Chess Lessons.
Amazing Teachers.
Private chess lessons tailored to you. In-person or online.
Meet a Few of Our Amazing Instructors


Dennis U.
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Speaks some japanese -
Teaching since 2003 -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Teaching Locations:

Private Chess Teacher
I have been playing chess for well over 30 years. I have taught one on one
children and adults for about 10 years. I have great patience when I teach
students never believing that any concept is too difficult to understand or
master. I have a love for the game that I want to instill in others
I have hundreds of chess books and have gotten to know lots of chessplayers
throughout the years. I do my best to have my students gain and UNDERSTANDING of the game rather than just rote memorization.
About Dennis
I have been playing chess for 30 + years and have a USCF expert rating. I have taught chess in afterschool programs and one on one in homes for over 10 years. I feel I have great patience especially with young children as their attention span is usually not that long. I have taught children as y
Recent Reviews


Danial A.
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Business Administration from University of Southern California -
Teaching since 2015 -
Teaches students 5 and up
Teaching Locations:

Private Chess Teacher
At age 11 I achieved the title of Master, and since then have become an International Master (with 1 Grandmaster norm), 5-time National Champion and am currently the #1 18-year-old on the west coast of the United States. Without chess instruction from the most patient, inspiring, and hardworking chess coaches none of this would have been possible.
I began to play chess at 7 years old and after my coach ended our first class by saying, "Every champion was once a beginner" my youthful imagination ran wild and I was hooked. My early development in chess proved to be nontraditional where my structured classes provided by my school were supplemented by the aggressive, unconventional playing styles I learned from spending my weekends sneaking games in with hustlers at my local chess park. Yet learning these vastly different approaches to the game allowed me to become a more complete player, and after 6 weeks of practice, I could beat every kid in my class and almost defeated my coach. ...
About Danial
At age 11 I achieved the title of Master, and since then have become an International Master (with 1 Grandmaster norm), 5-time National Champion, North American Junior Champion, and am currently the #1 19-year-old on the west coast of the United States. Without chess instruction from the most patie
Recent Reviews


Jessica U.
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Speaks American Sign Language -
Teaching since 2019 -
Teaches students 5 and up
Teaching Locations:

Private Chess Teacher
Chess is a great hobby for children and adults alike! Learning chess helps develop and improve critical thinking skills, patience, problem solving skills, and memory, as well as being an incredibly fun game to play. I've been playing chess since I was a child, though recently, as an adult, my love for the game truly ignited. I understand how complex of a game chess is, and I will help you gain a strong grasp over the main concepts involved in the game at whatever pace you prefer. I've been teaching chess for over two years now (through private lessons and at the Los Angeles Chess Club) and my lessons are as fun and engaging as they are educational. We will analyze historical chess games, as well as games that you've played, where we'll learn about common openings, tactical motifs, mating patterns, theoretical endgames, and so much more in our lessons. Whether this is your first time seeing a chess board in your whole life or if you've been a casual player for years, I can help you ...
About Jessica
Hello, I'm Jessica! I can't wait to help you learn more about chess! I've been teaching at the Los Angeles Chess Club and through private lessons for almost two years now and I love watching my students improve. I've been playing chess for many years now and I spend multiple hours a day improving my
Recent Reviews


Andrew H.
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Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced -
Teaching since 1995 -
Teaches students 3 and up
Teaching Locations:

Private Chess Teacher
I am a passionate chess coach available for instruction of all levels. I have been teaching for over 10 years in many schools and training private students. I have helped establish top chess teams recently including NEST+M, PS33, and Success Academy.
Several of my students achieved highest performance awards - top 100 in the country, two of which are now rated as high as 2300. I have taught an advanced class with chess world champion Magnus Carlsen. I make learning and playing chess enjoyable and fun. I have achieved a Candidate Master title with FIDE and USCF ratings of approximately 2100.
I have a business degree in finance from Bentley University and have worked several years on Wall Street. I enjoy all aspects of risk management and how it combines elements along with chess. I love working with children and have a strong track record of making many strong relationships. You will not find a more dedicated coach. My average student gains 200-800 points in strength quickly! ...
About Andrew
I am a cool, energetic, and savvy instructor with a lot of experience. I've taught thousands of students over the years in schools and individually with a strong track record for gaining positive results. I have even taught a class at a chess camp with World Champion Magnus Carlsen. I am extrem
Recent Reviews


Siddharth G.
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Speaks Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi, English -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced -
Teaches students 5 to 65
Teaching Locations:

Private Chess Teacher
I have been teaching chess for six years and my students have gone on to tournament level and won competitions. Within the first few lessons, my students have developed a deeper understanding of chess strategies As they progressed further in their lessons they have developed special moves to win the chess games. I take pride in my students' success and love working with them. I do provide tournament chess boards for my students.
About Siddharth
Hi there, my name is Siddharth and I have been teaching chess in public and private schools, including private lessons, over the last six years. I love to see students grow with each lesson and accomplish their goals. Under my tutelage, I have helped students advance from beginner level to tourna
Recent Reviews
Is a wonderful chess coach.


Cindle V.
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Speaks Spanish, English -
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced -
Music Education from Malone University
Teaching Locations:

Private Chess Teacher
I am ranked as a top female chess player and have played the game for most of my life. I have played in many national, state, and local tournaments and place well. I have been teaching students of all ages for over 15 years. I make lessons fun and enjoyable but also very understandable. I teach all levels and ages. This is a great game and I believe anyone can benefit from learning the game of chess.
About Cindle
Hello, my name is Cindle V. and I love teaching music and chess. I have been teaching for 12 years. I have a bachelor's degree in music education and am currently teaching around 30 lessons a week to students ranging in ability from beginner to professional. My experience working with all types of l
Recent Reviews
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Private Chess Lessons Near You
Nearly 15 centuries old, the game of chess originated in northern India in the sixth century C.E. The game then found its way to Persia, where it was adopted by Muslims after Arab conquests. With the Moorish invasion of Spain, chess entered Europe, where our modern rules of the game were developed. Chess tournaments began in the late 1800s and during the 20th century, and advances in chess strategy and theory have become increasingly prevalent.
Chess has a fascinating history, and the game continues to inspire players today. If you’re searching for someone who can teach you the basics or introduce you to more strategic moves, turn to our chess lessons here at TakeLessons. Our teacher
s offer chess lessons for kids and adults alike, catering each session to their students’ unique needs and preferences. Sign up with us today to find chess lessons near you!
Why Learn to Play Chess?
Sure, chess is a fun game to play, but that’s not the only reason you should learn the rules. In addition to providing you with an entertaining pastime, it actually can have a positive effect on your brain.
Often seen as a game of concentration, it might not be surprising to learn that chess is very good for your brain. Regular chess playing triggers the growth of dendrites, which help conduct brain activity in general and more specifically in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for judgment, planning, and self-control). Chess play has also been shown to increase IQ, stave off dementia, develop creativity, and improve reading comprehension. Chess players really do train and work out their brains, getting smarter with every move.
Chess is also a great game for meeting new people and making deeper connections. You can join a chess club, become a member of the World Chess Federation, or play in tournaments. If you know how to play chess, you can challenge your grandpa to a game or bring your chess set to your afterschool program. As you win games (and lose) games, you'll gain self-confidence and improve your problem-solving skills. You'll also develop lasting friendships with like-minded individuals. With so many perks, you can see why students are turning to chess lessons for beginners.
The Best Way to Learn Chess and What You'll Study in Lessons
You can learn a lot of things on the internet these days. All you need to do is navigate to an online tutorial or pull up a how-to video to learn something new. But that’ll only get you so far. If you really want to dive into a new subject and learn it inside and out, then that’s where private lessons can come in handy.
Here at TakeLessons, we offer private chess lessons, which invite you to work one-on-one with a private chess tutor near you. This means you’ll receive the individualized attention you need to make sense of this strategic game. And unlike online learning environments, you can ask questions and obtain feedback in person or even guided instruction to help you develop your chess skills.
What’s more, when you take private lessons, your chess tutor will tailor your lessons to accommodate your needs. For instance, if you’re still a little confused about the rules of the game, your tutor will start there, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build on. But if you’re focused on entering your first tournament, your tutor can help you prepare so that you feel confident taking on your opponents. Whatever your goals or preferences, your tutor will be 100% dedicated to your chess success, and you’ll be playing like a pro in no time.
Sample Curriculum for Beginner Chess
Your chess teacher might cover the following subjects in your chess lessons for beginners:
- Learn the rules of the game
- Study opening strategies
- Learn how to apply opening strategies to play
- Understand counting
- Open vs. closed positions
Sample Curriculum for Intermediate Chess
Your intermediate chess tutor might cover the following topics:
- The Petroff Defense
- Playing fluid positions
- Learn to develop pieces
- Understand the concept of delayed attacks
- Finding your opponent's weak spots
Sample Curriculum for Advanced Chess
The subjects studied in advanced lessons depend greatly on each student's goals and interests, but your teacher might choose to cover the following topics:
- Recognize and avoid traps or poised pawns
- Study the game's dynamics and tension
- Learn to make highly strategic exchanges
- Use computer chess to explore strategies
- Competition and tournament preparation
How to Find a Chess Teacher Near You
Here at TakeLessons, we’re all about giving you options. After all, we want your chess lessons to be as convenient and flexible as possible. That’s why we let you choose between in-person and online lessons. If you take our in-person classes, we’ll help you find a chess teacher near you. But if you decide to take our online sessions, all you need is internet access and a smartphone, computer, laptop, or tablet to virtually connect with your tutor.
To find your preferred tutor, simply browse our selection of certified chess teachers. You can read their profiles to learn more about their background and expertise. Once you choose your teacher, you’ll be one step closer to improving your chess game! Sign up with us today to find chess lessons near you.
Popular Chess Articles from our Blog
As a game, chess is traditionally divided into three phases: the opening, the middlegame, and the endgame. While all three are important, today I’m going to help you start out strong in the opening. When I first learned how to play chess, I played openings that really did not help me improve and left me with an awkward start to the game more often than not. Eventually, I adopted some of the openings that I will show you in this post and my rating skyrocketed. Opening Principles The first …
By Kyle Barry
Back around 2014, I decided I was going to improve at chess. I watched a few videos online about some openings, played a few dozen blitz games online, and then promptly lost interest within a week. Four years later, I decided to pick it up again and in less than a year, I had gone from 1100 to 1900 Elo rating online. Obviously, I changed how I went about my improvement! So here are the steps that I took the second time around that got me to where I am now, and some ways you can improve your ches …
By Kyle Barry
Chess: Undoubtedly the ultimate head-to-head mental contest, an ancient game of strategy in which your one and only goal is to outsmart and defeat your opponent’s army (represented of course by the pieces on the board). Chess moves that surprise your opponent are part and parcel of the game, and it would thus behoove you, the player and aspiring chess master, to learn moves that will catch your opponent off guard and bring you victory. And so, without further ado, here are 5 moves to do that …
By Josh Freimark