Two men playing chess at a table, smiling, with a chessboard in the foreground.

Where Chess Becomes a Way of Life

At CheckMate Experiences, we believe chess is far more than a game — it's a way of thinking, a way of connecting, and a discipline that rewards patience, curiosity and nerve. We bring that spirit to everything we do, from children taking their first competitive steps to adults reconnecting with the board over a weekend retreat. Founded by two players who grew up inside England's junior chess scene, we create experiences where world-class instruction meets genuine warmth, design and hospitality.

Group of children and teenagers posing outdoors in front of a building, with some wearing yellow sports jerseys.
Group of children and teenagers posing outdoors in front of a building, with some wearing yellow sports jerseys.

England Junior Squad, Holland, 2005

Sam and Gabriel first met as teenagers playing for the England Junior Chess Team, and chess has been at the heart of their friendship ever since. Years of late-night analysis, tournaments and shared obsession eventually became something bigger: CheckMate Experiences — retreats, kids' events and one-to-one coaching, built on the conviction that the game is best shared.

Meet Gabriel & Sam

Friends
First, Founders
Second

A young boy with dark hair and light eyes, lying on a patterned carpet, playing chess in a cozy room with a colorful blanket, books, and shelves in the background.
A young boy with dark hair and light eyes, lying on a patterned carpet, playing chess in a cozy room with a colorful blanket, books, and shelves in the background.

Gabriel Barr

Co-Founder & Former England Junior Team

A former England Junior player and British Schools Championships medalist, Gabriel spent eight years in the UK Civil Service before stepping away to launch Checkmate Experiences. He bridges elite strategy with premium hospitality, design, and wellness, creating spaces where mind games become an immersive lifestyle.

A young boy with brown hair and wearing a school uniform, including a white shirt, dark sweater, and a plaid tie, is playing chess. He is sitting at a table with a chessboard in front of him, focusing on the game.
A young boy with brown hair and wearing a school uniform, including a white shirt, dark sweater, and a plaid tie, is playing chess. He is sitting at a table with a chessboard in front of him, focusing on the game.

Sam Walker

Co-founder & National Master

Sam brings world-class competitive experience and deep tactical mastery to the board. Having played at the highest national levels, he focuses on breaking down complex strategic concepts, helping players refine their positional understanding and transition seamlessly from casual play to serious competition.

Group of children and teenagers posing for a photo, some holding Indian flags, in a school or community center setting.
Group of children and teenagers posing for a photo, some holding Indian flags, in a school or community center setting.

England Junior Squad, Turkey, 2010

What We Do

CheckMate Kids — Friendly, structured chess for young players, run by vetted coaches in a safe and encouraging environment. Weekly sessions and tournaments across South London.

Retreats — Immersive chess-and-wellness weekends combining expert tuition, yoga and chef-prepared food. Switch off from the everyday and go deep on the game.

Private Coaching — Personalised one-to-one tuition tailored to your level and goals, whether you're starting out or chasing a rating.

Corporate Days— not your usual away day, blending yoga and mindfulness with chess coaching for a memorable one.

Lates — Our social club night. Coming soon.

Venue Hire at The Rafayel Space — A striking event space in Battersea for community, workshops and private hire.

A family celebrating a birthday with a chess-themed cake at a party, children gathered around, one girl standing and others sitting, some in casual clothes, in a room with a table and some kids in the background.
A family celebrating a birthday with a chess-themed cake at a party, children gathered around, one girl standing and others sitting, some in casual clothes, in a room with a table and some kids in the background.

Mama Barr’s handy work

What Makes Us Different

We're not a faceless coaching platform. We grew up with the game and have spent years in junior coaching ourselves — volunteering and coaching professionally — so we know what works and what doesn't. We run CheckMate as part of the South London community we're rooted in.

More than chess — From wellness retreats to social club nights, we build chess into a wider lifestyle, not just a lesson.

Rooted in the community — Through our Community Pledge, 10% of every corporate booking goes straight back into Battersea. It funds free chess in local schools, our free Saturday chess club at Battersea Library, subsidised hire of our space for community groups and bursary places so cost is never the reason a child can't take part.

Genuinely affordable — Premium coaching shouldn't mean premium-only prices. We keep our rates accessible so more players can get quality tuition.

Local by design — We partner with clubs, schools, and businesses across South London, building real relationships on the ground.

Coaches who've been there — Every session is led by experienced, vetted coaches who've competed at a high level themselves.

A group of children and a few adults sitting and standing on a city square in front of a black monument. The children have backpacks and are smiling or looking at the camera. The background shows buildings and a busy street.
A group of children and a few adults sitting and standing on a city square in front of a black monument. The children have backpacks and are smiling or looking at the camera. The background shows buildings and a busy street.

England Junior Squad, Poland, 2006