A group of ten people gathered around a table playing chess, smiling and looking at the camera in a well-lit room with large windows.
A group of ten people gathered around a table playing chess, smiling and looking at the camera in a well-lit room with large windows.
Next Retreat: 16-18 April 2027
join us for a weekend of chess and calm!

CheckMate Retreats

CheckMate Retreats

Chess and wellness weekends for all levels, an hour from London
Redfield Centre, Buckinghamshire

Register interest for our next event

Chess and wellness weekends, an hour from London

Register interest for our next event
Register interest for our next event

The Concept

The idea was born out of Gabriel and Sam swapping stories of silent retreats in Brazil, teaching in schools across London and Latin America, and reflecting on their shared desire to make better sense of busy city life.

The result is CheckMate Retreats: a weekend that blends expert chess training with wellness, designed to sharpen your mind and reset your body. Enjoy a real reset among a friendly community of ‘CheckMates’.

See photos from our past retreats

What We Offer

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a club regular, this adult-only weekend is for you if you want to level up in a calm, focused setting and meet a like-minded community.

Expert-led chess

Small-group training on strategy, endgames and tactics. Whatever your level, you’ll leave stronger.

Yoga & mindfulness

Grounding movement with our instructor Izzy to sharpen focus on and off the board.

Digital detox

A phone-free weekend in the countryside, an hour from London.

Private Chef

Healthy, home-cooked meals from a private chef.

  • "I have had two wonderful experiences with CheckMate Retreats. I loved the combination of serious chess improvement and a relaxed countryside setting with home-cooked meals from our hosts. The ability to play stronger opponents (including Sam and Gabe as well as visiting titled players) and get direct feedback on my game was very valuable. Breaking things up with a yoga session or country stroll also works well. I would highly recommend Checkmate Retreats for those looking to up their game in a supportive environment of fellow adult improvers."

    — Sam R.

  • “A really fabulous weekend in a warm, friendly and supportive environment."

    — Nette R.

  • “A great spot, a brilliant group and wonderfully organised! A thoroughly enjoyable weekend where time seemed to slow down. I came away really refreshed and ready for the working week again.”

    — Conor G.

  • "I recently attended my first CheckMate Retreat. Lots of useful takeaways I could use with pupils at my school and for my own chess journey."

    —Bisi

  • "Combining chess and yoga gave me a better understanding of my thought process at the board. I left with practical tools for staying focused under pressure and making clearer decisions. Combining chess and yoga gave me a better understanding of my thought process at the board. I left with practical tools for staying focused under pressure and making clearer decisions."

    — Teddy S.

  • "An awesome getaway, meet lots of new people, play chess and bond over it."

    — Tsotne

  • "I had a fantastic experience at checkmate retreats. A very relaxed and fun weekend which was a true escape and perfect change from usual city life. The chess, yoga and food all far exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to return."

    Nick K.

Our next weekend is 16-18 April 2027

Register your interest to receive details on how to book.

Register your interest

A Typical Day

  • Group of people participating in a yoga or fitness class indoors, performing plank pose on yoga mats, with large windows showing a backyard with chairs and garden.

    Morning Mindfulness

    Sunrise yoga and meditation to gently wake the body and mind followed by a wholesome breakfast.

  • A man with glasses, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, stands with arms crossed next to a large chessboard and a promotional banner for CheckMate Retreats. The chessboard has yellow and brown pieces set up for a game.

    Focus & Food

    A morning masterclass with Grandmaster Matthew Wadsworth, followed by a hearty home-cooked lunch.

  • Two people walking in a grassy field with sheep and trees, under partly cloudy sky.

    Nature & Nurture

    A meditation and nature walk to reset, then breakout groups by level — Rooks, Bishops and Knights — each honing a different part of their game.

  • A group of people playing chess at a table in a room, with two of them appearing deep in thought and others watching the game. There is a chess clock and glasses of water on the table, and a window with greenery outside.

    Sunset Slow-Down

    Casual, light-hearted chess, dinner together & wind-down yoga.

  • People sitting around a campfire outside at night, near a brick building with illuminated windows and a door.

    Blunders & Brews

    Chess tales by the firepit.

Want in on the next one?

We're planning our next retreat now. Pop your details below and you'll be first to hear the dates, pricing and how to book your spot among the CheckMates.

Instagram: @checkmate.retreats

Questions? Have a look at the FAQs below, or email coaching@checkmateexperiences.co.uk

By submitting, you agree to us using your details to tell you about our next retreat. See our Privacy Notice.

FAQs

  • We've run two retreats so far, and both were a success. That said, we always gather feedback afterwards so we can refine the format and make the next is even more on point.

  • Register your interest and we'll be in touch with dates and how to book?

  • Yes. CheckMate Retreats is for everyone with a love of the game, whether you're learning the basics or winning tournaments. It helps to know the fundamentals, but we offer fun materials, tailored support and a relaxed pace for all.

  • Absolutely — we're building a community of CheckMates who love chess and new experiences, and you're very welcome to join solo.

  • £299 early bird / £325 standard.

    That covers everything for the weekend: accommodation, all food and drink, expert-led chess training, and optional yoga and mindfulness sessions. The only thing not included is getting there.

    Early bird pricing is limited, so registering your interest early is the best way to lock in the lower rate.

  • Arrive from 6.30pm Friday — settle in, meet the group and play some casual games before dinner at 7.30pm.

    The weekend wraps at 3pm Sunday after a friendly end-of-retreat tournament.

    Need to arrive late or leave early? Just let us know and we'll do our best.

  • Most rooms are shared, so you'll likely be paired with a "RookMate" — part of the retreat's communal spirit.

    If you have specific needs or a roommate request, let us know ahead of time.

  • Healthy, home-cooked meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients — hearty salads, warming stews, nourishing snacks. We cater to most dietary needs; just tell us in advance.

  • CheckMate Retreats are hosted at the Redfield Centre — an eco-friendly converted stable and coach house in peaceful woodland, with space for countryside wandering and evenings by the firepit.

    It’s just outside Milton Keynes: a direct train from London (30–45 mins) and a short taxi.

  • Izzy Mills Lyle trained at Suryalila in Spain and blends dynamic vinyasa, strength and intuitive movement. She believes in inclusive yoga for all — expect to leave her classes strong, grounded and relaxed.