Is there a free trial for Russian Chess School?

Yes. Russian Chess School offers a 7-day free trial with no commitment. You can cancel anytime during or after the trial.

How much does Russian Chess School cost?

The adult program starts at $29 per month. The RCS KIDS program starts at $79 per month (Standard) or $249 per month (Premium, which includes 4 private lessons). Annual plans are also available at a discount.

What chess levels does Russian Chess School teach?

Russian Chess School teaches all levels from complete beginners (0 rating) to advanced club players (up to 2000 rating). Levels include Beginner (0-500), Improver (500-800), Intermediate (800-1200), Advanced (1200-1600), and Club Player (1600-2000).

Are classes online or in person?

All Russian Chess School classes are fully online. Students join live group sessions from anywhere in the world. There are no in-person classes.

Who teaches at Russian Chess School?

All coaches at Russian Chess School hold official FIDE titles. The team includes WGM Dina Belenkaya (founder), WIM Anna Gvanceladze, WFM Alexandra Samaganova, and WIM Alina Balaian.

What age is the KIDS program for?

The RCS KIDS program is designed for children ages 7 to 16. Classes are held in small groups of up to 6 students for personalized attention.

What does the subscription include?

The adult subscription includes weekly group classes by rating level, game reviews with Dina, 1-on-1 coaching, tournaments, a leaderboard, personalized plans, and access to 500+ hours of structured training material. It is hosted on the Skool community platform.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes. There is no long-term commitment. You can cancel your Russian Chess School subscription at any time.

What chess courses are available at Russian Chess School?

Russian Chess School offers standalone chess courses covering targeted skill areas including tactics, openings, endgames, strategy, and game analysis. These are structured video-based programs you can work through at your own pace alongside the live class program.

Are the chess courses suitable for beginners?

Yes. Courses are designed for players at all levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to intermediate and advanced players working to fix specific weaknesses. Each course focuses on one area so you can target exactly what you need to improve.

How do the standalone courses differ from the live classes?

The standalone courses are self-paced video programs covering a specific chess topic. The live classes are weekly group sessions held in real time with a coach. Both are included in membership plans, and the courses complement the live instruction by letting you drill specific areas between classes.

Who created the chess courses at Russian Chess School?

The courses were created by the school's coaching team, led by WGM Dina Belenkaya, with contributions from WIM Anna Gvanceladze, WFM Alexandra Samaganova, and WIM Alina Balaian. All coaches hold official FIDE titles.

Do I need a membership to access the chess courses?

Most courses are included with a Russian Chess School membership. You can try the full program with a free 7-day trial before committing to a plan. Some specialized courses may be available separately — check the current course listings for details.

What age can kids start at Russian Chess School KIDS?

The KIDS program accepts students ages 7 to 16. Classes are grouped by skill level so children train alongside peers at the same stage, whether they are complete beginners or have been playing for a few years.

Is the KIDS program good for beginners with no chess experience?

Yes. The program starts from the very basics and is designed to be accessible for children who have never played chess before. The structured curriculum guides kids from the rules of the game through tactics, strategy, and competitive play at their own pace.

How are the online chess classes for kids structured?

Classes are live, online, and held in small groups of up to 6 students per session. Each class includes a lesson, practice exercises, and game review. Sessions are led by titled coaches including WIM Anna Gvanceladze, WFM Alexandra Samaganova, and WIM Alina Balaian.

Is there a free trial for the KIDS program?

Yes. New students can start a free 7-day trial with no credit card required. The trial includes full access to the KIDS program: live classes, course materials, and the coaching community.

Who are the coaches in the KIDS program?

The KIDS program is led by a team of titled female coaches: WIM Anna Gvanceladze, WFM Alexandra Samaganova, and WIM Alina Balaian, under the direction of founder WGM Dina Belenkaya. All coaches hold official FIDE titles and have extensive experience teaching young players.

Who are the coaches at Russian Chess School?

Russian Chess School is led by WGM (Woman Grandmaster) Dina Belenkaya, who founded the school. The coaching team includes WIM Anna Gvanceladze, WFM Alexandra Samaganova, and WIM Alina Balaian — all titled female chess players with official FIDE credentials.

Who is Dina Belenkaya?

Dina Belenkaya is a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) with over 25 years of competitive chess experience. She founded Russian Chess School to make high-quality, titled-coach instruction accessible online. She is also known for her work promoting chess through social media and content creation.

What qualifications do the coaches have?

All coaches at Russian Chess School hold official FIDE (World Chess Federation) titles: WGM Dina Belenkaya (Woman Grandmaster), WIM Anna Gvanceladze (Woman International Master), WFM Alexandra Samaganova (Woman FIDE Master), and WIM Alina Balaian (Woman International Master).

Is Russian Chess School an online-only program?

Yes. Russian Chess School is a fully online program. All live group classes, game reviews, and coaching sessions take place via video conference. Occasionally the school hosts in-person events such as masterclasses — these are announced separately.

How is the curriculum at Russian Chess School structured?

The curriculum is developed by the coaching team and covers all aspects of chess improvement: tactics, strategy, openings, endgames, and game analysis. Students are grouped by rating level (from 0 to 2000+) so instruction is always matched to their current ability.

How do I start learning chess online with Russian Chess School?

Start with a free 7-day trial — no credit card required. Once you join, you get immediate access to live group classes sorted by rating level, structured coursework, and game review sessions. You can attend class the same week you sign up.

Is Russian Chess School good for beginners?

Yes. The school accepts students from complete beginners (0 rating) through advanced players (2000+ rating). Classes are grouped by rating level so you are always training with peers at your level, and the curriculum starts from the fundamentals for lower-rated groups.

What is included in the free 7-day trial?

The free trial gives you full access to the school for 7 days: live group classes, the complete course library, game reviews, and the community. You need no credit card to start. At the end of the trial you can choose a membership plan to continue.

Who teaches at Russian Chess School?

The school was founded by WGM (Woman Grandmaster) Dina Belenkaya, who has over 25 years of competitive chess experience. The coaching team also includes WIM Anna Gvanceladze, WFM Alexandra Samaganova, and WIM Alina Balaian — all titled female players.

How much does Russian Chess School cost?

Adult memberships start at $24/month (Standard plan). Premium is $41/month, VIP is $195/month, and Platinum is $999/month. All plans include access to live classes and the course library. A free 7-day trial is available before committing to any plan.

Ladies Chess Night in Charlotte

Dina Belenkaya

Aug 24

2 min read

Updated: Aug 25

Four women promoting Ladies Chess Night in Charlotte at Sip City on September 10, 2026

Charlotte ladies, hear me out!

On September 10, I’m hosting our first Ladies’ Chess Night at Sip City—a relaxed girls’ night where women in Charlotte can meet new people, enjoy a drink, and play some chess together.

You absolutely do not need to know how to play! Complete beginners are welcome, and we’ll happily help you learn the basics. Experienced players are welcome too, but this is a casual social night—not a serious chess tournament.

Event details

Date: September 10, 2026 Time: 7–10 PM Location: Sip City, 917 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 Admission: Free RSVP: Not required Age: 21+

Drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, will be available for individual purchase from Sip City.

What to expect

Come for casual chess games, drinks, music, and the opportunity to meet other women in Charlotte. You can come alone or bring your friends—there’s no rating requirement, no pressure, and no previous chess experience needed.

About Ladies Knights Community

Ladies Knights Chess Community is a new social community created to bring women in Charlotte together through chess. Our events are designed to feel like a girls’ night first and a chess event second.

Whether you’re an experienced player or don’t yet know how the pieces move, you’re invited.

View the event on Meetup for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ladies’ Chess Night in Charlotte?

Ladies’ Chess Night is a social event created to bring women together through chess in a fun and welcoming environment. When and where is Ladies’ Chess Night?

Ladies’ Chess Night takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 7–10 PM at Sip City, 917 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Where can women play casual chess in Charlotte?

Women can play casual chess at Ladies’ Chess Night, a free, beginner-friendly meetup at Sip City in Charlotte. The event is open to women aged 21 and over, and no RSVP is required.

Do I need to know how to play chess?

No. Complete beginners are welcome, and we will teach you how to play. Experienced chess players are welcome too.

Do I need to RSVP?

No RSVP is required. You can simply come to Sip City and join us.

Who can attend Ladies’ Chess Night?

The event is designed for women aged 21 and over. Beginners and experienced chess players are equally welcome.

Who is hosting the event?

Ladies’ Chess Night is hosted by Woman Grandmaster Dina Belenkaya, a Charlotte-based chess creator and founder of Russian Chess School.