A restaurant or event space with large windows overlooking a river and cityscape, decorated with a chandelier, arranged with tables covered in black tablecloths, set with checkered placemats, napkins, and cloth bags, and surrounded by gold chairs.
A restaurant or event space with large windows overlooking a river and cityscape, decorated with a chandelier, arranged with tables covered in black tablecloths, set with checkered placemats, napkins, and cloth bags, and surrounded by gold chairs.

Sundays at
Hotel Rafayel

Our flagship weekend session, in a beautiful riverside setting.
Every child challenged, every child having fun.

Sundays at
Hotel Rafayel

Our flagship weekend session, in a beautiful riverside setting. Every child challenged, every child having fun.

Book a place for our next date
Book a place for our next date
A Home for Every Child

Ages 5–15, all levels. Complete beginners are highly encouraged, with groups matched by age and ability so every child can thrive.

Timings

Drop-off at 2:00pm. Coaching begins at 2:15pm, followed by our Divisions tournament at 3:30pm. Pick-up is at 5:00pm.

What to Expect

Small-group expert coaching and friendly matches. Expect prizes, promotions in our CheckMate Divisions, and new friendships.

Location

Hotel Rafayel, 34 Lombard Road, SW11 3RF. Easy walking distance from Clapham Junction, with convenient on-site parking.

What to Bring

Just bring a water bottle, a few snacks for the mid-session break, and comfortable clothes. We provide all the chess equipment.

Safety First

We maintain low staff ratios and all our coaches hold Enhanced DBS checks. Our safeguarding policy is available here.

Pricing & Booking

Early Bird: £45 per session. Use code SUNDAY25OFF

Standard: £60 per session.

Book a place

Our Premier Chess Experience

If cost is a barrier, please get in touch — we have bursary places available.

By booking, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice. Our Safeguarding Policy is available here.

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.

  • Yes. Because we group by ability, stronger and more experienced players are stretched too, with more competitive games and tournament preparation.

  • A mix of coaching and play — a chess theme such as ‘middle game strategies’ or ‘pin-based puzzles’, then plenty of games where children put it into practice, with coaches on hand throughout. The focus is on enjoyment, confidence and steady improvement, not pressure.

  • Sundays at Hotel Rafayel (2–5pm) and Tuesdays at Battersea Chess Club (6–7pm). Saturdays free club take place at Battersea Library.

    Full details of our chess programme can be found here. Holiday camps run during school breaks — dates announced ahead of each holiday.

  • Sunday sessions are £45 early bird / £60 standard. There's no membership required — simply book the sessions that suit you. We also have bursaries available — just get in touch.

  • All sessions are booked through our website — just pick a date, reserve your child's place and pay online.

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

  • Yes. All our coaches hold an enhanced DBS check including 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.

  • We run drop-off sessions — please collect your child promptly at the stated finishing time.

    You can relax in the Hotel Rafayel restaurant during the session and enjoy a 10% discount off food and drink.

  • Full booking terms, including cancellations and refunds, are set out in our Terms & Conditions.