Canada - Learn Chess
Explore chess in Canada - clubs, tournaments, top players, and structured online lessons with Professor Archer.
Published 2026-02-08 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Chess in Canada
Canada has a dedicated and steadily growing chess community supported by the Chess Federation of Canada. From coast to coast, Canadian players enjoy a variety of competitive opportunities, including the Canadian Open, one of the oldest open chess tournaments in North America, as well as numerous provincial championships and club-level events.
The country has produced notable players such as Kevin Spraggett, who reached the Candidates semifinals in 1988, and Aman Hambleton, a grandmaster and popular chess content creator who has helped bring the game to a younger audience. Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are home to active chess clubs with regular rated play, and smaller communities often organize their own local chess nights.
Scholastic chess in Canada continues to expand, with provinces running inter-school competitions and chess-in-education programmes that introduce the game to children at an early age. The bilingual nature of the country means chess resources are often available in both English and French, broadening accessibility.
For Canadian players looking to improve between tournaments and club meetings, Professor Archer's lessons provide structured guidance on openings, middlegame strategy, and endgame technique. Explore city-specific pages below to connect with chess communities across Canada.
Notable Players from Canada
- Kevin Spraggett
- Aman Hambleton
National Chess Federation
Chess Federation of Canada - Visit Website
Chess in Canada by City
Professor Archer says: Canadian chess is full of determined, thoughtful players. A little structured study between those long winter club nights will do wonders for your rating.
Start Learning Chess with Professor Archer
Whether you're in Canada or anywhere in the world, Professor Archer is ready to be your personal chess coach. No experience needed.