Free Saturdays at
Battersea Library

Free chess every week at Battersea Library

Just turn up. No booking, no fee —
chess open to every child in the borough.

Saturdays at
Battersea Library Club

Free chess every week at Battersea Library Just turn up.
No booking, no fee — chess open to every child in the borough.

Children and adults playing chess in a library bookstore with shelves of books, posters, and hanging decorations.
Children and adults playing chess in a library bookstore with shelves of books, posters, and hanging decorations.
What to Expect

Our weekly sessions offer a relaxed, welcoming environment. Simply walk in—there is no need to book. We kick off with a short, accessible lesson followed by friendly, casual play. It’s an easy-going hour and a half where your child can just find a board, and one of our coaches will help them get started.

A Home for Every Child

Ages 5–15. If your child is curious about chess but hasn’t touched a board before, this is the gentlest way to start. We provide a space free from pressure, commitment, or cost, making it ideal for those taking their very first steps into the game.

Practical Details

Location: Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JB. Located just a 5-minute walk from Clapham Junction.

What to bring: Just a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Our Commitment to Safety

Your child’s well-being is our priority. We maintain low staff-to-child ratios, and all our coaches hold Enhanced DBS checks. Our safeguarding policy is available here.

Ready to take the next step?

If your child finds their passion for the game, our Sunday and Tuesday sessions provide a perfect progression, offering more structured coaching and ability-based groups to help them continue their chess journey.

View & book sessions

Free Chess Every Saturday

FAQs

  • Our sessions are designed for children aged 5–15. We group children by age and ability so everyone is playing and learning at the right level. Speak to us if your children are out of this range.

  • Absolutely. Many of our players start as complete beginners. Our coaches teach right from the very first move, in a friendly, encouraging way, so no experience is needed at all.

  • Saturday is our chilled, just-turn-up club — great for a relaxed game whatever your level. Stronger players will always find a match, but for proper stretch and ability-based groups, our Sunday and Tuesday sessions are the next step.

    See our full programme.

  • A short, friendly lesson on a fun chess theme, then plenty of games to try it out, with coaches on hand throughout. It's all about enjoying the game and building confidence — no pressure.

  • Battersea Library is at 265 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JB.

    The sessions run from 1-2.30pm on Saturday afternoons.

  • Our Saturday club at Battersea Library is free.

  • Our Saturday club at Battersea Library is free — no booking needed, just turn up!

    If your child enjoys it and wants to take their chess further, take a look at our other sessions — our Sunday and Tuesday clubs offer more structured coaching and ability-based groups. You can see dates and book online through our secure booking page.

  • Yes. All our session coaches — including anyone covering — hold an enhanced DBS check with the Children's Barred List. CheckMate Experiences is fully insured and ICO-registered, and we follow clear safeguarding policies at every session. You can read our full safeguarding policy here.

  • Just a water bottle to stay hydrated - snacks are optional. All equipment is provided.

  • You're welcome to stay — parents are very welcome to remain in the room during the session if you'd like to. Equally, you're free to drop off and come back at the end; whatever suits you and your child. Our coaches are with the children throughout either way.