Inside: AR Chess Academy’s Friday Weekly Meet-Ups
- AR Chess Academy
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
Every Friday afternoon, you can find many chess players and enthusiasts gathering at AR Chess Academy. What began as a small initiative to encourage children and adult-improvers to explore chess has now grown into one of our most heartwarming traditions: the weekly youth tournaments.
A Simple Idea with a Powerful Purpose
The goal was never just to compete. These Friday sessions were designed to bring chess players together, to help them experience the academy’s warm environment, and to see firsthand what makes chess so special. Our doors are open to everyone, from absolute beginners to confident players of any age! Participation has been completely free since day one.
For many parents, the meetups have been their first introduction to AR Chess Academy. For many children, it’s where they played their first-ever chess tournament - a milestone moment we’re proud to share with them.
Learning Through Experience
Each meetup follows a casual tournament format, but without the formal pressure of rated competition. This gives young players the freedom to focus on learning, experimenting, and having fun, while still enjoying the thrill of real chess games.
Even though these events aren’t officially rated, we post the full standings on Chess-Results, giving players a sense of accomplishment and familiarity with the same platform used by professionals. Winners are awarded a medal… It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference in preparing them for future events.
More Than Just Chess
Over the past several weeks, these gatherings have transformed into a meeting point for the Riyadh chess community. Families come together, friendships form across chessboards, and the academy buzzes with excitement. Many of our current students and even a few of our rising stars, first walked through our doors because of these Friday meetups.
It’s become a gentle introduction not only to the competitive side of chess but also to the values that drive us: focus, patience, discipline, and respect. Every child leaves not just with more chess knowledge, but with lessons that reach far beyond the board.
WIM Jesse February, Head Coach at AR Chess Academy, shared her thoughts on the initiative:
"Our goal is to show children every side of chess... Once they experience that, they start to see that chess isn’t just a game; it’s a world they can belong to."
Discovering Riyadh’s Chess Hub
Our location in Al Olaya, right in the center of Riyadh, has made the academy a convenient destination for many. Easily accessible from major areas, it’s an ideal spot for parents looking for a safe, structured, and inspiring environment for their children. At the same time, it’s a welcoming space for adult improvers and anyone simply interested in sitting down for a friendly game or two.
Find us on Google Maps:
Celebrating Our Young Champions
The recent 8th AR Chess Academy Rapid Youth Tournament was yet another exciting chapter in this growing story. The games were intense, the smiles were wide, and the sportsmanship was inspiring.
🏆 1st Place: Aarnav Harilal
🥈 2nd Place: Izaan Reyas
🥉 3rd Place: Selim Ahmed
Before that, the 7th Rapid Youth Tournament saw Sofia Alzyoud claim first place, followed by Aarnav Harilal in second and Pharon Khaled in third. These names and many others are becoming familiar faces in our Friday meetups, showing the incredible talent emerging week after week.
What's Next?
As AR Chess Academy continues to grow, these weekly youth meetups will remain a core part of what we stand for: community, learning, and opportunity. We aim to keep them open, accessible and welcoming.
According to GM Abdelrahman Hesham, the founder of AR Chess Academy:
When we started these weekly meetups, our dream was simple: to share our love for chess and see it grow in the community. Now, every Friday, we’re watching that dream come to life.
Whether your child is new to chess or already passionate about it, we invite you to join us for our next Friday Youth Meetup at AR Chess Academy in Al Olaya.
Check out the tournament results on Chess-Results:
No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll always have a place at AR Chess Academy. To get in touch, reach us on WhatsApp or by phone at +966 50 688 2103, or send an email to archessclubofficial@gmail.com
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