South East Melbourne · Sundays · First Class Free

Kids' chess classes in Melbourne's south-east

One central Sunday program for the whole region: level-based groups for ages 5-12 at 2 Livingston St, Highett, minutes from Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Cheltenham and surrounds. First class is a free trial, then $25 a lesson, billed by the term.

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

The south-east's Sunday chess program for kids

Momentum Chess is a weekly chess program for children aged 5-12 in Melbourne's south-east, run from a central venue at 2 Livingston St, Highett. Over 70 kids from across the region have already come along, from complete beginners still learning how the pieces move to confident intermediates. With 112 registered families across suburbs like Bentleigh East, Cheltenham, Bentleigh, Highett and Moorabbin, most children end up playing against kids from their own school or street sooner or later.

The venue was picked for exactly this reason: it sits in the middle of the south-east, about five to twelve minutes’ drive from almost anywhere between Carnegie and Cheltenham, and a short walk from Highett station on the Frankston line for families in McKinnon, Ormond and beyond. Sunday afternoon timing keeps weekday after-school activities and Saturday sport untouched.

Every class is taught personally by Gabriel Rips, ranked in the top 0.1% of players on Chess.com, with 7+ years of teaching experience, dozens of tournament results and a Working With Children Check. Find your suburb below for local drive times and details: Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Moorabbin, Cheltenham, Highett, Brighton, Hampton, McKinnon, Ormond and Carnegie.

Sunday class times at 2 Livingston St, Highett

Every child joins the group for their level. Term 3 starts Sunday 26 July 2026, and kids can join any week — fees are pro-rated, so you only pay for the lessons left in the term.

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.

Common questions

Where exactly are the classes?

At 2 Livingston St, Highett 3190 — just off Highett Rd, a short walk from Highett station and central to Melbourne's south-east. 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 class is a free trial, so they can try it with no commitment. After that it's $25 a lesson, billed by the term and pro-rated if you join partway through. There are no membership fees.

What ages and levels do you take?

Kids aged roughly 5-12 are the core of the program, with older kids welcome in the Intermediate group. Groups run by chess level — from never-played to confident players — so every child learns alongside kids at their standard.