Chess Coaching

High quality chess coaching available for schools. Join us to access the top chess coaching group in Queensland!

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Inter-School Tournaments

Join the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships in your region! Running in terms 1-3 in a location near you!

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Fantastic Chess Products

From standard chess sets, to giant chess sets, chess books to chess clocks, we have the products you want at great prices!

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Holiday Programs and Clubs

We run holiday programs in Brisbane and Gold Coast, and also have a weekly club for junior players on the Brisbane Northside.

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What we do

Gardiner Chess

We are the market leaders for chess in Queensland, with our core business to provide chess coaching classes in schools throughout the state. The Chess Association of Queensland has awarded Gardiner Chess the contract as organisers of the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships each year, whilst we run many weekend events which cater to all ages and ability levels.

Check out our online shop for the latest chess goods, specialising in products for schools and recreational play.

About Us Contact Us

School Programs

We can organise a chess program tailored to your school's needs, ranging from extra-curricular classes, to full and half day options and incursions. In person coaching is available throughout South-East Queensland, whilst we work with regional schools via an online platform Learn More

Events & Tournaments

Renowned for running the best events in Queensland, Gardiner Chess run the Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships and many weekend events, including the marquee Gold Coast Open each year. Learn More

Clubs & Holiday Programs

Holiday programs are always hugely popular and are held in both the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions. Gardiner Chess also runs the Brisbane Northside Junior Chess Club on Tuesday evenings. Learn More

Shop Online

For all your chess needs, make sure to check out our shop! We have everything from tournament sets through to giant sets, chess clocks and books and can even help with prizes and giveaway items! Learn More

School Programs & Coaching

Gardiner Chess is the number one chess coaching organisation in Queensland. We have a variety of programs to suit your school, with options including out of hours classes, curriculum lessons and both full and half day incursions. Based on the Gold Coast since 2002, we are an established business providing quality coaching.

High quality chess lessons tailored for your schools needs.
We have Master level players and qualified teachers on staff.
In-person lessons from Gold Coast through to Sunshine Coast.
Partnership with Chesskid.com to bring more value to programs.
Ability to work with regional schools.

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Upcoming Events

With events available throughout the year, there is an option for everyone! Join 10,000+ other students in the Inter-School events each year or find a weekend event that is right for you with open events and junior only events on offer.

Nov

2025 Term 4 Gold Coast One Day Challenge

William Duncan SS Hall

9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Gardiner Chess is excited to present the Term 4 Gold Coast One Day Challenge. This one day rapid event is perfect for juniors of all ages and abilities as there will be two divisions!

The OPEN division is for all rated players and for those trying hard to get a rating. The NOVICE division will be for unrated players only and is perfect for younger or newer players wanting to try a weekend tournament for the first time.

When: Sunday, 23rd November
Where: William Duncan State School (Cnr Explorers Way and Alexander Dr, Highland Park)
Time: 9.30am for registration, starting at 10.00am and finishing approx 4.00pm
Cost: $45.00 per player

Other Tournament details are:

Time Control: 15 minutes per player + 3 seconds per move
Prizes
- Open: 1st to 3rd place + 2 x Rating Groups
- Novice: 1st to 3rd + Other trophies
All games submitted for Queensland Junior Rating
More prizes added pending numbers.
Registration will CLOSE on Friday 21st November!!

Come along and give this event a go and have a heap of fun! Parents can hang around and enjoy some sunshine in the outside area or head across the road to the cafe and other eateries!

Dec

2025 Gold Coast Summer Holiday Program

Somerset College, Gallus Classrooms

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Students will be able to learn new strategies, play over famous games of chess, take on challenging puzzles, and play tournament games.

Coaching will be available to all levels from beginner through to tournament player.

Students should bring their lunch and snacks, water bottle and a HAT!

When

Monday 15th December — Wednesday 17th December, 2025

8:30am – 4:00pm

Where

Somerset College, Galus Classrooms Upstairs
Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba

Somerset_Drive

Cost

$70 per child per day, $130 for two days, or $180 for all three days.
$10 late fee on the day

Thursday is Tournament Day!
Gold Coast Summer Cup

When

Thursday 18th December 2025
(same venue)

Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm

Cost

$45 per player. No Entries on the day.

Dec

2025 Brisbane South Summer Holiday Program

Citipointe Christian College, Senior School Library

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Students will be able to learn new strategies, play over famous games of chess, take on challenging puzzles, and play tournament games.

Coaching will be available to all levels from beginner through to tournament player.

Students should bring their lunch and snacks, water bottle and a HAT!

When

Monday 15th December — Wednesday 17th December, 2025

8:30am – 4:00pm

Where

Citipointe Christian College, Senior Library

Citipointe_-_Parking__Entry_Map

Cost

$70 per child per day, $130 for two days, or $180 for all three days.
$10 late fee on the day

Thursday is Tournament Day!
Brisbane South Summer Cup

When

Thursday 18th December 2025
(same venue)

Registration from 9:30am
Round 1 @ 10:00am
Finish @ 4:00pm

Cost

$45 per player. No Entries on the day.

View All Events

Holiday Programs

Gardiner Chess holiday programs run from 8.30am to 4.00pm on selected days during the school holidays in both Brisbane and Gold Coast. During the day, students will have the chance to undertake lessons, play tournament matches and enjoy some fresh air. Holiday programs are often followed by a tournament on the final day which is open to all players. Most importantly students will have FUN!

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Throughout the year, as the Chess Teacher at Fernvale State School, I have regular contact with the staff of GardinerChess at the QLD Inter-School Chess events they conduct. They are professional, approachable and knowledgeable. GardinerChess is our ‘go-to’ for all our Chess-related requirements.

Geoff ButlerPosition - Teacher, Fernvale SS

Firstly, chess has taught our students patience, determination, responsibility, strategic thinking and most of all, how to have fun with the game! I now have students asking to play chess at every break and I’m referring to high achieving athletes who would normally prefer a game of soccer or football on the oval. That’s simply sensational!

Tonimaree BrownPosition - Principal, Chelona SS

Secondly, the improvement in students’ concentration has been noted by classroom teachers. Increased engagement in the curriculum and learning opportunities means increased academic results for these students.

Tonimaree BrownPosition - Principal, Chelona SS

Thirdly, the ‘relative gain’ in NAPLAN (Numeracy) from Year 3 to Year 5, has been significantly higher than not only the state, but also the nation. I firmly believe the instruction and opportunities Gardiner Chess provide, has had a direct correlation to these gains.

Tonimaree BrownPosition - Principal, Chelona SS

The tournament was wonderful and perfectly organized for players and spectators. I can only hope NSW could hold such an event before I retire from chess.

Andriy BukreyevPosition - Competitor

The tutors are doing a fabulous job on a Wednesday morning here at Ashgrove. We have a large number of quite young students and the routines put in place, are allowing things to flow really well. The students achieve plenty in the hour they attend. The feeling in the room is so positive and we are certainly seeing interest in Chess grow. Lots of students are also doing weekend tournaments now - making friendships, gaining skills and enjoying the game of Chess.

JodyPosition - Ashgrove SS Coordinator

All three of my kids have absolutely fallen in love with chess after starting at Gardiner Chess lessons at Ashgrove! They come home buzzing with excitement and love, showing off new strategies to the whole family and playing against each other every afternoon. The lessons are engaging and fun, and it’s wonderful to see their confidence grow week after week. My eldest son also participated in the interschool competition and we were very proud of him! We recommend Gardiner Chess to all parents and kids :)

PriscilaPosition - Parent, Ashgrove SS

Chess Coaching

Inter-School Tournaments

Fantastic Chess Products

Holiday Programs and Clubs

What we do