Junior Chess Club - Right here in Surbiton!
Learn & Improve Chess from Beginners to Advanced
Every Wednesday (Term Time) from 6.15pm to 7.15pm at Fircroft, 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RH
Book your Child's £7 Trial Class & FREE Tournament Prep Secrets
Ready to level up your Child's Brainpower?
Got burning questions about our age brackets, the membership price, or is your Chess player ready to play.
Just fire over your questions using the quick form below. Contact us today and we'll immediately send you access to our FREE "Tournament Prep Secrets" pack!
One of our friendly, expert coaches will also be in touch within 24 hours to correspond about all things Surbiton Junior Chess Club—absolutely no pressure or obligation to sign up! Let's get them playing!
Also if you like to Never Miss a Move: Join the Surbiton Junior Chess Club E-Newsletter!
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* Priority Access: Be alerted immediately when term enrollment dates and new class openings are announced.
* Local Events: Get the inside track on our fun chess events and local tournaments.
* Coaching Corner: Receive helpful, actionable chess tips from our Surbiton coaches to help your child improve between sessions.
Check 'Yes' at the bottom to receive our occasional, valuable newsletter and stay ahead of the game!
🤝 Join Us: Secure Your Child's Place Today!
We ensure that the process of joining the Surbiton Junior Chess Club is streamlined and transparent, reflecting the value we place on your time and investment. Our focus is on providing high-calibre instruction with a flexible commitment.
Where & When: Convenience and Consistency
• Venue: We meet in the secure, focused environment of Fircroft, 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RH.
• Time: Our sessions are thoughtfully scheduled every Wednesday evening (during term time) from 6:15PM to 7:15PM, designed to integrate smoothly with demanding academic and extracurricular calendars.
Investment Breakdown: Value-Driven Excellence
• Introductory Session: To ensure complete suitability, your child's first lesson is priced at just £7.00.
• Session Fee: Subsequent, high-calibre coaching sessions are £9 per session. Payable for the term.
• Annual Membership: The £30.00 Annual Club Membership is only due after your child has attended their second session. This structured commitment ensures that the club is the right long-term fit for achieving their strategic development goals.
Low-Risk Trial Policy: Experience Our Calibre
We encourage all prospective members to experience the quality of our coaching firsthand. There is no commitment required upfront beyond the first session fee. This policy is designed to allow your child to confidently evaluate the depth of our curriculum and the calibre of our peers before a full commitment is made.
First Class Coaching. Stately Setting.
Why Chessington & Surbiton is First Class Coaching. Stately Setting.
Inspiring & Comfortable Environment: Our club meets in the beautiful, stately style home setting of Fircroft in Surbiton. Not only do children learn in a calm, luxurious atmosphere, but parents can also relax in style in our two dedicated waiting rooms. (Currently there is even a massage chair for parents!)
• Inclusive Excellence: We are the Surbiton Junior Chess Club Chess Knights. We welcome complete beginners, intermediate and advanced players.
• Structured Fun: Lessons are Chess master led and are tailored to every level, ensuring every child in the Surbiton area can progress with confidence.
📍 Ready to Play in Surbiton?
Join us every Wednesday!
• When: Wednesday Evenings, 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
• Where: Fircroft (Stately Home Setting), 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton KT6 6RH during term time.
Family First
Unleash Your Child's Strategic Genius
High-Quality Teaching for Every Level: 40 Years of Combined Experience Your child’s intellectual development is our priority. They will learn from expert, encouraging teachers who possess a combined four decades of dedicated teaching experience. We ensure every class is a positive learning experience, focused on developmental growth and enjoyment of the game, not simply on winning. • Positive Learning Environment: We foster a setting where children are encouraged to explore strategies, learn from mistakes, and develop lifelong cognitive skills. • Encouragement & Development: Our seasoned instructors are committed to making chess a deeply engaging and positive pursuit for your child. Elite Instruction and Unmatched Value For those seeking the highest level of instruction, our advanced classes are led by a qualified FIDE Candidate Master (CM). This leadership provides top-tier, strategic coaching and competitive insight often found only at significantly higher private school or academy rates. We are proud to offer this exceptional standard of chess education, making a powerful, mind-sharpening skill accessible to every child in our community. • Top-Tier Strategic Coaching: Access high-level theory and game analysis from a certified CM. • Exceptional Value: Receive elite instruction without the premium fees typically associated with this level of coaching expertise. Next Steps for Enrollment Ready to give your child the edge that comes with mastering the game of kings?
Complimentary - Secrets Of Tournament Success Kit
🅿️ Discreet and Convenient Parking for Your Visit
We understand that convenience is paramount for busy families. While our prestigious Fircroft venue provides an ideal learning environment, we want to ensure your drop-off and collection process is as smooth as possible.
Parking Information
• On-Site Parking: Limited parking is available on-site at Fircroft and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot if this is your preference.
• Alternative Parking (Opposite): Ample street parking is often available on Rickards Close, which is directly opposite the Fircroft venue on Ditton Road.
• Alternative Parking (Short Walk): Further free on-street parking can typically be found along Woodlands Road, just a short walk from the club.
Welcome and Mission Statement
A Big, Friendly Welcome to the Surbiton Junior Chess Club!
The perfect place for your child to grow a passion for the world's greatest game.
We are a fun, friendly, and focused community thrilled to welcome new members! Whether your child is moving their first pawn or planning complex strategies, we provide the perfect environment for them to develop skills, build confidence, and have fun. We believe chess is the best game in the world!
Our Sessions: Learn & Compete
Our goal is to make every session a fun learning adventure. We structure our evening into exciting, skill-appropriate sessions, ensuring every child learns at their pace:
Beginner & Intermediate Lessons
Easy, fun learning! We cover fundamental rules and those first tricky tactical patterns in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.
Master-Led Lessons
Step up to advanced strategies, classic game analysis, and preparation for local tournaments. These classes are led by a qualified FIDE Candidate Master (CM), offering elite instruction that provides an edge in competitive play.
Expect lots of hands-on activities, engaging group puzzles, and our dynamic Interactive Chess Olympics where you put your skills to the test right away!
Key Logistics & Safety (The Must-Knows)
We prioritize a secure environment so you can relax, and your child can focus on their game. Rest assured that all of our dedicated coaches hold Enhanced DBS Checks.
📍 Where & When We Meet
Venue Address: Fircroft, 96 Ditton Road,
Surbiton, KT6 6RH
We meet every Wednesday evening during term time. Our session runs from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM.
🅿️ Parking Information
On-Site Parking: First-Come, First-Served Parking at Fircroft is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For your convenience, alternative parking is available nearby:
• Rickards Close: Street parking is often available on Rickards Close, which is opposite the Fircroft venue.
• Woodlands Road: Further parking is typically available along Woodlands Road, a short walk away.
We look forward to welcoming your child to the club.
Best wishes,
Mr & Mrs Briscoe
♟️ Master-Led Instruction: The Surbiton Advantage
Meet the local Coaches who care
Mrs Briscoe - Our Beginner and Intermediate Coach
Our Younger Students and Beginners are in Brilliant Hands
For our younger and new players, the foundation of a positive experience begins with exceptional teaching.
Our Beginner and Intermediate lessons are led by Mrs. Briscoe, an educator whose expertise is not only professional but also deeply personal. Mrs. Briscoe is a second-generation chess coach, meaning she comes from a family that has dedicated their lives to helping kids succeed through this game.
• Elite Experience: She currently teaches at some of the top private schools in the country, ensuring your child gets the highest quality start to their chess journey, learning from current, best-practice methodologies.
• Deep Local Commitment: But her commitment to this area runs even deeper: Mrs. Briscoe grew up immersed in the local chess community that was powerfully shaped by her family's legacy. Her late father, Paul Durrant, was a respected Chairman of Surbiton Chess Club and proudly played for England. For her, the club is truly about continuing that tradition of giving back passion and knowledge to the local community she cherishes.
We offer that same level of professionalism and dedicated care as part of your affordable club fee. Her fun, supportive approach guarantees that even absolute beginners quickly gain confidence and a strong, positive understanding of the game.
Mr Briscoe - Our Advanced Level Coach
For children ready to seriously step up their game—whether aiming for school tournaments or even dreaming of representing England—Chris Briscoe is the coach you need. It was whilst honing his skill playing top board for the Surbiton Chess Club that he achieved the high honour of becoming the Surrey Champion and grew to be a Candidate Master (CM)—a level of expertise you simply won't find at every local club. While Chris is a sought-after expert who currently teaches advanced lessons at both top private and state schools in the country, his commitment to Surbiton is about giving back that championship knowledge to our local community. Your child will get tournament-proven instruction from a highly qualified, local expert, all for an affordable club fee. This ensures our Advanced Classes are anchored in high-level strategy and competitive insight.
See Why Players Excel
Surbiton Junior Chess has transformed my child's strategic thinking and confidence. A fantastic environment for young chess enthusiasts to thrive!
Develop Strategic Thinking with Chess
Enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills in children through engaging chess activities at Surbiton Junior Chess Club.
Beginner-Friendly Lessons and Master led advanced lessons
We offer a really welcoming and flexible approach to learning chess at the Surbiton Junior Chess Club.
For new players, our beginner lessons are all about fun! We focus on getting the basics right—learning how the pieces move and mastering those first simple tactics—in a totally relaxed, low-pressure setting.
For experienced players, our sessions step up to include exciting master-led lessons. This means your child gets top-tier coaching on advanced strategies, deep game analysis, and preparation for competitions, helping them push their skills as far as they want to go.
Whether your child is just starting out or aiming for the top, we guarantee high-quality, engaging lessons tailored just for them!
Interactive Workshops
Get ready for our dynamic, hands-on Interactive Chess Workshop at the SurbjtonJunior Chess Club!
Moving beyond standard lesson formats, this session is packed with engaging group activities, fun mini-tournaments, and practical challenges designed to immediately put theory into practice.
Juniors will rotate through stations focused on different skills—from timed tactical puzzles and exciting endgame races to collaborative strategy discussions—all in a lively, encouraging environment.
It's the perfect opportunity for players of all levels to meet new friends, test their skills against diverse opponents, and dramatically sharpen their chess thinking through active participation and immediate feedback.
Friendly Chess Tournaments
Experienced Chess Coaches
Guidance from expert junior chess coaches with over 40 years of experience. All our coaches are enhanced DBS checked.
Private One to One Lessons Available
We offer private one-on-one chess lessons for children. Our experienced coaches will provide personalized tutoring to improve skills and understanding of the game. Sessions are tailored to meet individual needs and levels.
Safe Environment
The safety and well-being of all our members, particularly junior players, is our highest priority. You can be assured that all staff and volunteers who work with our members have undergone and successfully passed enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. These checks are mandatory for all individuals involved in supervising activities at the club.
We maintain strict safeguarding policies and practices, ensuring a secure and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the game of chess with confidence. If you have any questions about our safeguarding procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the Club Safeguarding Officer.
Chess Events
Special Events and Fun Tournaments! 🎉Beyond our regular Wednesday sessions, the Surbiton Junior Chess Club keeps the excitement going with frequent special events!
Throughout the term, we host engaging, hands-on Interactive Chess Workshops where players dive into fun group puzzles and tactical challenges. Also our tournaments are a great way of developing our chess skills.
The absolute highlight, however, is our famous Chess-Themed Parties! Think of them as our usual friendly club meetings, but packed with extra fun, special snacks, and way more awesome prizes up for grabs after the tournaments!
For those serious about competition, consistent performance in these events can open the door to joining the elite Surrey Junior Chess Squad, giving your dedicated junior the chance to represent the county in prestigious matches!
Surbiton Junior Chess Club
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Getting Started (Logistics and Scheduling)
Q: When does the club meet? A: We meet every Wednesday evening during school term time. Our sessions run from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM.
Q: Where is the club held? A: We meet at Fircroft, 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RH.
Q: Are there classes for different skill levels? A: Yes! We separate our juniors into two structured classes to ensure everyone learns at the right pace.
• Mr. Briscoe (Candidate Master and former Surrey Champion) teaches the Advanced group.
• Mrs. Briscoe (Second-Generation Chess Coach) teaches the Beginners and Intermediates group.
Q: Is parking available, and is it free? A: Parking at Fircroft is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is, however, often ample free street parking nearby on Rickards Close (opposite the venue) and along Woodlands Road (a short walk away).
2. Affordability and Membership (Cost)
Q: What is the cost for my child to attend? A: We are committed to being affordable! Our coaching is just £9 per session.
Q: Do I have to pay for a whole term upfront? A: No, we understand that budgeting is important. Payment is currently done on a termly basis, but we ensure our term fees are highly competitive.
Q: Can my child try it out before I commit to anything? A: Absolutely. Join our club with no obligation! Your first lesson is just £7.00. The annual £30 Club Membership Fee is only payable after your child has completed their second week. This low-risk trial policy gives you peace of mind before fully signing up.
Q: Are there discounts for siblings? A: While we don't offer a traditional sibling discount, our session fee is already structured at the lowest possible affordable price to ensure all families benefit. This guarantees every child receives the same focused, high-quality coaching from our experienced team.
Q: What does the £30 membership fee cover? A: The membership is only paid once a year and includes all structured coaching, access to our online resources, entry into our fun internal club tournaments, and a welcome goodie pack for your child!
3. Trusted Coaching and Safety
Q: What if my child has never played chess before? A: They are more than welcome! Our Beginners class is specifically designed for complete newcomers, focusing on fun and learning the basic rules and pieces in a supportive environment led by Mrs. Briscoe.
Q: Who are the coaches, and are they qualified? A: Your child will be in safe hands! Our sessions are led by the highly experienced Mr. and Mrs. Briscoe, bringing decades of combined teaching experience.
• Mrs. Briscoe (Beginners/Intermediates) brings over ten years of top-tier chess teaching experience from private schools, following the family tradition of her late father, Paul Durrant (Former Surbiton Chairman and England Player).
• Mr. Chris Briscoe (Advanced) is a FIDE Candidate Master and Former Surrey Champion who offers world-class, tournament-proven instruction.
Q: Are the coaches vetted? A: Yes. For your peace of mind, all of our dedicated coaches hold Enhanced DBS Checks.
Q: What is the coach-to-student ratio? A: We aim for a maximum 1 coach to 10 students. This ensures your child always receives the focused, one-on-one attention they need to progress.
Q: Can parents stay and wait during the session? A: Parents are generally asked to drop off and pick up their children to allow for the best learning environment.
Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible? A:Please note that the Fircroft venue is unfortunately NOT wheelchair accessible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Explore Our Chess FAQs
What age group does Surbiton Junior Chess cater to?
Are beginners welcome at Surbiton Junior Chess?
What activities are offered at Surbiton Junior Chess?
Inspiring Young Minds Through Chess
Surbiton Junior Chess is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of chess enthusiasts in Surbiton, England. Our club offers a supportive and engaging environment where young players can develop their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. With experienced coaches and a vibrant community, we provide opportunities for children to learn, compete, and grow their love for the game. Join us to embark on an exciting chess journey!
Unlock Excellence
Explore Our Chess Club Memberships - Join the Surbiton Knights
🎉 JOIN THE QUEST! Membership Tiers for Future Champions Hey Chess Fans! Ready to start your epic quest for strategy and fun? Choose your rank in Surbiton Knights and unlock amazing powers!
🏰 Your Knight's Pass: The Required Annual Fee
£30
Annual Pass Fee
Free Resources
Basic Spring Term Membership - Pewter Knight
£90
Spring Term 2025 - 12th Jan - 23rd Mar - Term Time Only - 10 weeks
Tournament Access
Master Led Chess Classes
Special Party Events
Bronze Knight Vanguard Dual Location Level Membership
£135 Spring Term 2025
per term
Chessington Class
Surbiton Class
Double the Practice
All club parties
Silver Knight Mentor Membership
£175
Spring Term
Weekly Classes on Wednesdays during term time
Group Sessions
Interactive Puzzles
Friendly Matches
Free Resources
Contact Us for Chess Fun
Reach out to Surbiton Junior Chess for queries about our club in Surbiton, England.
Unlock Your Child's Potential
Join Surbiton Junior Chess and watch your child thrive through strategic play and skillful thinking. Our supportive environment encourages both beginners and aspiring champions.