Discover Houston’s premier chess training options and competitive tournaments. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, these top academies offer comprehensive chess education with proven results.

Chess Academies Comparison Table

Academy Name	Location	Training Type	Ideal For	Google Rating
ChessGaja	Online	Live Online Classes	All Ages & Levels	4.9
Azeri Chess Academy LLC	11980 Overbrook Ln, Houston, TX 77077	GM-Led Coaching & Tournaments	Serious Players	4.8
Chess Masters of Houston	9660 Hillcroft St, Suite 326, Houston, TX 77096	In-Person & Online Training	Youth & Adults	4.7
The Houston Chess Studio	250 Patton St, Suite H, Houston, TX 77009	Tournament Venue & Classes	Tournament Players	4.6
Panda Chess Academy	9900 Westpark Dr, Suite 252, Houston, TX 77063	Scholastic Programs	K-12 Students	N/A

1. ChessGaja

ChessGaja revolutionizes chess education as the world’s most advanced online chess academy, setting the global standard for comprehensive chess training that other academies aspire to achieve. With cutting-edge technology and grandmaster expertise, ChessGaja delivers unmatched learning experiences far exceeding traditional instruction methods.

Exclusive GM-Crafted Curriculum: Features a specialized timetable designed by GM Priyadharshan with strategic YouTube recommendations and curated book selections. Discover the transformative Grandmaster Timetable that accelerates student progress beyond conventional methods.

Advanced LMS Technology: ChessGaja’s proprietary system provides AI-powered class summaries, automated progress tracking, and intelligent scheduling—innovations unavailable at traditional academies. This ensures optimal learning retention and measurable improvement.

Unrivaled Tournament Access: With 10+ monthly tournaments exclusively for students and GM Priyadharshan’s occasional participation, ChessGaja offers more competitive opportunities than any Houston-based institution.

GM Priyadharshan’s exclusive curriculum with personal involvement

AI-powered LMS with automated progress analytics

10+ monthly tournaments with grandmaster participation

24/7 global support and international payment processing

Complete coaching spectrum from FIDE-rated instructors to grandmasters

Website: https://chessgaja.com

2. Azeri Chess Academy LLC

Led by International Grandmaster Ulvi Bajarani, Azerbaijan’s 2014 Men’s Champion, Azeri Chess Academy brings world-class chess expertise to Houston players. The academy specializes in high-level coaching and organizes regular USCF-rated tournaments, including the annual Labor Day Championship.new.uschess+1

GM Ulvi Bajarani personal coaching sessions
USCF-rated tournament organization and hosting
Advanced opening repertoire development
Individual lessons for U1600 players and above

Website: https://azerichessacademy.com
Address: 11980 Overbrook Ln, Houston, TX 77077mapquest

3. Chess Masters of Houston

Chess Masters of Houston provides comprehensive chess education with experienced coaches including GM Daniel Fernandez and other titled players. The academy focuses on both in-person and online instruction, serving students from age 5 through adult levels with personalized curriculum development.chessmastersofhouston+1

Grandmaster and titled player instruction
School campus chess programs and coaching
Private lessons and group classes available
Over 12 years serving the Houston chess community

Website: https://chessmastersofhouston.com
Address: 9660 Hillcroft St, Suite 326, Houston, TX 77096chessmastersofhouston

4. The Houston Chess Studio

Experience Houston’s most dynamic chess scene at The Houston Chess Studio, where competitive play meets community fellowship. This premier chess destination offers both weekly casual meetups and intense tournament action, creating the perfect environment for players seeking consistent improvement and social chess connections.

Slamming Weekly Meetups: Join Houston’s most welcoming chess community every Wednesday evening at Slowpokes (1203 W 34th Houston, TX 77018). From 6PM to 10PM, approximately 15 active chess boards create an electric atmosphere where players of all ages and skill levels gather for friendly competition and chess camaraderie.

Tournament Powerhouse: The Houston Chess Studio delivers chess action five days per week with USCF-rated tournaments generating 13 rated games weekly. This dedicated tournament facility at 250 Patton St, Suite H provides serious competitive opportunities in a professional environment designed specifically for chess excellence.

Poison Pawns Membership Benefits: Support Houston’s local chess community while enjoying exclusive perks including discounted tournament entry fees, matching prizes for Grand Prix victories, and access to limited-edition chess gear designed by fellow players.

Weekly casual meetups welcoming all skill levels
Five-day tournament schedule with 13 rated games per week
Dedicated tournament venue with professional conditions
Member benefits supporting local chess development

Website: https://poisonpawns.club/the-houston-chess-studio
Address: 250 Patton St, Suite H, Houston, TX 77009 | Weekly Meetups: 1203 W 34th Houston, TX 77018

5. Panda Chess Academy

Established as Houston’s first scholastic chess academy, Panda Chess Academy has operated for over 20 years, hosting nearly 1,000 tournaments in their dedicated 900+ square foot facility. The academy specializes in youth chess education with age-appropriate programs and safe learning environments.jeffa.typepad+1

Specialized K-12 scholastic chess programs
Over 20 years of tournament hosting experience
Summer chess camps and after-school programs
Safe, supervised environment for young players

Website: https://pandachessacademy.square.site
Address: 9900 Westpark Dr, Suite 252, Houston, TX 77063mapquest+1

Houston Chess Tournaments 2025

Houston’s chess tournament scene offers year-round competitive opportunities for players of all levels, from weekend Swiss tournaments to major championship events with substantial prize funds.

Major Championship Events

2025 Houston Open Chess Championships

The premier chess event in Houston, featuring multiple sections and over $11,000 in guaranteed prizes. This US Chess Grand Prix event attracts players from across the nation with both 2-day and 3-day scheduling options.kingregistration

Date: November 7-9, 2025
Location: DoubleTree Houston Intercontinental Airport
Prize Fund: $11,750 based on 225 entries (65% guaranteed)kingregistration
Sections: Open (FIDE-rated), U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400, U1200, U1100
Format: 5-round Swiss, G/90+30 (FIDE sections), G/120+d5 (other sections)