Chess Classes
in Somerset, UK
Build a strong foundation in chess with Coach Sasha
Founder & Head Coach
Oleksandr Matlak (Sasha)
Oleksandr Matlak (Sasha) is an accomplished chess master and trainer from Kyiv, Ukraine. He has been living in Wells, Somerset for three years, developing local talent and bringing competitive chess to the region.
- military_tech Ratings: 2235 (FIDE), 2314 (English Chess Federation)
- workspace_premium FIDE Arena Grand Master (2019) & English National Master (2024)
- emoji_events 2-times Champion of Somerset (Frome 2023, 2024)
- trophy Chess Champion of the West of England (Bristol, 2024)
In-person & Online sessions
Sasha offers individual sessions online and in person for juniors, amateurs, and club-level players. Working with a master is especially beneficial if your child is eager to enter competitive chess leagues and junior tournaments.
Lesson Duration Formats:
- For younger juniors: 45 minutes
- For strong juniors and adults: 1 - 2 hours
References from Parents
"For almost a year now, Sasha has been teaching my 6-year-old son chess. The progress and pure excitement my son shows thanks to Sasha are truly outstanding."
Sofiia
Parent of Student
"Sasha has been coaching my 8-year-old son for nearly a year... and we both strongly agree that he is an excellent, engaging, and patient teacher!"
Chris
Parent of Student
"Sasha is an exceptional chess tutor. Highly passionate, technical, and very inspiring. My son looks forward to his master sessions every week."
Stacie
Parent of Student
Chess Clubs
Sasha organizes and hosts active chess clubs across Somerset, building strong communities and fostering local intellectual development.
diversity_3 Community Chess Clubs
Wells Junior Chess Club
The Globe Inn (22 Priest Row, Wells BA5 2PY)
Every Wednesday
Frome Junior Chess Club
Bennett Centre (St John's Church, Frome BA11 1PL)
Every Tuesday: 16:45 - 17:45
school After-School Chess Clubs
Meare Primary School
St Mary's Rd, Meare, Glastonbury BA6 9SP
Every Thursday: 15:15 - 16:15
Axbridge CofE Academy
Moorland Street, Axbridge, BS26 2BA
Every Friday: 15:15 - 16:15
Want to initiate a chess club at your school or local venue? If situated within 20 miles of Wells, get in touch.
Get in Touch
Training camps and lectures
Sasha regularly conducts training camps and lectures to share his knowledge and experience.
Bath Chess Club
Delivering a series of chess lectures in 2025-2026, supported by ECF Grassroots Initiative.
Somerset Junior Team
Delivering lectures on tactical awareness and reducing blunders.
Trowbridge Chess Club
Delivering lectures on tactical awareness and reducing blunders.
Sedgemoor Chess Club
Leading masterclass training sessions, followed by simultaneous exhibitions.
Book Your Chess Training Session
Select your training duration, choose an available date, and book a time slot with coach Sasha.
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Gallery
Bath Chess Lecture
Junior Strategy Camp
Wells Chess Club Review
Simultaneous Exhibition