Chess Instructor Jobs
Chess Instructor jobs are open across K-12 schools, community programs, chess clubs, and private tutoring agencies, from entry-level instructors to head coaches and program directors, with specializations in youth development, competitive tournament prep, and adaptive instruction. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Company: Yes for Chess
Employment Type: Part-Time
Location: Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and nearby areas (Santa Clara may also be considered)
Schedule: Weekday Afternoons (Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday preferred)
Position Duration: January–June 2027, with training beginning before winter break where possible
About Yes for Chess
Yes for Chess provides engaging chess instruction to elementary-age students through structured, age-appropriate lessons designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and sportsmanship.
We are looking for a dependable and enthusiastic part-time Chess Instructor to join our team for the upcoming January–June school session.
This is a great opportunity for college students, aspiring educators, tutors, and individuals who enjoy working with children and have an interest in chess.
Job Responsibilities
- Teach engaging and structured chess lessons to elementary-age students.
- Follow our established chess curriculum and lesson plans.
- Create a positive, encouraging, and organized classroom environment.
- Help students develop chess skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Manage classroom behavior and maintain student engagement.
- Communicate professionally with school staff and the Yes for Chess team.
- Arrive on time and consistently attend scheduled classes.
- Complete any required class reports or administrative tasks.
Qualifications
- An interest in chess and enthusiasm for teaching the game to children.
- Comfortable with basic chess concepts and willing to continue learning.
- Advanced chess skills or competitive playing experience are not required.
- Enjoy working with children and have a positive, patient, and approachable personality.
- Previous experience in tutoring, teaching, childcare, coaching, or after-school programs is preferred.
- Dependable, responsible, organized, and comfortable managing elementary-age students.
- Able to communicate effectively and professionally.
- Reliable transportation to schools in Palo Alto and Sunnyvale.
- Available for weekday afternoon classes, preferably Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays.
- Able to commit to a consistent part-time schedule from January through June 2027.
You don't need to be an advanced chess player to apply! We're looking for someone who enjoys chess, is enthusiastic about sharing the game with children, and is eager to learn and grow as an instructor.
We provide structured curriculum materials and training to help instructors develop their chess knowledge and confidently teach our lessons.
Ideal Candidate
We are particularly interested in:
- College students looking for consistent part-time work during the school year.
- Education majors or individuals interested in pursuing teaching.
- Tutors, childcare providers, coaches, or after-school instructors.
- Individuals who live in or near Palo Alto, Mountain View, or Sunnyvale.
Candidates should be comfortable committing to a regular weekly schedule and communicating any changes in availability in advance.
Training and Start Date
We plan to identify and hire our instructor before winter break, with initial onboarding and training completed beforehand where possible.
There may be limited opportunities to teach a few classes in December, but the primary commitment begins in January 2027 and continues through June 2027.
Why Join Yes for Chess?
- Consistent part-time work throughout the school year.
- Opportunity to gain valuable teaching and classroom management experience.
- Training and structured curriculum provided.
- Meaningful opportunity to help elementary students develop new skills.
- Support from an established instructional team.
Company: Yes for Chess
Employment Type: Part-Time
Location: Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and nearby areas (Santa Clara may also be considered)
Schedule: Weekday Afternoons (Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday preferred)
Position Duration: January–June 2027, with training beginning before winter break where possible
About Yes for Chess
Yes for Chess provides engaging chess instruction to elementary-age students through structured, age-appropriate lessons designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and sportsmanship.
We are looking for a dependable and enthusiastic part-time Chess Instructor to join our team for the upcoming January–June school session.
This is a great opportunity for college students, aspiring educators, tutors, and individuals who enjoy working with children and have an interest in chess.
Job Responsibilities
- Teach engaging and structured chess lessons to elementary-age students.
- Follow our established chess curriculum and lesson plans.
- Create a positive, encouraging, and organized classroom environment.
- Help students develop chess skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Manage classroom behavior and maintain student engagement.
- Communicate professionally with school staff and the Yes for Chess team.
- Arrive on time and consistently attend scheduled classes.
- Complete any required class reports or administrative tasks.
Qualifications
- An interest in chess and enthusiasm for teaching the game to children.
- Comfortable with basic chess concepts and willing to continue learning.
- Advanced chess skills or competitive playing experience are not required.
- Enjoy working with children and have a positive, patient, and approachable personality.
- Previous experience in tutoring, teaching, childcare, coaching, or after-school programs is preferred.
- Dependable, responsible, organized, and comfortable managing elementary-age students.
- Able to communicate effectively and professionally.
- Reliable transportation to schools in Palo Alto and Sunnyvale.
- Available for weekday afternoon classes, preferably Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays.
- Able to commit to a consistent part-time schedule from January through June 2027.
You don't need to be an advanced chess player to apply! We're looking for someone who enjoys chess, is enthusiastic about sharing the game with children, and is eager to learn and grow as an instructor.
We provide structured curriculum materials and training to help instructors develop their chess knowledge and confidently teach our lessons.
Ideal Candidate
We are particularly interested in:
- College students looking for consistent part-time work during the school year.
- Education majors or individuals interested in pursuing teaching.
- Tutors, childcare providers, coaches, or after-school instructors.
- Individuals who live in or near Palo Alto, Mountain View, or Sunnyvale.
Candidates should be comfortable committing to a regular weekly schedule and communicating any changes in availability in advance.
Training and Start Date
We plan to identify and hire our instructor before winter break, with initial onboarding and training completed beforehand where possible.
There may be limited opportunities to teach a few classes in December, but the primary commitment begins in January 2027 and continues through June 2027.
Why Join Yes for Chess?
- Consistent part-time work throughout the school year.
- Opportunity to gain valuable teaching and classroom management experience.
- Training and structured curriculum provided.
- Meaningful opportunity to help elementary students develop new skills.
- Support from an established instructional team.
See All 53 Chess Instructor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chess Instructor JobsChess Instructor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Chess Wizards32
- Concorde Education3
- Nexplore2
- Academic Chess2
- Level UP Enrichment2
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chess instructor jobs.
- Demonstrated experience teaching chess to children or beginners in a structured setting
- Active membership with the United States Chess Federation or equivalent federation
- Verifiable chess rating that meets the program's minimum threshold
- Background check clearance required for work with minors
- Ability to develop age-appropriate lesson plans and track student progress
- Strong classroom or group management skills for in-person instruction
Tips for Your Chess Instructor Job Search
Tailor your resume for each setting
School-based roles want classroom management and curriculum alignment, while club or private roles prioritize tournament results and student progression. Rewrite your two or three top bullets to match the specific environment in each posting before you apply.
List your rating and federation membership
Many chess instructor postings screen for a verifiable rating from the United States Chess Federation or a comparable body. Put your current rating, any title norms, and your membership number directly in your resume header so reviewers find them immediately.
Build a short student-results portfolio
Hiring managers for chess instructor roles want evidence your students improve. Document two or three students' rating gains or tournament placements over a defined period and attach that one-page summary to your application wherever the posting allows attachments.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists chess instructor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a demo lesson for your interview
Most chess instructor interviews include a live or recorded teaching demonstration. Prepare a 10-to-15-minute lesson on a concept appropriate to the age group the employer serves, and rehearse explaining it without a board so you can adapt if the venue has limited equipment.
Negotiate session structure, not just pay
Chess instructor offers often leave class size, curriculum ownership, and tournament travel expectations undefined. Ask about these in writing before you accept, because they affect how sustainable the role is far more than a small difference in hourly rate.
Chess Instructor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most chess instructors?
The most active employers for chess instructors right now are Chess Wizards, Concorde Education, and Nexplore, and the most openings are in California, New York, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. School districts and after-school enrichment providers tend to post the highest volume of roles each hiring cycle.
How many chess instructor jobs are remote?
About 0% of chess instructor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with online platforms and virtual tutoring programs accounting for the majority of those remote listings. Competitive coaching, online curriculum delivery, and one-on-one tutoring are the sub-areas most likely to offer fully remote arrangements.
How do you become a chess instructor?
Start by joining the United States Chess Federation and establishing a rated playing history so employers can verify your skill level. Gain teaching experience by volunteering at a school chess club or community program, then document student progress systematically. Many employers also value completion of a recognized chess coaching certification, which you can earn through the USCF or affiliated organizations.
Can you get hired as a chess instructor with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level chess instructor roles exist specifically for candidates with strong playing ability but limited formal teaching history. After-school enrichment programs and community recreation centers frequently hire newer instructors and provide structured curricula to follow. Volunteering at a local school club for a semester, even informally, gives you concrete examples of student interaction to reference in your application and interview.
What does the chess instructor interview process look like?
Most chess instructor interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your playing background and experience with the target age group. A live or recorded teaching demonstration is a standard second stage, where you present a short lesson to the hiring panel or a small group of students. Final-round conversations typically cover curriculum philosophy, classroom management approaches, and availability for tournaments or after-school commitments.
Where can I find and apply to chess instructor jobs?
You can find and apply to chess instructor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings by location or role type, find the positions that fit your background and availability, and apply directly to each one that matches.
See All 53 Chess Instructor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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