Discover the best places to study and compete in chess across Oklahoma. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these top academies and tournament opportunities will help you elevate your game.
1. Chessgaja (chessgaja.com)
Chessgaja Private Limited is a premier online chess academy catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Headed by GrandMaster and FIDE trainer Priyadharshan Kannappan, Chessgaja offers a comprehensive and guided learning experience from absolute beginner to GrandMaster strength.
What sets Chessgaja apart is its team of highly skilled, FIDE-rated coaches who provide personalized training tailored to each student’s progress. Whether starting fresh or aiming for advanced mastery, Chessgaja ensures consistent mentorship throughout the chess journey. For a detailed overview of the unique benefits, watch this video on the advantages of joining Chessgaja.
Benefits of Learning with Chessgaja
- Coaches available across all rating levels, from beginner to GM
- Advanced Learning Management System (LMS) for instant feedback, mobile alerts, and effortless tracking of classes
- Monthly parent-teacher meetings with GM Priyadharshan for progress updates
- Open to students of all ages worldwide
- Exclusive student newsletter with latest chess insights and tips
- Experience working with 6 national chess champions
- Structured study schedules tailored for maximum improvement
- Multiple monthly online tournaments to test skills in competitive settings
- Dedicated WhatsApp support team for quick assistance
- Over 5000 students from more than 40+ countries
With Chessgaja’s fully online platform, students can train comfortably from home, choosing times that fit their schedule without any travel hassles. This flexible, expert-driven approach delivers unmatched value and results for chess learners worldwide.
Contact Chessgaja: https://chessgaja.com/contactnew/
Website: https://chessgaja.com
2. Oklahoma City Chess Club
The Oklahoma City Chess Club stands as the premier chess destination in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, serving as a central hub for chess enthusiasts across the capital region. Located at 10 NE 10th Street in the historic Kamp’s 1910 building, this welcoming club provides a comprehensive chess experience for players of all ages and skill levels.
The club offers an extensive range of activities and programs designed to foster chess improvement and community engagement:
- Weekly rated tournaments and casual open play
- Monthly workshops on opening theory and endgame techniques
- Regular scholastic events for young players
- Membership includes access to coaching resources
Website: https://www.chessokc.com/
Address: 123 Capitol Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
3. Norman Chess Center
The Norman Chess Center is a well-established nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting chess in the local community through instruction, outreach, and competitive events. Focused on individual growth and community engagement, the center offers a variety of programs designed to teach chess skills and foster a love for the game among players of all ages and levels.
- One-on-one lessons from US Chess Federation instructors
- Simultaneous exhibitions with titled players
- Team coaching for school chess teams
- Analysis sessions using professional software
Website: https://normanchess.org/
Address: 789 Elm St, Norman, OK 73069
4. Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization (OSCO):
The Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization (OSCO) is a statewide volunteer group and the scholastic affiliate of the Oklahoma Chess Association. Its primary mission is to promote youth chess across the state by organizing major events, such as the OSCO State Championships. OSCO explicitly focuses on event management rather than providing chess instruction.
Key Function: Organizes major scholastic tournaments for youth across Oklahoma.
Mission: To promote and improve youth chess statewide with the support of members and donors.
Strategic Partnership: Provides the competitive platform that professional coaching, like that from Chessgaja, is designed to prepare students for.
Website: https://www.chess.com/club/oklahoma-chess-association-oklahoma-scholastic-chess-organization
Address: Statewide, Oklahoma
| Academy Name | Location | Training Type | Ideal For | Unique Feature |
| Chessgaja | Online (Global) | Personalized 1-on-1 & Group Classes | All Ages & Levels (Beginner to GM) | Monthly parent-teacher meetings with GM Priyadharshan |
| Oklahoma City Chess Club | Oklahoma City, OK | Weekly Tournaments & Open Play | Teens & Adults | Historic Kamp’s 1910 building chess venue |
| Norman Chess Center | Norman, OK | Private Lessons & Team Coaching | School Teams & Individuals | Simultaneous exhibitions with titled grandmasters regularly |
| Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization (OSCO) | Statewide, Oklahoma | Tournament Organization | Youth Competitive Players | Organizes state-level championships for K–12 players |
Key Oklahoma Chess Tournaments
| Tournament Name | Host/Organizer | Location | Type | Key Details |
| Oklahoma City Open | Oklahoma City Chess Club | Oklahoma City, OK | USCF Regular Rated | 5-round Swiss format with varying time controls. Prize fund based on entries. |
| 9th Frank K. Berry FIDE Open | Oklahoma Chess Association | OKC | FIDE Open | Three-day schedule, FIDE rated event. |
| Porum K-12 Open | Oklahoma Chess Association | Porum, OK | Scholastic K-12 | Open tournament for K-12 students. |
| OSCO State Championships | Oklahoma Scholastic Chess Organization | Edmond, OK | Scholastic | State championship for youth players. |
| State Blitz Championships | Oklahoma Chess Association | Chandler, OK | Blitz | Fast-paced, one-day blitz championship. |
Optimize your chess journey with expert coaching at these top academies and test your skills in Oklahoma’s thriving tournament scene. Whether you choose online training at Chessgaja or in-person sessions, there’s a perfect fit for every player in the Sooner State.
