Our Hub for Girls Interested in Chess
At Caissa, girls find their place in chess. With only around 11% of chess players being female, it can feel harder for girls to step in. That’s why we go the extra mile—creating a welcoming, supportive space where girls can grow, play, and shine. Whether it’s through our girls-only classes, inclusive events, or empowering visuals, we’re here to make chess feel like home. We know how important role models are.
That’s why we’re proud to have two strong female coaches leading the way:
Coach Astrid, a Woman FIDE Master and multiple-time Belgian Women’s Champion, brings deep experience and passion to her role as Senior Trainer. Having taught chess for over a decade and represented Belgium internationally since 2015, she now leads our girls’ programs at Caissa—combining competitive insight with a background in education and gender studies to inspire the next generation.
Coach Nomindalai, "Nomi", a Candidate Master with over 15 years of competitive experience, brings both strength and insight. A former National Youth and Rapid Champion who has represented her country, Mongolia, internationally, she guides students with expertise in tournament preparation, competitive mindset, and long‑term development—helping players build confidence and a lifelong love for chess.
Join us at Caissa, where barriers come down and confidence is built—one move at a time!
Girls‑Only Chess Classes at Sheung Wan
At our Sheung Wan centre we host girls‑only classes at these times:
-
Wednesdays, 5–6pm
-
Saturdays, 10–11am
These sessions provide a supportive, empowering space for girls to learn and grow together.
Already enjoying your mixed group classes? Wonderful—no need to change! But you also have the option to join a girls‑only class, and maybe even bring your best friend along to try it out.
In our girls‑only classes, we continue with the Step Method while giving extra attention to women in chess—helping students prepare for girls’ events and build the confidence to take on any opponent in open tournaments.
.jpeg)
Some Wednesday Caissa Girls
Did You Know
Our club is named after Caissa, the Goddess of Chess.
-
First mentioned in a 16th‑century Renaissance poem, Caissa was imagined as a nymph‑like muse of the game.
-
Chess legends—including Garry Kasparov—have referred to her on occasion.
-
Across Europe and around the world, many clubs proudly carry her name.
Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club is proud to be among them—continuing the tradition of inspiration, creativity, and love for the game.
Moment to Remember
In 2014, GM Hou Yifan, currently the highest‑rated female chess player, visited Caissa and played a simultaneous exhibition with our students. Moments like these remind us why role models matter, and why Caissa is a place where girls can dream big.
Dream Big!
-
Four‑time Women’s World Chess Champion (2010–2012, 2013–2015, 2016–2017)
-
Youngest ever Women’s World Champion, winning her first title at just 16 years old
-
Became the youngest female grandmaster in history at age 14 (2008)
-
Reached a peak rating of 2686 in 2015, making her the second‑highest‑rated female player of all time
-
Represented China at multiple Olympiads and continues to inspire as a professor and ambassador for chess worldwide