Curious what you can do at the board? Play free in the Academy Chess Lab ↗ Maryland · Online learning worldwide

About the academy

A love of chess.
A purpose in teaching.

King & Knights Chess Academy is a Maryland-based learning community for people discovering chess and growing through practice.

Play free in the Chess Lab

See the approach in motion.

Try a real chess decision in our free Chess Lab. Play the computer, practise a skill, or challenge another visitor without creating an account.

Open the Chess Lab

Our approach

Make learning clear.
Make progress personal.

We believe learners benefit from patient instruction, practical challenges, and the opportunity to explain their thinking.

Our programs bring together structured learning, guided play, and reflection. From the first lesson to preparation for competition, the aim is to help each learner take a thoughtful next step.

The people behind the lessons

Meet your educators.

Founder & educator

Emmanuel Aluko

Emmanuel founded King & Knights Chess Academy to bring structured chess learning to students, families, schools, and communities. His work centres on clear instruction, confidence, and a supportive learning environment.

Operations director & educator

Olawale Oyeleye

Known as Chief Whales, Olawale brings experience in chess instruction and educational resources. He is the author of Every Beginner’s Chess Book, supporting learners as they develop their understanding of the game.

Your next move

Let’s find the right place to start.

Tell us a little about your learner. We’ll help you choose a program.

Book a free evaluation