorian and Australian junior championships, including openings, managing nerves and using the clock well.
Lessons built around your child
I played my first tournaments at seven, at Box Hill Chess Club, so I remember what it’s like to be a young player. Some children want to race ahead, others need things explained a different way, and some learn best with structure, routine and a few breaks. I tailor each lesson to how your child learns, while making sure they’re always being stretched.
I also ask students to explain their ideas back to me. Talking through a plan out loud is the fastest way for a child to find out whether they really understand it, and it builds confidence along the way.
★★★★★My child has ADHD, and we’d struggled to find activities where he could stay engaged. Jody was wonderful with him from the very first lesson. She kept things structured and predictable, took breaks when he needed them, and found ways to turn his focus into a real strength at the board. He’s grown so much in confidence, and chess has become something he genuinely loves. I’d recommend Jody to any family whose child learns a little differently.
Patricia KPrivate lessons
★★★★★Oscar had never played chess before starting lessons with Jody. She was so patient and explained everything in a way he could understand, and he was always excited for his next lesson. Within a few months he was beating the rest of the family! I’d highly recommend Jody to any child starting out.
MichelleParent of a Year 3 student
★★★★★We chose Jody to help prepare for the Victorian Junior Chess Championships. Her competition experience made a huge difference: she helped with openings and preparation, and also how to stay calm under pressure. My daughter’s rating increased from the tournament, and she’s much more confident at tournaments now.
Diana LParent · Private lessons
In person in Melbourne’s east, or online
Lessons can be at your home or a local chess club in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, or online over video with a shared board on Lichess or Chess.com. I teach in person in Surrey Hills and every suburb within about 5 km, plus Doncaster, Kew and Glen Waverley:
- Ashburton
- Ashwood
- Balwyn
- Balwyn North
- Blackburn
- Blackburn South
- Box Hill
- Box Hill North
- Box Hill South
- Burwood
- Camberwell
- Canterbury
- Deepdene
- Doncaster
- Glen Iris
- Glen Waverley
- Hawthorn East
- Kew
- Mont Albert
- Mont Albert North
- Surrey Hills
Jody Middleton, WCM
I’m a Woman Candidate Master who has represented Australia at the 2021 FIDE Olympiad and at the World Junior Championships in 2022 and 2023. I was Australian Girls Champion in 2019 and won four Australian age titles before that. I’ve coached privately and in schools since 2021.
Book a first lesson for your child
Tell me your child’s age, how long they’ve played, and any rating or tournaments so far, and I’ll get back to you.