Who's running the sessions your child attends?
Every class and tournament is led by someone who understands both chess and how to work with young players. Here's the team.
Academy Director & Dedicated Coach
Jo Briscoe
Mrs Briscoe founded Jolly Good Chess to give children in Surrey a structured path through competitive chess. She oversees curriculum, safeguarding, and every coach in the academy. Mrs Briscoe leads our Beginners and Intermediate students, ensuring our younger members are in brilliant hands. She is a second-generation chess coach, meaning she comes from a family dedicated to excellence in the game. Her coaching pedigree is profound, with her father having trained a British Chess Champion. She was also personally trained by a British Champion herself, ensuring the world-class methodology she teaches benefits every student. Drawing on her experience teaching at some of the country's top private schools, she provides a fun, patient curriculum that builds confidence and ensures absolute beginners quickly gain a strong, positive understanding of the game.
FIDE Master and Lead Coach
Christopher Briscoe
Mr Briscoe, an accomplished FIDE Candidate Master and former Surrey Champion, leads our Advanced level sessions. For children ready to seriously step up their game—whether aiming for school tournaments or representing the county—Chris offers tournament-proven instruction. He currently teaches advanced lessons at top private and state schools but is committed to bringing that championship knowledge back to the local Surrey community, guaranteeing world-class expertise for an affordable club fee.
What families say about Jolly Good Chess
The tournament preparation at Jolly Good Chess is thorough. Our son moved from at home player to a tournament player within a single term.
Claire H.
Parent of student, Chessington junior chess
Three terms in, and the progress is clear. My daughter understands positional play now, and the termly calendar means we plan our whole schedule in advance.
Mark T.
Parent of student, surbiton junior chess
The registration was simple — two clicks and we were booked for the term. The communication portal keeps everything in one place. No more lost permission slips.
Priya K.
Parent of student, chessington junior chess
Our son has represented the academy at three competitions this year. The structure gave him clear goals, and the coaches prepared him for every round.
Sarah L.
Parent of student, surbiton junior chess club
Three Decades of Chess Excellence Across Surrey
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Secure your child's place at a Surrey chess club
Choose a location, pick a term, and complete the registration form. We'll confirm your spot within one business day.