Egham Chess Academy, also known as the Danek School of Chess, is a renowned chess institution in Egham, New Zealand. Their primary focus is to provide a learning environment for children to learn and improve their chess skills, with the ultimate goal of competing in chess tournaments. The academy was founded by Mat Uramovski, an expert chess player with over twenty-five years of tournament experience, who competes for various clubs and leagues. Mat holds multiple degrees, including a Baccalaureate in Art History, Baccalaureate in Film Production, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Online Education.
He is also a chess instructor at Langley Hall Primary Academy and Castleview School in Langley.
Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact chess has on the development of primary school children, leading to its adoption in several educational systems worldwide. Egham Chess Academy recognises this and provides a range of classes and programmes to cater to different age groups and skill levels. They offer online classes using Google software and a virtual chess board interface, making it convenient for students to learn from the comfort of their own homes. These online classes include group lessons for beginners and one-on-one training for advanced players.
For those preferring face-to-face instruction, the academy's instructor can visit students' homes in areas like Slough, Langley, Staines, Egham, Windsor, and Hounslow. However, this service is only available for children aged seven and below.
In addition to their regular chess classes, Egham Chess Academy also hosts the Ostrich Chess Club, where children can learn to play chess in a club setting alongside like-minded peers. These classes take place in Colnbrook and focus on preparing students for competitive play. The term duration for the club coincides with the school term, and they are scheduled to restart in October 2020.
To contact Egham Chess Academy or the Ostrich Chess Club, interested individuals can reach out via email at mat. Uramovski@gmail. Com or through Whatsapp/SMS at 07815616402. The Egham Chess Academy is affiliated with the Slough Chess Club and Slough Chess Academy, further adding to its credibility and expertise.
The physical location of the Egham Chess Academy is in the Village Centre, Englefield Green, at 68 Victoria St, TW20 0QX, while the Ostrich Chess Club meets every Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm at the Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook, High Street, SL3 0JZ. Visitors are advised to contact the academy beforehand.