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The Next Move League — 2026–2027 Chess Season

The Next Move League 2026–2027 chess season promotional banner

More Than a Weekly Chess Class

The Next Move League is a year-long chess experience for young players who are ready to level up through expert training, real competition, measurable progress, and lasting confidence.

Learn more about The Next Move Chess and our full range of youth chess programs.

Location

Hot Potato Art Studio

1661 S Val Vista Dr #105, Gilbert, AZ 85295

Schedule
Wednesdays · 6:30–8:30 PM
Small-Group Environment
18 students maximum

Limited seats for focused coaching

(opens Hot Potato Art Studio website)

Discover Your League Team

Discover your League Team — take the quiz and join a house
  • The Crimson Lions house emblem

    The Crimson Lions

  • Azure Owls house emblem

    Azure Owls

  • Violet Griffins house emblem

    Violet Griffins

How League Play Works and Ways to Earn Points

2027 Chess League House Cup

At the end of the Spring season, the student with the most points wins the 2027 Chess League House Cup Trophy.

House Cup eligibility includes Two Semesters (through Spring) and Complete Academy (Spring plus the Tournament Training Camp weeks). The trophy is awarded only at the end of Spring—not after Fall.

League teams compete all season for pride, standings, and team victory.

Season Timeline

Three phases. One continuous season of growth.

  1. Phase 1 · Fall

    Fall Semester

    September 2–December 16, 2026

    NO CLASS ON: September 30, October 7, November 11, or November 25

    • 12 Wednesday sessions
    • 24 instructional hours
    • Foundation building
    • League placement and seasonal goals

  2. Phase 2 · Spring

    Spring Semester

    January 20–April 21, 2027

    NO CLASS ON: March 10 or March 17

    • 12 Wednesday sessions
    • 24 instructional hours
    • Continued player development
    • Deeper league competition

  3. Phase 3 · Tournament Training Camp

    Tournament Training Camp

    April 28–June 2, 2027

    • 6 Wednesday sessions
    • 12 instructional hours
    • Tournament preparation
    • Competitive readiness and confidence

Enrollment Options

Choose the path that fits your student’s season goals.

One Semester

$480

12 sessions · 24 instructional hours

Choose either the Fall or Spring Semester and experience one complete semester of The Next Move League.

  • One full semester of Chess League participation
  • Weekly lessons covering strategy, tactics, openings, and endgames
  • League games, achievement milestones, and progress tracking
  • Student team placement and participation in seasonal standings
  • About $20 per hour of instruction

Ideal for families seeking a shorter commitment. A flexible way to give your student a complete season of focused chess development, friendly competition, and measurable progress.

Choose One Semester
Recommended

Two Semesters

$920

24 sessions · 48 instructional hours

Give your student a full school year to develop stronger skills, confidence, and competitive experience.

  • Includes both Fall and Spring Semesters
  • Weekly lessons covering strategy, tactics, openings, and endgames
  • League games, achievement milestones, and progress tracking
  • Student team placement and participation in seasonal standings
  • Full-season participation in the Chess League House Cup
  • About $19.17 per hour of instruction

The recommended path for students who want consistent training, continued league participation, and meaningful growth throughout the school year.

At the end of the Spring season, the student with the most points wins the 2027 Chess League House Cup Trophy.

League teams compete all season for pride, standings, achievements, and team victory.

Choose Two Semesters
Best Value

Complete Academy

$1,120

30 sessions · 60 instructional hours

The complete Next Move training journey, including Fall, Spring, and the six-week Tournament Training Camp.

  • Includes the complete Fall and Spring League experience + 6 additional sessions focused on tournament preparation
  • Weekly lessons covering strategy, tactics, openings, and endgames
  • League games, achievement milestones, and progress tracking
  • Student team placement and participation in seasonal standings
  • Full-season participation in the Chess League House Cup
  • About $18.67 per hour of instruction

The most complete path for long-term student development. Designed for students who want the full academy experience—from opening day through focused tournament preparation.

At the end of the Spring season, the student with the most points wins the 2027 Chess League House Cup Trophy.

League teams compete all season for pride, standings, achievements, and team victory.

Choose Complete Academy

What Students Experience

Every Wednesday is built for learning, competition, and visible growth.

  • Structured Lessons

    Tactics, strategy, openings, endgames, calculation, and practical decision-making.

  • Tournament-Style Games

    Students apply what they learn in thoughtful games with clocks, notation, and tournament habits when appropriate.

  • Guided Review

    Coaches help students identify important moments, better choices, and useful lessons from their games.

  • Progress Tracking

    Attendance, goals, achievements, missions, and developmental milestones help students see their growth.

  • Missions and Achievements

    Players earn recognition for improvement, consistency, effort, sportsmanship, and competitive success.

  • Supportive Competition

    The league offers meaningful competition without making beginners feel that winning is the only way to succeed.

Tournament Pathway

Train Toward Something Bigger

Throughout the season, students will learn the skills, routines, and confidence needed to participate in competitive chess events.

Families will receive information about appropriate local tournaments during the year, giving interested students opportunities to build experience before the season finale.

Las Vegas International Chess Festival logo

Tournament Training Camp Destination

Las Vegas International Chess Festival

June 16–20, 2027

The Next Move Chess plans to attend and encourages interested league families to consider participating.

Is This Program Right for My Student?

A Strong Fit for Developing Players

The program is designed for students who:

  • Know how the chess pieces move
  • Understand the basic rules of a complete game
  • Want to improve through consistent practice
  • Enjoy playing against other students
  • Are ready to learn from wins and losses
  • Are interested in league or tournament experiences

Most students will be beginner or intermediate players below approximately 1200, but placement is based on overall experience and coach assessment rather than rating alone.

FAQ & Policies

What is included in league tuition?

Tuition covers weekly Wednesday sessions for the path you choose—structured lessons, tournament-style games, guided review, progress tracking, and achievements. The Complete Academy path also includes the six-week Tournament Training Camp.

Are tournament and travel costs included?

No. Local and Las Vegas tournament participation is optional. Tournament registration, travel, lodging, meals, and related expenses are not included in league tuition.

How does the sibling discount work?

Enroll one student at the regular rate and receive 50% off tuition for each additional sibling in the same household. The discount applies to tuition only—add-ons and tournament expenses are excluded.

Can we pay in installments?

Installment options may be available during checkout once online registration is finalized. We will confirm payment options before enrollment is complete.

Refund Policy

Because enrollment reserves a limited seat and supports advance program planning, all payments are generally non-refundable. Refunds or credits are not provided for missed classes, scheduling conflicts, withdrawals, or unused portions of an enrollment package. If The Next Move Chess permanently cancels classes and cannot provide a reasonable replacement, families will receive a prorated refund for the canceled portion.

What if my student’s rating is around or above 1200?

Most students will be beginner or intermediate players below approximately 1200, but placement is based on experience and coach assessment rather than rating alone. Reach out if you are unsure about fit.

How many students can enroll?

Enrollment is limited to 18 students to protect coaching quality and a focused small-group environment.

Where and when does the league meet?

Wednesdays from 6:30–8:30 PM at Hot Potato Art Studio, with two coaches throughout the season. See the season timeline for semester dates and no-class dates.

Ready for Your Next Move?

Join a full season of chess training, league competition, achievements, progress, and optional tournament preparation.

View Enrollment OptionsAsk a Question

Enrollment is limited to 18 students.