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.

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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.

Dec

2023 Gardiner Chess Blitz Championships

William Duncan SS Hall

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

The Gardiner Chess Blitz Championship provides a chance for players young and old to enjoy the pace of blitz in an exciting blitz tournament.

When: Sunday 10th December
Where: William Duncan State School, Explorers Way, Highland Park
Time: 9.00am registration, finishing approx 12.30pm
Time Control: 3 minutes + 2 seconds per move added
Cost: $25.00 per player
Prizes: $150/$120/$80 (1st/2nd/3rd) + Rating groups of $50 (1st place). Trophies for Cadets 1st to 3rd.

Dec

2023 Gardiner Chess Transfer Championships

William Duncan SS Hall

1:15 pm - 4:30 pm

The Gardiner Chess Transfer Championship provides a chance for players young and old to enjoy the pace of blitz combined with the craziness of transfer with a partner!

When: Sunday 10th December
Where: William Duncan State School, Explorers Way, Highland Park
Time: 1.15pm registration, finishing approx 4.30pm
Time Control: 5 minutes per player
Cost: $25.00 per player
Prizes: $150/$120/$80 (1st/2nd/3rd) + Rating groups of $50 (1st place).

Don’t have a partner lined up? We can help organise one on the day if needed.

Dec

2023 Gold Coast Summer Holiday Program

Somerset College - Gallus Classrooms

8:30 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 11th December — Wednesday 13th December, 2023

8:30am – 4:00pm

Where

Somerset College, Gallus Classrooms
Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba

Somerset_Entry

Cost

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

Thursday is Tournament Day!
Gold Coast Summer Cup

When

Thursday 14th December 2023
(same venue)

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

Cost

$40 per player. No Entries on the day.

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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

Chess Coaching

Inter-School Tournaments

Fantastic Chess Products

Holiday Programs and Clubs

What we do