Chess Instruction for All Ages
Meeting you where you are — in skill and in location.
Whether you're a curious beginner or a competitive player, Joe Splinter brings 30+ years of teaching experience and real passion for the game directly to you.
30+ Years Teaching
Personalized instruction since the beginning
55+ Five-Star Reviews
A track record students and parents trust
All Ages Welcome
From first-graders to seniors — everyone plays
Flexible Instruction That Fits Your Life
From one-on-one private lessons to school programs and online coaching, every format is designed around you — your goals, your schedule, your pace.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction at Joe's home or your location. Fully tailored to your skill level and goals, from first moves to tournament prep.
Small-Group Lessons
Perfect for families, friends, or classmates who want to learn and improve together in a relaxed, social setting.
School & Organization Programs
Group instruction for schools, businesses, retirement communities, and other organizations — Joe comes to you.
Chess Camps & After-School
Structured, fun programs for young players outside of the regular school day. A great way to build focus and love for the game.
Online Lessons
Live video and screen-share lessons for students anywhere. Same personalized coaching, delivered to your screen.
All Skill Levels
Complete beginners to competitive tournament players — one-time sessions or ongoing weekly coaching. No long-term obligation.
Meet Your Instructor
Joe Splinter — Chess Teacher, Lifelong Player
After 40 years as an accountant, I turned what had been a 30-year side passion into what I do now: teaching people of all ages to play, enjoy, and get better at the royal game.
I've worked with everyone from young kids just learning how the pieces move to adults and seniors who want to sharpen up, including years spent coaching scholastic teams at the middle school and high school level.
Chess taught me patience, focus, and how to think a few moves ahead — and I love passing that on. Whether you want to compete in tournaments or just finally beat your friend, I meet you where you are, in skill and in location.
Patient. Personalized. Proven.
Instruction for Every Kind of Player
Joe works with students at every stage of life. Whoever you are, there's a lesson format and approach built around you.
Kids
Building focus, patience, and love for the game — from first moves to school team play.
Adults
Whether you're learning from scratch or returning after years away, Joe meets you exactly where you are.
Seniors
Keep the mind sharp and enjoy the social side of chess — Joe visits retirement and senior communities.
Schools & Organizations
Programs for classrooms, after-school groups, businesses, and community organizations — brought to your location.
55+ Five-Star Reviews
Hear from the students and families who've learned, improved, and fallen in love with chess under Joe's coaching.
I've walked away from each lesson with more insight and motivation. Joe is knowledgable about chess, kind, well-spoken, patient, and communicative. I enjoy his teaching style and am positively overwhelmed by all the resources he provides me!
— Christina
Very patient-told me not to get behind on pieces. we played a game which I lost. He then went over the game with me and told me about the poor move I made,We have scheduled our next session. He gave me some homework which I am beginning to work on. David Krause
— David
I've walked away from each lesson with more insight and motivation. Joe is knowledgable about chess, kind, well-spoken, patient, and communicative. I enjoy his teaching style and am positively overwhelmed by all the resources he provides me!
— Christina
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you're booking a first lesson or exploring options for your school or organization, Joe is here to help. No long-term commitment — just great chess instruction tailored to you.
Based in Hanover Park, Illinois. Lessons available in-person and online.
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