Play More Chess Academy | Chess Classes, Lessons, Tournaments, Gifts | Home of the Hamden Chess Club in Hamden, CT

About

Play More Chess Academy

Play More Chess Academy was founded in 2011 to promote the game of chess and provide chess instruction to students of all ages. We are based in Hamden, Connecticut but we have students who live around the world. Students can choose either in-person or online chess instruction.

Our programs offer students from kindergarten through adult a chance to learn chess and improve their chess skills. We teach all ability levels, from beginners to advanced players. Since 2011, we have offered after-school and in-school enrichment chess programs at schools in New Haven County.

Over 11,000 children and adults have participated in classes, private lessons and chess events offered by Play More Chess Academy since it was founded. As of 2024, PMCA has over 100 enrolled students taking classes and lessons each week. The Hamden Chess Club has 151 club members who participate in adult casual play, USCF tournaments and weekly online tournaments.

Play More Chess Academy was founded by Rod Groff, a USCF Certified Chess Coach and Certified Club Tournament Director with the United States Chess Federation.

PMCA Affiliated Coaches/Instructors

Hamden Chess Club is an official affiliate of US Chess. The club has a permanent home at Play More Chess Academy and meets weekly for casual play. Tournaments and special events for kids and adults are held each month. In addition to scheduled events, HCC members can meet up with friends and play chess during open hours.

*Store Hours-if coming to purchase an item, please try to come outside of class times (i.e. come either before 4PM or after 6:15PM)

*Please confirm store hours or item availability by calling 203-680-8456 or emailing: info@PlayMoreChess.com.

*Current schedule of available times for individual lessons is on the Lessons page.

*Students who have a regular scheduled Beginner or Intermediate class on these holidays, may join a class at their level later that same week. Please email to schedule a makeup class.

Weather Closures announced on WTNH Channel 8 Storm Closings and PlayMoreChess.com home page

Map/Directions

Parking

Email
info@PlayMoreChess.com

Local Area Establishments (Food, Coffee Shops, Bookstores)
-Books and Co (adjacent to PMCA)
-Legal Grounds Coffee Shop (adjacent to PMCA)
-Whitneyville Food Store (across the street)
-The Playwright (restaurant and Irish pub - across the street)
-The Soup Girl (soup) and Scoop Girl (ice cream; across the street)
-Paul and Eddy's Pizza (1 mile North)
-Cumin India (restaurant - 1.9 miles North)
-Panera (restaurant - 2.1 miles Northwest)
-Starbucks coffee (2.1 miles Northwest)
-Hamden's Miller (Main) Library (2.9 miles North)
-Barnes & Noble, Target, etc (4.5 miles Northeast)

Space Rental for Private Events
Facility: Our facility (1928 square feet) is available for rent for parties and events involving chess, table tennis and foosball. Eight tournament-quality chess sets and clocks, Stiga table tennis equipment and a Tornado foosball table are available for your group. Six tables and plenty of chairs are available for serving food and eating. A kitchen with refrigerator, microwave other appliances are available for your use.

You may bring any food or drink you like, play music from your playlist through the built-in sound system. Parking on the premises with additional public/street parking available.

For Further Information or to Request a Party Date:
Email: info@PlayMoreChess.com or call 203-680-8456.

Gift Certificates for Chess Players

Please Choose Amount of Gift Certificate ($25 | $50 | $100 | $250):

Recipient Name:

Message to Recipient:

Note: Once your gift certificate payment is received you will receive an attractive 8.5" x 11" gift certificate with Recipient Name, Message, Amount, Date (See Sample). A copy of the certificate will be kept on file at the studio until the amount of the gift certificate is spent. Gift certificate must be used within 18 months of the date of purchase.

Chess Store
We have over 200 chess books for kids and adults, chess sets, clocks, gifts and supplies. A limited number of souvenir coffee mugs available for the chess player in your home.