Highett 3190 · Sundays · First Week Free

Your local kids' chess class — right here in Highett

Momentum Chess runs weekly Sunday chess classes for kids aged 5-12 at 2 Livingston St, Highett — a short walk from Highett station and the Highett Rd shops. Four level-based groups, small classes, and your child's first week is free, then just $25 a lesson.

Rated 5 stars on Google (20+ reviews) · Over 70 local kids so far · WWCC coach

Chess classes in Highett — no driving required

For Highett families, this one couldn't be more local: classes run at 2 Livingston St, Highett 3190, just off Highett Rd near the station — 13 Highett families are already part of the program, alongside kids from Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Moorabbin and surrounds. If you're walking, it's a few minutes from Highett station; if you're driving, there's street parking on and around Livingston St, and drop-off takes under a minute.

Classes are drop-off: you don't need to stay, which helps the kids settle and focus. Bring nothing — boards, pieces and puzzles are all provided. Each group is kept small (around ten kids) so every child gets real attention from the coach, Gabriel Rips — a top-0.2% ranked player on Chess.com with a Working With Children Check.

Your first visit is simple: register online, and we'll confirm your child's group and time within a day. On the Sunday, arrive a few minutes early so they can settle in — each hour runs from a warm-up puzzle into a short lesson on one idea, then guided games against kids at the same level, with Gabriel circling the boards and coaching as they play. An hour later you collect a child who's learnt something and, more often than not, won't stop talking about it on the walk home. Because groups are organised by level rather than age, a Highett kid who catches the chess bug can move up through all four groups without ever leaving the suburb.

Sunday class times at 2 Livingston St

Every child joins the group for their level — new players learn the moves from scratch, stronger players sharpen real tactics. Next intake starts Sunday 26 July 2026, and kids can join any week.

New to Chess

12:00 – 1:00pm

Still learning the rules. Ages ~5-8.

Beginner (Prep – Grade 2)

1:15 – 2:15pm

Knows the rules, ready to improve.

Beginner (Grade 3+)

2:30 – 3:30pm

Older beginners building real skills.

Intermediate

3:45 – 4:45pm

Comfortable playing full games.

What parents say

This was incredible. My 6yo had his first session and is now in love with chess. Thank you Gabriel for bringing this joy into his life.

— Jaime H.

Gabriel is such an excellent instructor. Professional, engaging and approachable. My son is loving every chess class. Highly recommend.

— Amruta K.

My 5 year old has been loving the chess classes with Gabriel. He has become much more confident since beginning the lessons at Momentum Chess!

— Aaron K.

Highett questions, answered

Where exactly in Highett are the classes?

At 2 Livingston St, Highett 3190 — just off Highett Rd, a short walk from Highett station. There's street parking on and around Livingston St for drop-off and pick-up.

How much do the classes cost?

Your child's first week is completely free, so they can try a class with no commitment. After that it's $25 a lesson — no membership fees and no lock-in. Around Melbourne, group kids' chess classes typically run $20-30 a session and private coaching $50 and up, so a small-group class with a highly ranked coach at $25 is genuinely good value.

My child has never played chess — which group should they join?

The New to Chess group (12:00-1:00pm) for younger kids still learning the rules, or the Grade 3+ Beginner group for older kids. Just register and we'll place your child in the right group — and move them up as they improve.