Smart Moves Beginner Chess Class
Give your child the opportunity to build confidence and strengthen critical thinking in this fun, supportive beginner chess class for ages 8–11.
program overview
This class combines on-screen instruction with hands-on practice using real chess boards, creating a stimulating and approachable learning experience for beginners. Children will learn through interactive lessons, puzzles, mini-games, guided practice, and friendly beginner competitions. Rather than relying on memorization, the class emphasizes learning by doing, helping students feel comfortable, capable, and excited to participate.
Students will be introduced to important beginner concepts such as developing opportunities and recognizing threats, protecting their pieces, controlling key squares, and thinking ahead before making a move. Activities may include pawn battles, tactical puzzles, team challenges, “find the best move” exercises, and mini tournaments that keep learning engaging and fun. These focused activities make beginner concepts easier to understand and practice before students apply them in full games.
By the end of the class, students will be able to play complete games with growing confidence, recognize basic tactics and checkmate patterns, and build a strong foundation for continued growth and enjoyment of chess.
No prior chess experience is expected or needed.
Pick-up & Drop-off Information
Drop off at 3:30 PM and pick up at 4:30 PM
Drop-off and pick-up will happen outside Room 116 each week. For safety purposes, we ask that parents come inside to sign their child in and out after each session. You can view a map of our building here.
Optional Pick-up Service
Starting August 20th, we will also offer a free pick-up service from Sonoma schools if you are unable to drop them off after school. Please contact Melissa Agocs, the Youth Program Director, for more information. You can contact her at [email protected].
Thank you to the California Arts Council for providing funding for this program.
instructor Overview
Rob Swaigen
Rob learned chess at a young age from a childhood friend and has loved the game ever since. Chess has helped him develop valuable life skills including patience, strategic thinking, learning from mistakes, understanding others’ perspectives, and staying calm under pressure—qualities he is excited to pass on to his students. Rob lives in Santa Rosa with his wife, Ako, and their two senior orange cats. Outside of chess, he enjoys playing tennis and, exploring the countryside on his motorcycle.
Membership Has It’s Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Weekly Mondays · 4 Weeks
September 21 – October 12, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Monday, September 21, 2026 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAge(s)
10, 11, 8 and 9Total Registration Cost:
$65
