About Chess Alive
Who We Are
Structured chess coaching and competitive tournaments for students and players across Melbourne.
We focus on real improvement, building confidence, and developing strong thinking skills through high quality, structured training.
Chess Alive is a Melbourne-based coaching team led by competitive, high-level players dedicated to developing the next generation of chess talent.
We combine real tournament experience with structured teaching to create engaging and results driven programs for students of all levels.
Coaching Team
Coaching is delivered by experienced, high-level players, offering master-level instruction focused on structured improvement and competitive performance.
What We Offer
• Weekly school chess programs
• Private coaching for players of all levels
• Competitive tournaments and events
• Clear pathways for progression
James Hartley -
Candidate Master
• Represented Australia at the World Youth Championship
• Experienced across school and private coaching
• Focused on improvement, confidence, and competitive performance.
What Schools Say
"James is calm, approachable, and very easy for students to learn from. He explains ideas clearly, supports beginners with patience, and challenges advanced players with confidence and depth.
Under his guidance, our students returned to interschool tournaments for the first time in many years and achieved strong results at the state finals.”
— Angela Kotsiras
Academic Extension and Enrichment Programs Coordinator
Trinity Grammar School, Kew
Our Mission
To develop strong thinking, confidence, and competitive skill through structured chess coaching.
Swinburne Chess Club 📞 0451 343 331
Chess Alive admin@chessalive.com.au
