Does my child need to know how to play already?

No. Chess Lab's beginner programmes teach everything from the basics, so no prior experience is needed.

How are classes levelled?

Three groups: First Movers (beginners - fundamentals, rules, basic tactics), Star Class (intermediate - tactical patterns, opening principles, game analysis) and Elite Class (tournament-ready - calculation, opening preparation, endgames). Students are placed by an initial assessment.

What qualifications do the coaches have?

Chess Lab says many of its coaches hold national or international chess certifications, and its team includes FIDE International Masters and FIDE-certified instructors.

Are classes online or in person?

Both. Chess Lab offers in-person and online classes, with group sessions and private lessons.

Where are the Chess Lab branches?

There are two: Arjan (Tower F, Shop 9, Al Sayyah Residence) and Al Quoz Industrial 3 (1st Floor, Office 110, Al Sayyah Building). Pick a branch on this page to see its address and hours.

How much do classes cost, and is there a free trial?

Prices and trial terms are not published on the website - ask the provider on WhatsApp (+971 50 639 9183) or book an assessment through chesslab.ae.

Chess Lab Club — Arjan Branch

Q: What age can my child start chess at Chess Lab?

Typically around 5-6 years old, once a child can follow rules and stay focused. Chess Lab says there is no strict minimum age because readiness varies by child.

AcademicsChess

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Al Barsha

Ages5–6years old
Where2 branchesAl Barsha, Al QuozSee on the map
Not publishedAskPrices and times

Chess Lab Club teaches chess to children, from complete beginners to tournament players, at two branches: Arjan and Al Quoz Industrial 3. Chess Lab's roadmap has three groups: First Movers, for beginners with little or no tournament experience, covering fundamentals, rules, basic tactics and confidence; Star Class, for players with some competitive exposure, covering tactical patterns, opening principles and game analysis; and Elite Class, for tournament-ready players, covering deep calculation, opening preparation, endgames and competitive performance. The coaching team includes FIDE International Masters and FIDE-certified instructors, and Chess Lab runs FIDE-rated tournaments where students can earn an official rating. Private lessons and group sessions are both offered, and classes run in person and online. Pick a branch on this page for its address and hours.

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The activity

Chess, explained

Chess coaching teaches kids to plan ahead, spot patterns and think through the consequences of a move before they make it - habits that help with focus and problem-solving away from the board too. Beginners learn the rules, how the pieces move and simple tactics, then build up to openings, endgames and calculating several moves ahead. Children who enjoy competing can move on to rated tournaments. Chess Lab says most children start around 5-6, once they can follow rules and stay focused, with no strict minimum age because readiness varies by child, and no prior experience needed. New students are placed by an initial assessment.

Who it's for

Children from around 5-6 years old, once they can follow rules and stay focused - Chess Lab says there is no strict minimum age because readiness varies by child, and beginners need no prior experience. Levels run from First Movers (beginners) through Star Class (intermediate) to Elite Class (tournament-ready players). Private lessons are also offered.

What to expect

A new student starts with an assessment, booked through the "Book An Assessment" link on Chess Lab's website. Coaches look at your child's age, experience and playing ability, then place them in a group or with a suitable coach, and keep reviewing the level as they progress. Beginners need no prior experience. Chess Lab says most students see improvement within a few weeks of regular training. Classes run in person and online, as group sessions or private lessons. Prices, class times and whether a free trial is offered are not on the website, so ask the provider before booking.

Highlights

Three levels: First Movers, Star Class and Elite Class (chesslab.ae)
Coaching team includes FIDE International Masters and FIDE-certified instructors (chesslab.ae)
Placement by an initial assessment of age, experience and playing ability (chesslab.ae)
Group sessions and private lessons, in person or online (chesslab.ae)
FIDE-rated tournaments where students can earn an official rating (chesslab.ae)
Two branches: Arjan and Al Quoz Industrial 3 (chesslab.ae)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

On Google, the Arjan branch is rated 5.0 from 7 reviews, all of them 5-star, and the Al Quoz main branch is rated 4.8 from 53. Each branch's own rating shows when you pick it. Parent testimonials on Chess Lab's website mention kind, patient coaches who make learning fun, and children gaining concentration and patience.

The facts

Ages: From around 5-6; no strict minimum age (chesslab.ae)
Not published yet: Ask about prices and trials
Where: Tower F, Shop 9, Al Sayyah Residence, Arjan, Dubai
How to book: calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0r_TOUavGWo13qR31FSvBFxGDkDSB501XzCYuH_Uae0QeY0waAYvvsgmYDOPrLjG083anYmbkG · +971 50 639 9183 · +971 4 344 7474 · [email protected]
Opening hours: MonClosed
Tue–Fri10am–7pm
Sat–Sun8am–5pm

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Hours from Chess Lab's site; Monday closed per the Google listing, the site does not list Monday (chesslab.ae)
Wheelchair-accessible car park and toilet on site (Google listing)
No prior chess experience needed for beginners (chesslab.ae)
Both branches share one phone, WhatsApp, email and assessment booking link (chesslab.ae)