Chess will still be available in TaliTech's Makerspace, but is not running this season. If you'd like to see Chess Club come back, fill out our interest form and let us know!
Chess Club @ TaliTech is a friendly, beginner‑focused program where kids learn chess in a supportive and comfortable environment. Parents are welcome to be present as their children explore the game, practice with others at their level, and build real strategic thinking skills.
We meet once a week for four weeks each season. Classes are small, with a maximum of six students, so every child gets personal attention and plenty of time at the board. Each session introduces one or two new concepts, followed by hands‑on play. Kids learn by doing, not by sitting through long lectures.
Whether your child is brand new to chess or already knows the basics and wants to improve, our beginner‑to‑intermediate club is the perfect place to grow. Instruction is available in both English and Spanish.
We run beginner-to-intermediate sessions year-round. The exact concepts vary by season and student readiness.
Concept: How to set up the board, how each piece moves (pawn, knight, bishop, rook, queen, king)
Drills: "Piece race" games, movement puzzles
Play: First games with simplified rules (just practice moving)
Concept: How to capture pieces, what "check" means, how to deliver checkmate
Drills: Checkmate puzzles (king + queen vs. king), spot-the-check exercises
Play: Full games focusing on trying to checkmate (not just capture everything)
Concept: Castling, en passant, pawn promotion; basic opening ideas (control center, develop pieces)
Drills: When to castle (safety puzzles), practicing good first moves
Play: Games where students focus on "good openings"
Concept: Forks, pins, skewers (simple ways to win material)
Drills: Tactic puzzles ("find the fork")
Play: Games where students hunt for tactical opportunities
Parents are welcome to watch every session for free! See what your child is learning and cheer them on. Want to play too? For $25 per season, parents can join as active members. You'll participate in drills and play games alongside the kids. Learning chess together is a wonderful bonding experience.
Not for spring or summer! We welcome absolute beginners. Fall sessions prefer students who know the basics, but quick learners can still join.
Perfect! Our beginner-to-intermediate format means we teach new concepts each week. Experienced students will learn tactics, strategy, and endgame skills while helping newer players.
No, we're an independent local club. However, if your child gets interested in competitive play, we'll happily point you toward resources like the Utah Chess Association.
Absolutely! Students can return for several seasons. You'll keep improving with each one. We also offer a 10% discount for each additional sibling or referral you register.
¡Perfecto! Toda la instrucción está disponible en español. Avísenos su preferencia cuando se registre y nos aseguraremos de que su hijo reciba toda la enseñanza en español.
Yes! Parents can watch for free or join as playing members for $25 per season. Learning chess together is a great family bonding activity.
We'll move indoors! You'll be notified via email and our Facebook group if there's a location change.
Chess club is designed to be welcoming for all personalities and learning styles. Our small group size (max 6) means we can adapt to each child's needs. If you have specific concerns, reach out at natalia@talitechtutoring.com or text (385) 243-0277.
We require full-season commitment, so please make sure your child is interested before registering. However, we understand things happen. Contact us and we'll work something out.