Panda Chess Academy
Fall 2026
Saturday classes and tournaments: August 22 through December 19, 2026. Sixteen Saturdays.
No sessions November 7 or November 28.
Online classes: August 17 through December 20, 2026. Off November 8, November 9, and November 23 through 29. Online classes meet November 22 and resume Monday, November 30.
Mid-semester enrollment is open if space is available. Package prices below cover the remaining fall term. Seven Saturdays remain, October 24 through December 19. Email jeffreyashton@gmail.com or text 832-657-2991 for class placement and any package marked “Email for pricing.”
Saturday Schedule
Panda Chess Academy, 9900 Westpark Dr #252, Houston, TX 77063.
- Beginner, ages 5 to 8
- 9:25 to 9:55 a.m. or 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
- Intermediate
- 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Intermediate to Advanced
- 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- Rated tournament
- 2:00 p.m. Three US Chess rated games, g/30;d5, trophies for section winners. Ends around 4:00 p.m.
Saturday In-Person Program
One Saturday class per week at 11:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Seven classes remain: October 24, 31; November 14, 21; December 5, 12, 19.
Seven remaining Saturday tournaments, October 24 through December 19. Three rated games each Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
One Saturday class plus the 2:00 p.m. rated tournament each remaining Saturday, October 24 through December 19. Email for the remaining-term price.
The remaining Saturday classes and tournaments, plus unlimited online classes through December 20. Email for current pricing.
Seven 30-minute Saturday morning classes, October 24 through December 19. $13 per class when paid as a package.
Sibling Pricing
Total for two students.
Shorter Options
Online Classes
Prices are per household. Siblings in grades K through 12 are included at no additional cost. These package prices cover the remaining fall term through December 20. Lectures are taught on Zoom, with lichess.org for puzzle contests and playing classmates and me.
- Sunday
- 3:30 p.m. Intermediate, 4:30 p.m. Advanced
- Monday and Wednesday
- 7:00 p.m. Intermediate to Advanced
- Tuesday and Thursday
- 7:00 p.m. Advanced
How to Register
Pay for a package by Zelle or Venmo to jeffreyashton@gmail.com (please check the spelling carefully). Include the student’s name and program in the payment note. Email for package credit card payment. The Pay buttons for shorter options accept credit cards. After paying, please complete the registration form at chesspanda.com/form
Refunds
Zelle and Venmo payments can be rescheduled or refunded before the first day of class. Card payments are processed immediately.
Makeups
If you miss a Saturday, you can make it up in an online class during the week. One missed session, one online class.
Placement
Not sure which class fits your child? Email or text me and I will try my best to recommend one. I can also move students during the semester if there is a better fit and the parents wish for this.
Trial
You may pay for a single class before committing. If your child enrolls, that payment counts toward the package.
Joining mid-semester
Students may also join mid-semester with updated pricing if space is available.
US Chess membership
A US Chess membership is required for tournament play. Most Houston families use Jim Liptrap at chess.jliptrap.us for $13 a year. You can also join at USChess.org.