Every Momentum Chess class is coached by Gabriel Rips — a player ranked in the top 0.2% on Chess.com who has spent more than five years teaching kids to think, plan and play with confidence. Small Sunday groups in Highett, ages 5-12, and your child's first week is free.
Register Your InterestRated 5 stars on Google (20+ reviews) · Over 70 local kids so far · WWCC coach
Plenty of people can show a child how the knight moves. Junior chess coaching asks for more: a coach strong enough to see what a child's game actually needs, and patient enough to build it one idea at a time. Gabriel is ranked in the top 0.2% of players on Chess.com and has won and placed in dozens of tournaments — so when he teaches an opening, a tactic or an endgame, it comes from real playing strength, not a workbook.
He brings more than five years of tutoring experience, is a former committee member of the Monash University Chess Club, and holds a valid Working With Children Check. Over 70 kids have already come through the classes in Highett, 112 families are registered with the program, and parents have rated it 5.0 stars on Google across 20+ reviews.
Fun comes first. A seven-year-old doesn't fall in love with chess through lectures — they fall in love with it by playing, cracking puzzles pitched at just the right difficulty, and winning their first game against a friend. So every session pairs a short, lively lesson with plenty of real games: kids spend most of the hour doing chess, not just hearing about it.
Because the groups are level-based and kept small — around ten kids — nobody is bored and nobody is lost. Gabriel gets around every board during games, nudging each child at their own edge: one might be mastering how the pieces move while another, two boards away, is learning to spot a fork. The deeper goal is the same for all of them — confidence. A child who learns to sit with a hard position, stay calm and find a plan carries that steadiness well beyond the chessboard.
Kids don't stay in one group forever. Each child starts at their level and moves up as their play improves — from New to Chess, through the two Beginner groups, to Intermediate and beyond. All classes run on Sundays at 2 Livingston St, Highett, a short walk from Highett station, in a drop-off format with boards, pieces and puzzles all provided. Next intake starts Sunday 26 July 2026, and kids can join any week.
Still learning the rules. Ages ~5-8.
Knows the rules, ready to improve.
Older beginners building real skills.
Comfortable playing full games.
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.
Gabriel is such an excellent instructor. Professional, engaging and approachable. My son is loving every chess class. Highly recommend.
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!
Tell us about your child and we'll confirm their class time within a day. First week free, then $25 a lesson. No lock-in.
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