Ormond · Sundays · First Week Free

Sunday chess classes for Ormond kids — just down the Frankston line

Momentum Chess runs weekly Sunday chess classes for kids aged 5-12 at 2 Livingston St, Highett — about 10 minutes' drive away, or a direct trip down the Frankston line with the venue a short walk from Highett station. Four level-based groups, small classes of around ten, and your child's first week is free, then just $25 a lesson with no membership and no lock-in.

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

One easy trip on a Sunday — the train does the work

You can reach us without touching the car. From Ormond station it's a direct run down the Frankston line to Highett — no changes — and the hall at 2 Livingston St is a short walk from Highett station, just off Highett Rd. Prefer to drive? It's about 10 minutes' drive, with street parking on and around Livingston St for a quick drop-off. Either way, classes are drop-off format: you don't need to stay, so the trip becomes a simple there-and-back rather than an hour of waiting around. And there's nothing to pack — boards, pieces and puzzles are all provided.

The Sunday timetable matters just as much as the location. Weekday afternoons fill up fast with pickup, homework and after-school activities, and Saturdays tend to belong to sport — so chess gets its own unhurried slot on a Sunday afternoon instead. Kids are grouped by level rather than age, from complete beginners through to intermediate players, with around ten children in each class so everyone gets real attention. If your child is at Ormond Primary or anywhere nearby, the Prep-Grade 6 core range will fit right in — and older kids are welcome too. Classes are run by coach Gabriel Rips, ranked in the top 0.2% of players on Chess.com, with 5+ years of tutoring experience, a Working With Children Check, and dozens of tournament wins and placings behind him.

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

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.

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.

Your questions, answered

How do we get there from Ormond?

It's about 10 minutes' drive to 2 Livingston St, Highett, with street parking on and around Livingston St for drop-off and pick-up. By train it's even simpler: hop on the Frankston line and it's a direct trip to Highett station, with the venue a short walk from the platform.

How much do the classes cost?

Nothing for the first week, $25 a lesson from then on — no joining fee, no lock-in. The pricing FAQ covers how that stacks up locally.

Will my child know anyone there?

Quite possibly — Ormond families are already part of the program, alongside kids from Highett, Bentleigh, McKinnon and surrounding suburbs. Over 70 kids have attended so far, and because groups are small and sorted by level, new children settle in quickly. If your child has never played, just register and we'll place them in the right group.