What is Chesslife Academy?

Chesslife Academy is an evolution from Chesslife.

• It showcases our focus on education and the systematic approach to learning chess
• It provides the basis to ensure 100% of students reap rewards from the benefits that come from learning chess
• Chesslife Academy will have dedicated programs for schools, individuals and groups, catering to their unique needs and wishes
• Bringing quality coaching through the Steps Method, Thinkers Publishing books and the Chesslife Academy designed programs.

What will be different?

Chesslife Academy will continue to develop and create a chess community and culture that enriches lives around Australia, and we have made some changes:

• Students, schools and parents enroll in one of the Chesslife Academy programs
• Students will receive a Chesslife Academy wristband when joining one of our programs
• Student will join in a graduation when completing the program or progress to the next level in the Steps Method
• Students will receive discount on Thinkers Publishing books
• Students will receive support during tournaments

What is this wristband all about?

This unique gift is a token of our dedication to your chess learning when you sign up for the Chesslife Academy.

• The wristband makes you part of a community that has seen 100% of students reap rewards from the benefits that come from learning chess!
• The wristband makes you part of a community that includes all current South Australian State Champions!
• The wristband makes you part of a community that has seen thousands of students learn chess in Adelaide and across Australia!

What is the Steps Method and how do I qualify for a graduation?

Widely used throughout schools and chess clubs in Europe and increasingly the world, the Steps Method provides trainers and students with a logical way to introduce chess concepts at exactly the right level for their experience with the game. Steps Method is praised as one of the most innovative chess instructional programs in the world.

Presented in a series of six steps, each with an accompanying series of workbooks, the Step Method introduces chess material in increasing complexity, all the way from beginner’s chess in Step One to master level play in Step Six.

Each Step consists of a Starting book, then an Extra book, followed by a Plus and then lastly Mix. So for example there is Step 1, Step 1 Extra, Step 1 Plus and Step 1 Mix. Not every student will complete each book within each step, some may skip Step 1 Plus for example.

Students qualify for a graduation when they have completed all their required books within a Step and are ready to move on to the next Step. For example after completing Step 1 Mix, students will move to Step 2 and will qualify for a graduation ceremony that year.

What are the Thinkers Publishing books and why would I want them as part of my learning?

Chesslife Academy is the Australian distributor for Thinkers Publishing chess books. A publishing house based in Belgian, which has some of the world’s greatest young chess minds write, like Australian’s own Grandmaster Justin Tan!

In the past, books were supposed the place where to find information. We did not have the Internet, so books were the place where all information was saved, in case we needed it. Things have changed dramatically along the years. Every year, there is more and more information available, but books are still shown to be the best tool to learn new skills. This is why we strongly encourage chess books as part of the journey of a competitive player.