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Carmel Valley, California

More Than
Just
Chess.

Chess classes for kids, summer camp, and adult Friday nights — all in one extraordinary space in the heart of Carmel Valley.

⚡ Summer Camp 2026 After-School Program →
3 Programs for Kids & Adults
All
Ages Kids 5+ & Adults Welcome
CV Carmel Valley, California
Kids and adults playing chess at Carmel Valley Chess Club grand opening
Summer Camp
June 15–19, 2026
Now Enrolling

What We Offer

Three Ways to Play

Whether your child is just learning or you're an adult ready to make your move — there's a place for you at Carmel Valley Chess Club.

Kids playing chess in after-school program at Carmel Valley Chess Club
Youth Program

After-School Chess

Structured weekly chess instruction for kids ages 5–17. Small groups of 8 max. Recreational and competitive leagues available.

Monthly Enroll Now →
Summer Chess Camp 2026 at Carmel Valley Chess Club - pool days included
🔥 Early Bird — $50 Off

Summer Camp 2026

June 15–19. Chess, pool days, meals, movie day, and every camper leaves as a rated USCF tournament player.

$500 Register →
Adult Friday Night Chess at Carmel Valley Chess Club - $5 Fridays
Adults Only

$5 Friday Nights

Every Friday 5–9pm. No registration. No experience needed. Just show up, bring a beverage, and play.

$5 Learn More →
Kids playing giant chess at Carmel Valley Chess Club Children focused on chess board with chess clock

Why Chess

Chess Builds What School Can't Teach Alone

Every move on the board is yours — the brilliant ones and the blunders. Chess teaches children to think, to be accountable, and to grow.

Focus

Sitting still with a hard problem is a skill. Chess builds it.

Resilience

Losing gracefully is as important as winning well.

Strategy

Think three moves ahead — on the board and in life.

Confidence

It grows after mistakes. After trying again. After one good move.

Enroll Your Child →
2 Adults Renewed USCF Memberships After 20 Years Away
30+ Minutes One Player Drives Past His Local Club to Play Here
3/3 Kids Asked If They Wanted to Return Said "Yeah, I Love It"
#1 "Better Than The Mechanic's Institute" — Friday Night Player

What People Are Saying

The Club Speaks for Itself

"He loves chess club and wants to go every day!"

— Chess Club Parent

"Even as a total beginner, my child never felt lost. The structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

— Chess Club Parent

"This club is better than The Mechanic's Institute."

— S., Friday Night Chess Player

"This club is such a blessing to our kids."

— Chess Club Parent

"I hadn't played competitive chess in 20 years. I walked in on a Friday night and renewed my USCF membership that same evening."

— Friday Night Chess Player

"I drive 30 minutes past my local chess club to come here instead. That should tell you everything."

— Friday Night Regular

The Community Showed Up

We Opened Our Doors.
Carmel Valley Filled Them.

This is what our grand opening looked like. Kids. Adults. Neighbors. Families who had never met each other sitting down across a chess board. The room was full from the moment we unlocked the door.

"This club is such a blessing to our kids."
— CV Chess Club Parent

Join Us Any Friday →
Coach JB - Justin Bradley, founder of Carmel Valley Chess Club
Coach JB — Justin Bradley, Founder

Meet Your Coach

Chess Found JB Before He Could Read.

"Chess gave him the ability to focus. To sit still with a hard problem. To think before he moved. That early experience left a mark that never faded."

Growing up in Monterey County, JB had a tough start in school. He struggled. He fell behind. And somewhere in that uncertain stretch of childhood, before he'd cracked the code of reading, he learned to play chess. He's convinced it saved him.

Today he's a trusted local realtor and father of two boys — Cyrus and Leo — raising his family right here in Carmel Valley with his wife Halleh. He built the club he always wished existed.

Read Coach JB's Full Story →
Adults Only

$5 Fridays.
Every Friday Night.

No registration. No experience needed. Just show up at 9 Del Fino Place, Suite 201 (above Mika Sushi) any Friday from 5–9pm. Bring a beverage and snacks. All skill levels welcome.

Learn More →
$5 At the door
Every Friday
5–9pm

Find Us

Right in the Heart of Carmel Valley

Suite 201 above Mika Sushi — you'll know it by the giant chess pieces.

📍
Address 9 Del Fino Place, Suite 201
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(Above Mika Sushi)
📞
✉️
🕐
After-School Hours Mon & Tue: 3:15pm & 4:30pm
Thu: 3:15pm (Competitive)
♟️
Friday Night Chess Every Friday · 5:00–9:00pm · $5