How do you teach a total chess beginner enough to survive a world champion in a chess boxing ring? Gabriel shares what happened when he gave Danish radio star Peter Falktoft a crash course before his headline fight against Dina Thorslund at Oktoberfist.

Six months since CheckMate Experiences became a company, we're looking back on 450+ kids coached, two retreats, a new adult chess night and plenty of first checkmates along the way.

The Battersea Kids Chess Club recently kicked off its post-summer sessions, welcoming around 25 children back to the library as the school year begins. As the club enters its third year, the coaching team is excited to introduce new beginners to the game while supporting older members in their transition to competitive adult chess.

Sam reclaimed the 2026 Battersea Club Championship by grinding out a complex rook endgame against his rival, Midhun Unnikrishnan. Read the full tournament recap and test your skills on the critical puzzle that decided the final match!

Battersea Chess Club hosted Danny Rensch, chess.com's Chief Chess Officer, for a conversation and a 30 board simul. A word on the man, a puzzle from the marathon, and a review of his memoir, Dark Squares.

Sam’s chess globetrotting continues…

Sam explores the chess scene in Brussels.

Sam and Gabriel headed down to the sixth Chess Fest which brought together chess enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds!

Join coach Sam as he reflects on Gabriel Sherwood’s incredible win and takes us through one of his finest moments of the championships.

How teaching chess to kids in a remote Brazilian town — and very nearly being eaten in a swamp — became one of the best things I've ever done.