Waterloo Chess Academy

09/22/2026

FERGUS CHESS BOOTCAMP FALL 2026

At CW Community Sportsplex
Address: 550 Belsyde Ave E, Fergus, ON N1M 2W5

Waterloo Chess Academy is excited to bring our popular Fall Chess Bootcamp to Fergus! Building on the success of our programs across Waterloo, Oakville, Mississauga, Guelph, Burlington, Milton, and other Ontario communities, this program offers fun, engaging, and structured chess lessons led by an experienced professional chess coach.

The Bootcamp welcomes both beginner and intermediate players. Students are grouped and challenged according to their experience, allowing beginners to build a strong foundation while intermediate players strengthen their tactical vision, strategic understanding, and tournament skills. Our goal is to provide every student with the right level of challenge in a fun, positive, and supportive learning environment.

Ages: 5 to 17
Time: Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Why Chess is Important?
Chess is much more than a game—it's a lifelong learning tool. Every lesson develops skills that help children succeed both in school and everyday life. Through regular practice, students learn to think ahead, solve problems independently, and make confident decisions under pressure.

Chess helps children develop:
-Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
-Concentration and focus
-Memory and pattern recognition
-Logical reasoning
-Patience and perseverance
-Creativity and imagination
-Decision-making under pressure
-Confidence and sportsmanship

Dates:
-Wednesday, Oct 7 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Oct 14 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Oct 21 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Oct 28 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Nov 4 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Nov 11 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Nov 18 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Nov 25 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
-Wednesday, Dec 2 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Dec 9 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Dec 16 — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Program Highlights:
-Learn or strengthen the fundamentals of chess
-Understand the value and coordination of the chess pieces
-Master essential tactical patterns and combinations
-Learn opening principles and practical opening ideas
-Develop strategic thinking and long-term planning
-Improve calculation and decision-making
-Learn chess notation and how to read chess books
-Practice using a chess clock
-Play training games with coach feedback
-Participate in a friendly tournament

By the end of the Bootcamp, beginners will have the confidence to play complete games using sound chess principles, while intermediate players will strengthen their tactical and strategic skills through more advanced instruction and practical play. Every student will leave with greater confidence, stronger analytical thinking, and a deeper enjoyment of the game.

Price: $330. Includes all materials, equipment, and homework assignments.
Registration Fergus: www.waterloochess.ca/fergus-bootcamp

Please note: As this is the only chess school in Fergus and space is limited to one classroom, we may not be able to accommodate all interested students in the fall session. If the class is full, you will have the opportunity to register for the winter session.

09/22/2026

Chess Classes Intermediate Online – Fall 2026

Develop stronger chess skills through structured weekly training led by experienced coaches.
Waterloo Chess Academy's Online Intermediate Program is designed for students who already know the fundamentals of chess and are ready to take the next step. Through structured weekly lessons, students develop stronger tactical skills, strategic understanding, calculation ability, and tournament confidence in an engaging online environment.

Program Details:
-Start Date: October 14/15, 2026
-Students choose one weekly time option:
Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM or
Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

-Duration: 10 weeks (10 classes)
-Class Length: 1 hour
-Format: Live interactive online classes
-Price: $190 CAD
Our Best Value Program

Who Is This Program For?
This program is ideal for:
-Students who already know the rules of chess and understand the basic principles of the game
-Players with some tournament, school, or club experience
-Children looking to improve their tactical and strategic skills
-Students who want structured, long-term chess training

What Students Will Learn?
-These sessions focus on modern tournament preparation and practical improvement, including:
-Opening understanding and planning
-Tactical calculation and pattern recognition
-Strategic planning and positional play
-Middlegame planning and decision-making
-Essential endgame techniques
-Advanced tactical themes and combinations
-Game analysis and learning from mistakes
-Tournament preparation and practical thinking skills

How Classes Work?
-Live online lessons in a small-group setting
-Interactive instruction with active student participation
-Position analysis, calculation exercises, and guided discussions
-Practice games against other participants
-Weekly homework and recommended practice exercises
-Regular feedback to help students continue improving between classes

Why Choose Waterloo Chess Academy?
-One of the most recognizable chess schools in Canada
-Hundreds of students participate in our programs each year
-Proven teaching methodology focused on understanding rather than memorization
-Experienced coaches with extensive competitive and teaching experience
-Supportive, engaging, and motivating learning environment
-Structured curriculum designed for long-term improvement

Registration : www.waterloochess.ca/online-fall-program

Whether your child plays chess for fun or is preparing for tournaments, this program provides the knowledge, training, and guidance needed to continue improving while learning alongside other motivated young players

09/18/2026

Building a Bridge Between Canadian and Serbian Chess.

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Chess Federation of Serbia in Belgrade and meeting its President, Andrija Jorgić. We discussed cooperation between Serbian chess and our academy. European chess has a long and rich tradition, and Serbia is a strong part of that European chess culture. Through this partnership, we hope to bring European expertise, knowledge, and methodology directly to young Canadian players.

One exciting outcome is the plan to host grandmasters and members of the Serbian national teams, both women and men, for special masterclasses with our students.

We also talked about future exchanges and mutual visits between Canada and Serbia, helping our players experience different chess cultures. This is an exciting step toward connecting Canadian chess with the depth of European chess.

Thank you to President Jorgić and the Federation for the warm welcome—and for the team jersey.

Slobodan Markovic, Owner, Waterloo Chess Academy.

09/16/2026

♟️ Fall Chess is officially underway!

Our Fall Chess Programs started this week, and we’re excited to welcome both returning and new young chess players!

Great moves, new skills, new friends — and lots of chess ahead!

Let the Fall season begin!

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Chess Classes Online Intermediate– Fall 2026

Develop stronger chess skills through structured weekly training led by experienced coaches.

Waterloo Chess Academy's Online Intermediate Program is designed for students who already know the fundamentals of chess and are ready to take the next step. Through structured weekly lessons, students develop stronger tactical skills, strategic understanding, calculation ability, and tournament confidence in an engaging online environment.

Program Details:
-Start Date: September 16/17, 2026

-Students choose one weekly time option:
Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM or
Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

-Duration: 14 weeks (14 classes)
-Class Length: 1 hour
-Format: Live interactive online classes
-Price: $280 + HST
Our Best Value Program

Who Is This Program For?

This program is ideal for:
-Students who already know the rules of chess and understand the basic principles of the game
-Players with some tournament, school, or club experience
-Children looking to improve their tactical and strategic skills
-Students who want structured, long-term chess training

What Students Will Learn?
-These sessions focus on modern tournament preparation and practical improvement, including:
-Opening understanding and planning
-Tactical calculation and pattern recognition
-Strategic planning and positional play
-Middlegame planning and decision-making
-Essential endgame techniques
-Advanced tactical themes and combinations
-Game analysis and learning from mistakes
-Tournament preparation and practical thinking skills

How Classes Work?
-Live online lessons in a small-group setting
-Interactive instruction with active student participation
-Position analysis, calculation exercises, and guided discussions
-Practice games against other participants
-Weekly homework and recommended practice exercises
-Regular feedback to help students continue improving between classes

Why Choose Waterloo Chess Academy?
-One of the most recognizable chess schools in Canada
-Hundreds of students participate in our programs each year
-Proven teaching methodology focused on understanding rather than memorization
-Experienced coaches with extensive competitive and teaching experience
-Supportive, engaging, and motivating learning environment
-Structured curriculum designed for long-term improvement

Registration for North American students(online): www.waterloochess.ca/online-fall-program
Registration for South-West Ontario students(hybrid): www.waterloochess.ca/high-performance-program

Whether your child plays chess for fun or is preparing for tournaments, this program provides the knowledge, training, and guidance needed to continue improving while learning alongside other motivated young players.

08/07/2026

GUELPH CHESS BOOTCAMP FALL 2026

At Evergreen Community Center, Guelph.
Address: 683 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON N1H 3Y8

Waterloo Chess Academy is excited to bring our popular Fall Chess Bootcamp to Guelph! Building on the success of our programs across Waterloo, Oakville, Mississauga, Kitchener, Burlington, Milton, and other Ontario communities, this program offers fun, engaging, and structured chess lessons led by an experienced professional chess coach.

The Bootcamp welcomes both beginner and intermediate players. Students are grouped and challenged according to their experience, allowing beginners to build a strong foundation while intermediate players strengthen their tactical vision, strategic understanding, and tournament skills. Our goal is to provide every student with the right level of challenge in a fun, positive, and supportive learning environment.

Ages: 5 to 17
Time: Fridays 4:45 PM – 5.:45 PM

Why Chess is Important?
Chess is much more than a game—it's a lifelong learning tool. Every lesson develops skills that help children succeed both in school and everyday life. Through regular practice, students learn to think ahead, solve problems independently, and make confident decisions under pressure.

-Chess helps children develop:
-Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
-Concentration and focus
-Memory and pattern recognition
-Logical reasoning
-Patience and perseverance
-Creativity and imagination
-Decision-making under pressure
-Confidence and sportsmanship

Dates:
-Friday, Sep 18 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Sep 25 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Oct 2 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Oct 16 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Oct 23 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Oct 30 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Nov 6 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Nov 13 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Nov 20 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Nov 27 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Dec 4 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
-Friday, Dec 11 — 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM

Program Highlights:
-Learn or strengthen the fundamentals of chess
-Understand the value and coordination of the chess pieces
-Master essential tactical patterns and combinations
-Learn opening principles and practical opening ideas
-Develop strategic thinking and long-term planning
-Improve calculation and decision-making
-Learn chess notation and how to read chess books
-Practice using a chess clock
-Play training games with coach feedback
-Participate in a friendly tournament

By the end of the Bootcamp, beginners will have the confidence to play complete games using sound chess principles, while intermediate players will strengthen their tactical and strategic skills through more advanced instruction and practical play. Every student will leave with greater confidence, stronger analytical thinking, and a deeper enjoyment of the game.

Price: $380. Includes all materials, equipment, and homework assignments.

Registration Gulph: www.waterloochess.ca/bootcamp-in-guelph
Registration Fergus: www.waterloochess.ca/fergus-bootcamp

Please note: As this is the only chess school in Guelph and space is limited to one classroom, we may not be able to accommodate all interested students in the fall session. If the class is full, you will have the opportunity to register for the winter session.

07/30/2026

BURLINGTON CHESS BOOTCAMP FALL 2026

At Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, Burlington
Address: 2331 New St, Burlington, ON L7R 1J4

Waterloo Chess Academy is excited to bring our popular Fall Chess Bootcamp to Burlington! Building on the success of our programs across Waterloo, Kitchener, Mississauga, Guelph, Milton, Oakville, and other Ontario communities, this program offers fun, engaging, and structured chess lessons led by an experienced professional chess coach.

The Bootcamp welcomes both beginner and intermediate players. Students are grouped and challenged according to their experience, allowing beginners to build a strong foundation while intermediate players strengthen their tactical vision, strategic understanding, and tournament skills. Our goal is to provide every student with the right level of challenge in a fun, positive, and supportive learning environment.

Ages: 5 to 17
Time: Mondays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Why Chess is Important?

Chess is not just a game; it’s a powerful educational tool. Learning chess helps kids:
-Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
-Improve concentration and focus.
-Enhance memory and creativity.
-Foster patience and discipline.
-Build confidence in decision-making.
-These lifelong skills benefit children academically and socially, making chess an enriching activity for young minds.

Dates:
-Monday, September 14 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, September 21 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, September 28 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, October 5 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, October 19 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, October 26 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, November 9 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, November 16 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, November 23 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, November 30 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, December 7 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
-Monday, December 14 – 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Program Highlights:
-Learn or strengthen the fundamentals of chess
-Understand the value and coordination of the chess pieces
-Master essential tactical patterns and combinations
-Learn opening principles and practical opening ideas
-Develop strategic thinking and long-term planning
-Improve calculation and decision-making
-Learn chess notation and how to read chess books
-Practice using a chess clock
-Play training games with coach feedback
-Participate in a friendly tournament

By the end of the Bootcamp, beginners will have the confidence to play complete games using sound chess principles, while intermediate players will strengthen their tactical and strategic skills through more advanced instruction and practical play. Every student will leave with greater confidence, stronger analytical thinking, and a deeper enjoyment of the game.

Price: $380. Includes all materials, equipment, and homework assignments.

Registration Monday: www.waterloochess.ca/burlington-monday-bootcamp
Registration Sunday: www.waterloochess.ca/burlington-sunday-bootcamp
Registration Oakville: www.waterloochess.ca/oakville-bootcamp

07/30/2026

Can chess help your child succeed in school—and later in their career?

This excellent video highlights 7 key benefits of chess:
1. Strategic thinking
2. Patience
3. Thinking ahead and understanding consequences
4. Critical thinking
5. Better memory
6. Focus and concentration
7. The importance of non-action (thinking before acting)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWRKy8UCo5M

Registration for Chess: waterloochess.ca/kitchener-bootcamp

Chess is a game of strategy and can teach strategic skills useful i...