Panda Chess Academy Fall 2026

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

Classes Only $315 Pay

One Saturday class per week at 11:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. 16 weeks, $19.69 per class.

Tournaments Only $245 Pay

The 2:00 p.m. rated tournament every Saturday. 16 tournaments, $15.31 each, compared to $20 for a single entry.

Class and Tournament Combo $445 Pay

One Saturday class plus the 2:00 p.m. rated tournament every week. 16 weeks, $27.81 per week for both.

Super Combo $495 Pay

The Saturday class, the Saturday tournament, and unlimited online classes for the semester. Only a few are available and they usually sell out.

Beginner Class, ages 5 to 8 $224 Pay

One 30-minute Saturday morning class per week. 16 weeks, $14 per class.

Shorter Options

Tournament 4-Pack $75 Pay

Beginner Class 4-Pack $58 Pay

Single Saturday class $25 Pay

Single tournament $20 Pay

Single beginner class $15 Pay

Online Classes

Prices are per household. Siblings in grades K through 12 are included at no additional cost. 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

Unlimited $315 Pay

3 days per week $295 Pay

2 days per week $265 Pay

1 day per week $195 Pay

How to Register

Pay using the links above, or send Zelle or Venmo to jeffreyashton@gmail.com (please check the spelling carefully). 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.