Group Classes
Looking for chess classes in Calgary that help kids build strategy, focus, and confidence? Flying Minds offers engaging chess group classes for beginners to advanced players.
Our program helps students learn essential chess principles, improve tactical thinking, and develop competitive skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Why Choose Flying Minds?
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Beginner to Advanced Levels: Structured lessons designed for all skill levels and worksheets specific to each student
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Professional Coaches: Our coach Bijan has a background in working with kids as well as chess tournament experience as a player and arbiter (an arbiter is similar to a referee)
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Hands-On Learning: Students play real matches, solve puzzles, and analyze games every class.
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CFC-Rated Tournaments: Tournament prep starts here, our coach will guide you to your specific chess goals
Who Are Our Chess Classes For?
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Kids and youth ages 5–15
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Beginners learning chess for the first time
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Intermediate players wanting to improve strategy
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Advanced students preparing for tournaments
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Anyone who wants a fun, intellectual weekly activity
What Students Will Learn
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Chess tournament rules and etiquette
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Tactics: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks and more
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Middlegame thinking and positional play
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Endgame techniques like king opposition and pawn promotion for beginners and Lucena/Philodor position for intermediates
Benefits Of Joining
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Small class sizes
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Safe and encouraging learning environment
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Regular practice matches
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Access to structured learning materials
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Each class is structured to fit the present students and questions asked change dependent on student level and goals
1 on 1 Coaching
The Flying Minds Chess Club offers private one on one chess lessons for targeted practice.
If you feel like you want to dive deeper into the world of chess, or you are looking to improve before your next big tournament, this is for you.
We accept kids and adults of all ages. Our Coaches offer both online and in-person help at our center.
Coach Bijan D. Shafa
Rated around 1700 FIDE.
Coaching since 2022 and proud member of the CJCC board of directors.
IM Hamed Mousavian
Rated around 2300 FIDE.
Accomplished International Master player and high level Coach
Coaching includes:
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Personalizing and refining your opening repertoire
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Analyzing your games together with and without chess engines
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Optimizing your practice routine for consistent improvement
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Dealing with setbacks, negative emotion, and playing in losing positions
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Filling the gaps in fundamentals
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Refining endgames to improve confidence, speed and calculation depth
Calgary Junior Chess Centre Tournament Schedule 2026
(non profit)
Flying Minds Tournaments
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Feb. 1st - Rapid Tournament
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Mar. 1st - Rapid Tournament
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Apr. 19th - Rapid Tournament
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May 3rd - Rapid Tournament
For Signups and info, please visit:
Calgary Wide Tournaments
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Feb. 7th-8th - Calgary Youth Championship
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Feb. 22nd - Renert School Rapid
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Mar. 8th - Renert School Rapid
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Apr. 12th - Alberta Chess Challenge (Red Deer)
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Apr. 26th - Renert School Rapid
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May 24th - School Championship at UCalgary
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May 31st - Renert School Rapid
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Jun. 7th - Renert Club Championship
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Jun. 27-30th - Canadian Junior Chess Championship
Join Our Free Chess Social Events
Our chess club is open for everyone on Friday at 5pm to play, improve, connect and have fun!
We have around 12 Boards available and average 18 participants every week. Free snacks are also provided from time to time like cookies, pizza or treats, but feel free to bring your own snack and beverage.
