Built for the school chess club
ChessHost runs the whole session so teachers and volunteers can coach instead of count.
Easy Student Sign-Up
Students join by scanning a QR code and typing their name, no app, no account, and no logins for you to manage or reset.
Automatic Pairings
Swiss, Round Robin, and Knockout pairings are generated each round, with byes handled automatically for odd numbers of students.
Class vs Class Team Battles
Split the room into two teams for class-vs-class or year-vs-year matches. Team scores add up automatically and nobody plays a teammate.
Projector Display
Put pairings, live standings, and results on the classroom projector or a TV with one link, in a kid-friendly theme.
Chess club software a teacher can run
School chess clubs are usually run by busy teachers and parent volunteers, not arbiters. ChessHost is built for exactly that. There is no install, no spreadsheet, no accounts to manage, and no pairing knowledge required. Students self-register by QR code and the software pairs every round, scores the games, and shows standings on the projector.
It runs in any browser on a school laptop, tablet, or phone, and its Team Battle mode is perfect for class-vs-class events and after-school programs. And because the essentials are free forever with no credit card, you can run weekly club sessions without ever touching a budget.
Run your school chess club free
Set up a club session or class tournament in under two minutes. No download, no account needed to start.
Launch ChessHostFrequently asked questions
What is the best free school chess software?
ChessHost is free school chess software for clubs and classrooms. Students self-register by QR code, pairings run automatically, and standings show on the projector. It even has a class-vs-class Team Battle mode. It is free forever, with no credit card and no signup to try.
Is ChessHost suitable for a school chess club?
Yes. It is designed for teachers and volunteers with no arbiter training. There are no accounts to manage, students sign up by scanning a QR code, and the software handles pairings, scoring, and standings for you.
Can students play class against class?
Yes. Team Battle mode splits the room into two renameable teams so you can run class-vs-class or year-vs-year matches. Everyone plays the other team, never a teammate, and team scores add up automatically.
Do students need accounts or an app?
No. Students join by scanning a QR code and typing their name in the browser, with no app to install and no login. This keeps club sessions simple and avoids managing student accounts.