Junior academy

All training takes place at our dedicated location in Vienna’s 4th district, at Karlsgasse 20, and is organized into four clearly defined development levels.

The Explorer and Foundation Groups are led by qualified and experienced coaches who specialize in teaching children and beginners.

All programs follow the structured training system of the Vienna Chess School and are supervised by the founder and head coach, Grandmaster David
Shengelia.

Our first semester starts on November 2, 2026.

To celebrate the opening of the Vienna Chess School, we are offering a special introductory semester:
Standard Course: 10 training sessions · once a week
Intensive Course: 20 training sessions · twice a week

Starting from the following semester, all courses will run according to the regular full schedule.

For registration and further questions: office@viennachessschool.at

Explorer Group – Beginners approx. 0 – 600 Elo

The Explorer Group is designed for beginners and players with little or no prior chess experience. The fundamentals are introduced in a clear and engaging way.

Focus Areas:

The Explorer Group forms the entry level of the Vienna Chess School and provides a solid foundation for progression into the Foundation Group. Courses take place with a minimum of 5 participants.

Explorer Group
Monday 3:00–3:50 p.m.

€225

Explorer Group
Thursday 3:00–3:50 p.m.

€225

Foundation Group - Transition from beginner to advanced, approx. 500–900 Elo

The Foundation Group is designed for players who already understand the basic rules and want to build a solid foundation for further improvement.

Focus Areas

You can join the course midway through if there are openings.

Foundation Group – Regular Course
Tuesday 3:00–4:00 p.m.

starting at €265

Foundation Group - Regular Course
Thursday 4:00–5:00 p.m.

starting at €265

Foundation Group, Intensive Course
Monday & Wednesday 4:20–5:20 p.m.

€485

Foundation Group, Intensive Course
Tuesday & Friday 4:20–5:20 p.m.

€485

Challenger Group, Advanced Level 1 - approx. 800–1100 Elo

The Challenger Group is designed for players who have mastered the basics and want to systematically improve their game. The training focuses on tactics, strategy, and the analysis of games.

Focus Areas:

You can join the course midway through if there are openings.

For participants of the Challenger Group:
Additional joint training sessions with Grandmaster David Shengelia
Founder and Head Coach of the Vienna Chess School

Standard course: 2 additional sessions per semester
Intensive course: 4 additional sessions per semester
Duration: 90 minutes per session
group-wide training across all Challenger Groups
already included in the course fee

Challenger Group Level 1, Regular Class
Tuesday 4:10–5:20 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 1, Regular Class
Thursday 5:10–6:20 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 1, Intensive Course
Monday & Wednesday 5:30–6:40 p.m.

€535

Challenger Group Level 1, Intensive Course
Wednesday & Friday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

€535

Challenger Group – Advanced Level 2 – approx. 1,000–1,400 Elo

The Challenger Group is designed for players who have mastered the basics and want to systematically improve their game. The training focuses on tactics, strategy, and the analysis of games.

Schwerpunkte:

For participants of the Challenger Group:
Additional joint training sessions with Grandmaster David Shengelia
Founder and Head Coach of the Vienna Chess School

Standard course: 2 additional sessions per semester
Intensive course: 4 additional sessions per semester
Duration: 90 minutes per session
group-wide training across all Challenger Groups
already included in the course fee

Challenger Group Level 2, Regular Course
Monday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 2, Regular Course
Wednesday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 2, Intensive Course
Monday & Wednesday 4:20–5:30 p.m.

€535

Challenger Group Level 2, Intensive Course
Tuesday & Thursday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

€535

Competition Group: Club players with an Elo rating of approximately 1,300–1,800

The Competition Group is designed for ambitious players with a solid foundation who regularly participate in tournaments and competitions. At this training level, the focus is on deepening strategic understanding, precise evaluation of variations, and the systematic analysis of games.

Focus Areas:

The classes are taught in person by Grandmaster David Shengelia

Competition Group, Regular Class
Monday 6:00–7:30 p.m.

starting at €720

Competition Group, Regular Class
Wednesday 3:00–4:30 p.m.

starting at €720

Competition Group, Intensive Course
Tuesday & Thursday 5:30–7:00 p.m.

€1300

At what age can my child start?

Our courses are generally designed for children aged 6 and above. More important than age is the child’s ability to concentrate and their interest in chess.

Does my child need prior experience?

No. Children can start without prior knowledge in the Explorer Group. For more advanced groups, a short evaluation is required.

How is my child assigned to the right group?

Placement is determined during a trial session or short evaluation. We consider playing strength, experience, and learning behavior.

Can my child change groups?

Yes. A change is possible at any time, provided it is beneficial for the child’s development and places are available.

How large are the groups?

We teach in small groups to ensure individual attention:
• Beginner and intermediate groups: max. 8 children
• Performance groups: max. 6 participants

How often do classes take place?

Depending on the course:
• once or twice per week
• structured course blocks with a clear schedule

How long does a course last?

Courses consist of 16 or 32 sessions and typically run over one or two semesters.

How long is each session?

• Beginners: 50–60 minutes
• Intermediate players: 70 minutes
• Performance groups: 90 minutes

Can my child attend a trial session?

Yes, we offer trial sessions to determine the most suitable group.

How can I register my child?

Registration is done via our online form or in person. After registration, we will contact you to arrange a trial session.

When can my child start?

Courses usually begin at the start of a course block (semester). Late entry may be possible if places are available.

How does payment work?

Course fees are paid per course block (16 or 32 sessions) in advance.

What happens if my child misses a session?

Missed sessions are generally non-refundable. In exceptional cases, a make-up session may be offered if possible.

Can I cancel the registration?

Cancellation is possible up to a certain time before the course starts. After the course has begun, refunds are generally not provided.

Is there a minimum number of participants?

Yes. Courses take place only if a minimum number of participants is reached. If a course does not run, an alternative will be offered or the fee will be fully refunded.

Are there any discounts?

Discounted rates are available for intensive participation (e.g. twice per week).

How will I be informed about updates?

All important information (start dates, changes, etc.) will be communicated via email.

What are the benefits of chess for my child?

Chess promotes:
• concentration
• logical thinking
• problem-solving skills
• patience and self-confidence

have any questions?

Please leave your contact information, and we’ll get back to you.

Explorer Group

Explorer Group – Beginners approx. 0 – 600 Elo

The Explorer Group is designed for beginners and players with little or no prior chess experience. The fundamentals are introduced in a clear and engaging way.

Focus Areas:

The Explorer Group forms the entry level of the Vienna Chess School and provides a solid foundation for progression into the Foundation Group. Courses take place with a minimum of 5 participants.

Explorer Group
Monday 3:00–3:50 p.m.

€225

Explorer Group
Thursday 3:00–3:50 p.m.

€225

Foundation Group

Foundation Group - Transition from beginner to advanced, approx. 500–900 Elo

The Foundation Group is designed for players who already understand the basic rules and want to build a solid foundation for further improvement.

Focus Areas

You can join the course midway through if there are openings.

Foundation Group – Regular Course
Tuesday 3:00–4:00 p.m.

starting at €265

Foundation Group - Regular Course
Thursday 4:00–5:00 p.m.

starting at €265

Foundation Group, Intensive Course
Monday & Wednesday 4:20–5:20 p.m.

€485

Foundation Group, Intensive Course
Tuesday & Friday 4:20–5:20 p.m.

€485

Challenger Group – Lvl 1

Challenger Group, Advanced Level 1 - approx. 800–1100 Elo

The Challenger Group is designed for players who have mastered the basics and want to systematically improve their game. The training focuses on tactics, strategy, and the analysis of games.

Focus Areas:

You can join the course midway through if there are openings.

For participants of the Challenger Group:
Additional joint training sessions with Grandmaster David Shengelia
Founder and Head Coach of the Vienna Chess School

Standard course: 2 additional sessions per semester
Intensive course: 4 additional sessions per semester
Duration: 90 minutes per session
group-wide training across all Challenger Groups
already included in the course fee

Challenger Group Level 1, Regular Class
Tuesday 4:10–5:20 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 1, Regular Class
Thursday 5:10–6:20 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 1, Intensive Course
Monday & Wednesday 5:30–6:40 p.m.

€535

Challenger Group Level 1, Intensive Course
Wednesday & Friday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

€535

Challenger Group – Lvl 2

Challenger Group – Advanced Level 2 – approx. 1,000–1,400 Elo

The Explorer Group is designed for beginners and players with little or no chess experience. The basics are taught in a fun and easy-to-understand way.

Schwerpunkte:

For participants of the Challenger Group:
Additional joint training sessions with Grandmaster David Shengelia
Founder and Head Coach of the Vienna Chess School

Standard course: 2 additional sessions per semester
Intensive course: 4 additional sessions per semester
Duration: 90 minutes per session
group-wide training across all Challenger Groups
already included in the course fee

Challenger Group Level 2, Regular Course
Monday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 2, Regular Course
Wednesday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

starting at €295

Challenger Group Level 2, Intensive Course
Monday & Wednesday 4:20–5:30 p.m.

€535

Challenger Group Level 2, Intensive Course
Tuesday & Thursday 3:00–4:10 p.m.

€535

Competition Group

Competition Group: Club players with an Elo rating of approximately 1,300–1,800

Focus Areas:

It is possible to join the course midway through if there are open spots.
The Competition Group is the performance-oriented training level and helps players further develop their potential at a high level. Small groups allow for individualized attention and lasting learning success.

Competition Group, Regular Class
Monday 6:00–7:30 p.m.

starting at €720

Competition Group, Regular Class
Wednesday 3:00–4:30 p.m.

starting at €720

Competition Group, Intensive Course
Tuesday & Thursday 5:30–7:00 p.m.

€1300

FAQs

At what age can my child start?

Our courses are generally designed for children aged 6 and above. More important than age is the child’s ability to concentrate and their interest in chess.

Does my child need prior experience?

No. Children can start without prior knowledge in the Explorer Group. For more advanced groups, a short evaluation is required.

How is my child assigned to the right group?

Placement is determined during a trial session or short evaluation. We consider playing strength, experience, and learning behavior.

Can my child change groups?

Yes. A change is possible at any time, provided it is beneficial for the child’s development and places are available.

How large are the groups?

We teach in small groups to ensure individual attention:
• Beginner and intermediate groups: max. 8 children
• Performance groups: max. 6 participants

How often do classes take place?

Depending on the course:
• once or twice per week
• structured course blocks with a clear schedule

How long does a course last?

Courses consist of 16 or 32 sessions and typically run over one or two semesters.

How long is each session?

• Beginners: 50–60 minutes
• Intermediate players: 70 minutes
• Performance groups: 90 minutes

Can my child attend a trial session?

Yes, we offer trial sessions to determine the most suitable group.

How can I register my child?

Registration is done via our online form or in person. After registration, we will contact you to arrange a trial session.

When can my child start?

Courses usually begin at the start of a course block (semester). Late entry may be possible if places are available.

How does payment work?

Course fees are paid per course block (16 or 32 sessions) in advance.

What happens if my child misses a session?

Missed sessions are generally non-refundable. In exceptional cases, a make-up session may be offered if possible.

Can I cancel the registration?

Cancellation is possible up to a certain time before the course starts. After the course has begun, refunds are generally not provided.

Is there a minimum number of participants?

Yes. Courses take place only if a minimum number of participants is reached. If a course does not run, an alternative will be offered or the fee will be fully refunded.

Are there any discounts?

Discounted rates are available for intensive participation (e.g. twice per week).

How will I be informed about updates?

All important information (start dates, changes, etc.) will be communicated via email.

What are the benefits of chess for my child?

Chess promotes:
• concentration
• logical thinking
• problem-solving skills
• patience and self-confidence

have any questions?

Please leave your contact information, and we’ll get back to you.