Hanley Chess Academy

"My kids 9F and 7M of age have been going to the Hanley Chess Academy for about 2 months. They were playing chess in an after school program at their elementary school. However the class size was pretty large and they felt intimidated by the older kids who had been playing chess longer making fun of of them for making beginner mistakes. We have been very happy at Hanley Chess Academy. My kids are Pawns (which is the second to lowest level) and they like how the classes are small and when they teach strategies, the instructors explain clearly why and how certain things should happen. And they have each child try out the moves on the board, so that it solidifies the knowledge. I like the way the classes are billed. We can’t always make class every weekend, so it’s nice that the classes are not on a “tuition” basis. We just buy a card of 10 or 12 lessons. And each time we go, we just get the card punched. It’s a very straight forward system which I really appreciate. My kids are learning lots. They are playing chess at home and really enjoying themselves."

"My kids, attended the National Junior Chess Congress this past weekend as well as the tournament the Atrium and I just wanted to commend Joe on putting together 2 very well run tournaments. This most recent tournament was actually the best tournament experience I ever had. The value of having good weather and an outside play area can not be understated. The kids loved playing with the heavy chess pieces as well."

"Very professional. I've bought chess equipment from Joe several times and I've always had a pleasant experience. I've observed how he runs his classes and the kids love it. I would recommend Hanley's Chess Academy to anyone who has a child who wants to learn chess and have fun doing it."

"Parents, this place is actually fantastic, and Joe Hanley is phenomenal at teaching. He holds the official title Master, a title given to those with extreme skill in chess. He has displayed his skill in defeating 2600, 2500 rated players and other Grandmasters. He can definitely teach his skill to your children, and he is very friendly while doing so, observed from my years seing him teach the children."

"The worst experience of my professional and personal career. Save your time and money. We attended this "camp" three days. The kids sit together and play with each other while Joe Hanley is either on his phone in his office or playing on his computer in his office and ALWAYS with the door shut. Essentially a six year old and 13 year old boy were teaching my son how to play. The location and material are run down. In the 3 days I did not once see any interaction between Joe Hanley and any of the children. The only person teaching was a 13 year old boy. We felt so uncomfortable with the appearance the operation and Joe Hanley that my husband and I took turns staying outside the facility. We continued to go because our son had made a sweet friend (the 6 year old boy responsible for teaching him). For any parent who is considering getting their children into the game of chess, Joe Hanley Chess Academy is NOT the place to go. Anyone that goes there will be able to see what I'm talking about."