10+ Best & Profitable Chess Business Ideas [2023]

Start a profitable chess business in 2023 with these 10+ great ideas! Find out how you can use the power of chess to build a successful business and generate an income. From chess eCommerce stores to teaching and coaching, explore the many possibilities available to you.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, chess enthusiasts! Ever thought about turning your love for the game into a profitable venture? Well, you're in the right place. As we approach 2023, it's time to put on our entrepreneurial hats and think about how we can make a business out of our passion. This article is your ultimate guide to the 10+ Best & Profitable Chess Business Ideas in 2023.

Whether you're a grandmaster, a casual player, or simply a fan of the game, there's a wealth of opportunities waiting for you. And no, you don't need to be the next Magnus Carlsen to profit from chess. With a little creativity, dedication, and strategic thinking (something all chess players are good at!), you can create a successful business around this timeless game.

So, are you ready to make your move? Let's dive into this exciting journey of turning your chess passion into a profitable business. Checkmate, boredom and unprofitability!

Create Chess Training Videos

Creating chess training videos is a great business idea for people that want to provide instruction in the game of chess. Chess is a skill that requires time and practice, so being able to access videos to learn the game can be beneficial for those looking to take their skills to the next level. Here are some benefits of creating chess training videos:

  • Provides a convenient way for players to learn the basics or hone their skills
  • Flexibility in terms of when, where and how often you can watch the tutorials
  • Can be tailored to different audiences, from beginners to experienced players
  • Can generate revenue online through advertising or selling course subscription packages
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Develop A Chess Mobile App

Developing a chess mobile app is a great business idea for a variety of reasons. It would provide convenience, accessibility and an engaging platform for users. Additionally, by providing an app specifically dedicated to playing chess, players can network with other chess enthusiasts and play against each other and computer opponents all around the world.

  • It would provide convenience and accessibility to users
  • Players can network with other chess enthusiasts around the world
  • The user can play against other people or computer opponents
  • It would be more engaging than playing on a browser-based platform
  • The app could offer in-app purchases or subscriptions for extras such as special skins or bounties
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Examples of successful businesses:

Here is a list of successful companies in the chess business industry:

  • Chess.com
  • Chess House
  • ChessBase
  • FIDE (World Chess Federation)
  • Sena Technologies
  • The United States Chess Federation (USCF)
  • Chess Grandmasters
  • ChessOK Software Solutions
  • Bobby Fischer Chess School

Chess Tutoring Center

Opening a chess tutoring center can be a lucrative and exciting business opportunity. Chess is a deeply strategic game that requires strong analytical and lateral thinking skills, as well as discipline and practice. It has become increasingly popular in recent years for children, adults, and seniors. Here are some of the advantages to exploring opening a chess tutoring center:

  • Few resources required to start - all you need is the space to run the lessons
  • Little overhead costs - it doesn’t cost much to rent out space or buy basic materials
  • High demand - more children, adults, and seniors are becoming interested in playing chess
  • Flexible hours - since the majority of chess activities are run during the weekdays, you can easily adjust your hours of operations if necessary
  • Potential for growth - there is potential for expanding your services over time with additional classes and camps

Put On Chess Tournaments

Putting on chess tournaments can be an exciting business idea for those looking to make a profit from their passion for the game. Chess tournaments can draw in participants from both amateur and professional ranks, with potential to create an ongoing stream of revenue. By offering cash prizes, sponsorships, and other incentives to players, tournament organizers can make a living while providing an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here are some of the advantages of investing in a chess tournament business:

  • An opportunity to appeal to a wide variety of players;
  • The potential to generate significant revenue;
  • The ability to attract sponsorship deals;
  • Providing a forum for chess enthusiasts to interact with one another;
  • A chance to promote the game and its related products and services.

Organize Chess Camps

Organizing chess camps could make an excellent business opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the popularity of the game. Being a part of the chess camp would provide a variety of benefits, such as:

  • Access to experienced and knowledgeable instructors
  • Opportunities to learn strategies, tactics and openings
  • Learn and practice efficient endgame technique
  • Interactive classes with other players
  • Learn new ideas, tips and tricks
  • The chance to make new friends who love chess

Create An Online Chess School

Creating an online chess school is a great business idea for anyone who loves chess and wants to share their knowledge with others. An online chess school would allow people from all over the world to learn from skilled chess players and educators, and offer a great opportunity for anyone looking to make some extra income.

  • Excellent source of passive income
  • Can be marketed to audiences globally
  • A chance to teach and share your knowledge
  • Chess can be used as a learning tool in many areas, such as mathematics and problem-solving
  • Allows students to learn at their own pace
  • Suitable for any level of player, from novice to grandmaster

Sell Chess-related Merchandise (eg Boards, Pieces, Books)

Selling chess-related merchandise is an exciting business idea for anyone looking to get involved in the world of board games. Chess is a classic game that is loved by people across the world, and is especially popular among those who are strategy minded. Selling chess merchandise allows customers to enjoy the game with quality pieces, boards, and books.

  • Boards – A range of chess boards that come in various colors, sizes, and materials.
  • Pieces – Quality chess pieces from a range of materials such as plastic, wood, and metals like brass or bronze.
  • Books – A selection of books about the game of chess for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.

Set Up A Chess Coaching Business

A chess coaching business is a great business idea for those who want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the game with others. It can provide a steady income, and it’s also a great way to support the spread of this classic pastime. Here are some tips for setting up and running a successful chess coaching business:

  • Develop a comprehensive curriculum that teaches the fundamentals of strategy and technique.
  • Choose an appropriate location for your classes, either in-person or online.
  • Utilize marketing strategies such as flyers, word-of-mouth and social media to advertise your services.
  • Offer private coaching sessions or group courses.
  • Stay up to date with new developments in the world of chess.
  • Build relationships with potential students and partners to help your business grow.

Design And Sell Instructional Materials (eg Posters, Magnets)

Designing and selling instructional materials such as posters and magnets can be a great business idea. The appeal lies in the fact that these materials are usually used by businesses or schools, making them a great source of recurring income. Furthermore, they require minimal overhead costs and capital to get started. Here are some of the advantages that make designing and selling instructional materials an attractive business idea:

  • Low startup fees
  • Recurring revenue
  • Little overhead costs
  • Ease of production
  • High demand

Launch An Online Streaming Platform For Chess Events

Creating a streaming platform for chess events has the potential to be an excellent business idea. It allows players, fans and organizers to participate in competitive matches from anywhere in the world. Launching an online streaming platform for chess events could open up a whole new world of opportunity in terms of revenue streams and marketing avenues.

  • It would make it easier to track top players’ performance, promote upcoming matches and monitor potential opponents.
  • The platform could facilitate subscription fees, allowing users access to exclusive content such as live tournaments, interviews, and education sessions.
  • The streaming platform could host collaborative events between different chess organizations
  • It can be used to stay connected with local chess clubs, helping them reach wider audiences and expand their base
  • The platform could also offer specialized services for individual players such as a rating system for matches played out of tournaments

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