Coach with CheckMates
We're a growing chess school in Battersea, and we're always on the lookout for great coaches who love the game and love working with people. If that's you, we'd like to hear from you.
Gabriel and Sam are energetic, friendly and effective - working with them as they build this exciting company has been a great journey!
— Alex B.
Who We Are
CheckMate Experiences was founded by Sam Walker (National Master) and Gabriel Barr, both of whom grew up on the England junior chess circuit. We run weekend and midweek chess for 4–15 year-olds mainly in Battersea, alongside adult chess socials and residential retreats.
Our coaching is high-quality, properly organised, and — above all — genuinely enjoyable for the children who come. We're building a small team of reliable, talented coaches who share that standard and want to be part of something growing.
You don't need to be a grandmaster. You need to know the game well, be brilliant with young people, and turn up ready to give them a chess session to remember.
"The best junior chess isn't just about producing champions. It's about a room full of children who can't wait to come back next week — having fun, thinking deeper, and not noticing they're doing both at once.”
— Gabriel
The Right Coach
- Strong chess — ECF 1500+ or equivalent, or solid junior-coaching experience that speaks for itself.
- Great with children — warm, patient, and able to hold a room of energetic young players.
- Reliable — you can commit to a regular slot and show up prepared.
- A team player — happy to follow our session structure and coach handbook.
- Safeguarding-ready — you hold (or are willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS.
Why Coach with us
- Competitive pay — fair rates for every session, with higher rates for private lessons.
- Lovely venues — Hotel Rafayel in Battersea, the Redfield Centre and other quality spaces.
- Support with planning — help shaping your lessons, plus a coach handbook so you're never starting from scratch.
- A supportive team — experienced coaches, full safeguarding, insurance and NSPCC cover in place, and someone always on hand.
- Room to grow with us — summer camps, retreats and events to get stuck into, and we'll support you improve your own chess game too.
How to apply
This takes a few minutes. We read every application and reply to everyone — whether or not there's a slot right now.
Apply — Fill in this short form. Tell us about your chess and your experience with young people.
Have a chat — If it looks like a fit, we'll arrange a relaxed conversation — usually a quick call or coffee.
Onboard — We complete DBS and safeguarding checks, share the coach handbook, and get you set up.
Coach — We usually invite you for a trial session at one of our coaching events — with our team their to support.
By submitting your application, you agree to us using your details to review your experience and contact you regarding coaching opportunities. For more details, please see our Privacy Notice.