Yes to Chess
Yes to Chess
Here at Grupology, we love the strategic, creative, and challenging game of chess. Yes to Chess accommodates all levels of players, from fun, introductory courses to rated competitions and rigorous training.
Our Chess Offerings:
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In-Person Classes
Drop in and check out a class!
Interested in ongoing instruction? Whether you’re new to chess or an advanced player, our chess classes will help up your game.
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Chess Tournaments
Saturday, January 11 @ Grupology HQ
Eager to exercise your skills in a competitive environment? We host regular in-person tournaments every other month.
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Private Coaching
Available Year-Round
Advance your chess skills with 1:1 or 2:1 coaching tailored to your unique strengths and weaknesses. Sessions are offered in-person or online.
Grupology Chess Levels:
Please register your child based on your best estimate of their current level using the guide below. Grupology educators will transfer students to the correct class placement as needed.
Level 1: Intro
USCF Rating: NA
ChessKid Rating: NA
New players are still learning how to play the game.
View Classes →
Level 2: Beginner
USCF Rating: U400
ChessKid Rating: 400–800
Beginner players know the basic rules of chess and can complete a game without assistance.
View Classes →
Level 3: Intermediate
USCF Rating: 400–700
ChessKid Rating: 800–1300
Intermediate players have had some class and tournament experience and are ready for more advanced strategy.
View Classes →
Level 4: Advanced
USCF Rating: 700+
ChessKid Rating: 1300+
Advanced players are committed to improving their game and excelling in more complex matches.
View Classes →
Current Schedule:
| Chess Classes — 2nd Semester 2024/25 | Level 1 (Intro) In-Person @ Grupology HQ |
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Sundays
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January 5 – May 18 | Level 2 (Beginner) In-Person @ Grupology HQ |
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Sundays
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January 5 – May 18
Tuesdays
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January 7 – May 20
Wednesdays
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January 8 – May 21
Thursdays
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January 9 – May 22 | Level 3 (Intermediate) In-Person @ Grupology HQ |
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Sundays
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January 5 – May 18
Tuesdays
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January 7 – May 20
Wednesdays
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January 8 – May 21
Thursdays
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January 9 – May 22 | Level 4 (Advanced) In-Person @ Grupology HQ |
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Sundays
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January 5 – May 18
Tuesdays
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January 7 – May 20
Wednesdays
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January 8 – May 21 |
| Chess Tournaments | Scholastic Tournament: K–12 Rated & K–5 Non-Rated In-Person @ Grupology HQ |
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Saturday, January 11
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9:30am – 1:30pm |
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Saturday, March 8
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9:30am – 1:30pm |
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Saturday, May 10
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9:30am – 1:30pm |
Resources + FAQ:
Our Coaches:
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Andrew Schley
“Chess is in my DNA, and I figured out that combining my chess expertise with my knowledge of elementary education proved to be a dynamic formula.”
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Colin Shober
“It is my goal to spread my passion and knowledge of the fascinating game of chess to anyone who is interested in learning and improving.”
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Raghu Rajaram
“I know firsthand the impact the game of chess can have on the developing mind of a young child — I was one of those children myself.”
Community Opportunities
Looking to earn a Scout’s badge or fulfill community service hours?
Volunteer to teach chess at the Burlingame Library.
Looking to earn a Scout’s badge or fulfill community service hours?
Volunteer to teach chess at the Burlingame Library.
Upcoming Dates: January 25, February 22, March 22, April 26
Must be at least 12 years old and know the rules of chess.
What are the different levels?
Please register your child based on your best estimate of their current level using the guide below. Grupology educators will transfer students to the correct class placement as needed.
Level 1: Intro
USCF Rating: NA
ChessKid Rating: NA
New players are still learning how to play the game.
Level 2: Beginner
USCF Rating: U400
ChessKid Rating: 400–800
Beginner players know the basic rules of chess and can complete a game without assistance.
Level 3: Intermediate
USCF Rating: 400–700
ChessKid Rating: 800–1300
Intermediate players have had some class and tournament experience and are ready for more advanced strategy.
Level 4: Advanced
USCF Rating: 700+
ChessKid Rating: 1300+
Advanced players are committed to improving their game and excelling in more complex matches.
Where can I park at Grupology?
We are located at 1419 Chapin Ave, Suite 101 in Burlingame.
There is metered Public Parking Lot B-1 by Fidelity and metered street parking on Chapin Ave.
Please do not park in our side entrance area to keep the space clear for the children.
Do NOT park in our neighbors’ parking spots, including the BevMo and Coldwell Banker lots as your car may be towed.
What is the drop off & pickup policy?
Please do not drop off earlier than 10 minutes before your child’s class begins and pick up your child within 10 minutes of class end time.
Pick up after the allotted time window may incur a charge for an additional class.
How do I sign up for a USCF rating?
Players must have an active (paid) US Chess Federation membership to compete in the rated sections.
Expiration date of US Chess membership must be later than the day of the tournament.
When is my child ready for chess tournaments?
Non-rated tournaments: If your child knows how the pieces move and the basic rules of chess such as check, checkmate and castling then they are ready for a non-rated tournament. Players are ready for non-rated tournaments when they can complete a game with no assistance.
Rated tournaments: Your child is ready when they can complete and notate a game with no assistance.
Your child will need an active (paid) US Chess Federation membership to compete in rated tournaments.
When is my child ready for the chess team?
Chess team is for enthusiastic and committed intermediate and advanced players who would like to compete in rated competitions at least four times per year. We expect all of our players to display strong sportsmanship.
What happens if I miss a class, would like to cancel or have a schedule change?
While there are no make-ups or refunds, we will try to accommodate schedule changes by transferring your child to another class of the same level on a different day subject to availability.
What holidays does Grupology observe?
Grupology will be closed for the following 2023 holidays:
January 16 (MLK Jr. Day)
February 20–24 (February Break)
March 27–31 (Spring Break)
April 9 (Easter)
May 28–29 (Memorial Day)
July 2 (Independence Day)
September 4 (Labor Day)
November 21–26 (Thanksgiving)
December 17 – January 6 (Winter Break)