chessChess for kids in Germany: where your child learns to play
Children learn chess where chess is played: in a club's junior section, at school or in a chess school. The start is around five to eight, a club usually costs less than a music course, and no child needs a rating. The Chessmates directory lists 1689 clubs by town.
At what age can children learn chess?
Many children learn the pieces around five; for regular club training, six to eight is the usual start. Enjoyment matters more than age.
Where can my child learn chess in Germany?
In a club's junior section, in a school chess club, or at a chess school in the larger cities. Club training usually runs early evening or Saturday morning; the directory lists 1689 clubs by town, many with the number of members under 25, a good sign of an active junior section.
What does it cost?
Junior membership is well below the adult fee and often includes training; chess schools charge per course, like music or sport. A trial session is almost always free.
Are there tournaments for children?
Yes: club junior events, school championships, junior sections at opens and the national junior championships. Most take children without a rating.
Clubs in the biggest cities
Berlin (34) · Hamburg (24) · Köln (16) · Dortmund (12) · Essen (11) · Frankfurt (11) · Stuttgart (11) · München (10) · Leipzig (9) · Wuppertal (8)
Upcoming junior tournaments
- 10Oct2026
- 18Oct2026
- 13Nov2026
- 14Nov2026
- 27Dec2026
- 6Mar2027
About Chessmates
Chessmates is the app for over-the-board chess: find an opponent nearby, discover clubs, play tournaments. Free for players and clubs.