Developmental Class

Developmental Classes Begin September 15, 2025 - Join Anytime!

The Developmental Class is an engaging chess course tailored for both beginners and aspiring tournament players rated under 1000 USCF, focusing on building a strong foundation through progressive lessons on opening principles, tactical motifs like pins and forks, middlegame  strategies, endgame essentials, and tournament preparation including time management and game analysis. With interactive puzzles, live demonstrations, guided practice games, and personalized feedback, participants will enhance their strategic thinking, boost confidence, and see measurable improvements in their play—whether winning first games or climbing ratings—while developing skills like patience and decision-making that extend beyond the board. 

 Every Monday, 5:15-6:05 p.m. 

Every Monday, 6:15-7:05 p.m.

• Complete beginners
• Students who have only played chess at home
• Students who have not competed in a formal tournament
• Students who have competed in a tournament and are rated under 1000 USCF

Sean has been playing chess on and off since he was 6 years old. He founded the chess club at his high school and has a passion for introducing new players to the game. He enjoys showing his students how to find killer tactics in their games, as well as sharp openings where they can put their tactical vision to use. Sean is a highly-regarded and award-winning coach at the Columbia Chess Club, and he has taught hundreds of students in after-school programs across the midlands for several years.

Non-Member rate for classes is $80/mo. If you are a Paid Columbia Chess Club Member, your rate is $60/mo. Information about becoming a Paid Member is located here: https://columbiachess.org/membership 

Advanced Class Begins October 1, 2025 - Join Anytime!

Learn from one of South Carolina’s most accomplished players! National Master Mike Sailer is a 21-time State Champion with decades of competitive experience. In this class, he goes beyond rote opening memorization to teach what really matters: understanding transitions between the opening, middlegame, and endgame. With a strong emphasis on practical endgames and building positional awareness, Mike helps students develop the thought processes that lead to consistent, lasting improvement. Whether you’re sharpening your tournament skills or simply looking to deepen your understanding of the game, this class offers the chance to learn directly from one of the best. 

 Every Wednesday, 7:00-7:50 p.m. 

•  Competitive tournament players rated between 1000 and 2000 USCF. 

National Master Mike Sailer (USCF 2248 Peak) is a 17-time State Champion of North Dakota and 4-time State Champion of South Carolina. He is a three-time Denker High School Tournament of State Champions representative (1988-1990) and an Irwin Tournament of Senior State Champions representative (2023). Mike was inducted into the ND Chess Hall of Fame in 2007, and he continues to be a very active over-the-board and online player. He has nearly 40 years of playing and coaching experience and specializes in teaching students how to expand their positional understanding and simplifying the decision-making process of finding strong moves. 

Non-Member rate for classes is $80/mo. If you are a Paid  Columbia Chess Club Member, your rate is $60/mo. Information about becoming a Paid Member is located here: https://columbiachess.org/membership 

Adults-Only Class Begins October 1, 2025 - Join Anytime!

Learn from one of South Carolina’s most accomplished players! National Master Mike Sailer is a 21-time State Champion with decades of competitive experience. In this class, he goes beyond rote opening memorization to teach what really matters: understanding  transitions between the opening, middlegame, and endgame. With a strong emphasis on practical endgames and building positional awareness, Mike helps students develop the thought processes that lead to consistent, lasting improvement. Whether you’re sharpening your tournament skills or simply looking to deepen your understanding of the game, this class offers the chance to learn directly from one of the best. 

 Every Wednesday, 6:00-6:50 p.m. 

•  All aspiring adult chess players, beginner and experienced alike.

National Master Mike Sailer (USCF 2248 Peak) is a 17-time State Champion of North Dakota and 4-time State Champion of South Carolina. He is a three-time Denker High School Tournament of State Champions representative (1988-1990) and an Irwin Tournament of Senior State Champions representative (2023). Mike was inducted into the ND Chess Hall of Fame in 2007, and he continues to be a very active over-the-board and online player. He has nearly 40 years of playing and coaching experience and specializes in teaching students how to expand their positional understanding and simplifying the decision-making  process of finding strong moves. 

Non-Member rate for classes is $80/mo. If you are a Paid Columbia Chess Club Member, your rate is $60/mo. Information about becoming a Paid Member is located here: https://columbiachess.org/membership