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Chess coaches in Chicago

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, they will patiently guide you through strategies, tactics, and openings, helping you develop a deeper understanding of the game.

I believe that the best way to work with a student is to make chess relevant to their existing interests. I have coached six students to grade-level championships, and many of them are ranked in the top 100 for their age groups.

Title:

  • National Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Winning the National Denker Tournament of State Champions.

Misha Vilenchuk wearing a suit and smiling at the camera

For the past 10 years, I have been teaching in a fun and supportive style. I focus on chess understanding, consistency, and encouraging you to improve.

Title:

  • Grandmaster

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Top Achievements:

  • World U14 Champion (1999) & Champion of Ukraine (2006).

Zahar Efimenko looking away from the camera in front of a chessboard

For the past seven years, I've been teaching one-hour daily private and group chess lessons. I teach my students how to learn and provide them with resources that they can use on their own.

Title:

  • Women's National Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Playing on the Philippines Women's Team in 3 Chess Olympiads.

Christy Lamiel smiling at the camera wearing glasses

My ultimate goal as a coach is to make my student’s chess journey as enjoyable, fulfilling, and meaningful as possible at the time that I learn from them as well.

Title:

  • FIDE International Master

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Top Achievements:

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Close-up shot of Edwin Urbina

I am a top Venezuelan player, and have played chess since I was 8 years old. In my experience, the best way to improve in chess is to be motivated, and to adjust the training to the student's style and expectations. 

Title:

  • FIDE International Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Venezuelan chess champion in categories Under-10, under-12, and 2nd place at the Pan-American Youth Championship in 2013.

Yeison Gutierrez with his arms crossed posing for a picture

I want to combine my efforts and dedication with my student's and be successful together without leaving the fun, learning, and excellence in chess.

Title:

  • Women's International Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Played (and playing) for the Women's Philippines National Team

Bernadette Galas front facing to the camera, dressed in black and white

I sistematically teach my students how to improve, but I think the best way to see results is having a customized teaching program, so each individual strenght and weakness is taken care of.

Title:

  • Candidate Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Runner-up rapid chess U2300 Argentina 2016, XIII American Continental Tournament.

Ramiro Pando looking at a chess board with pieces on it

I teach using methods developed by the Soviet chess school. I am one of the strongest Ukrainian players, and I'm a Woman International Master who has been playing chess for 15 years. I have students across the world. Here is my Wikipedia page.

Title:

  • Women's International Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Ukrainian Womens Champion Under-18 in 2011.

Maria Efimenko noting down a chess match

I like to share my knowledge with my students, make them see chess in another way, think deeply in different positions, make them know the importance of making pieces work altogether, and clarify any doubts they have.

Title:

  • Candidate Master​

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Top Achievements:

  • Costa Rican National Champion Under-14, Under-16, and the Central American and Caribbean Champion in 2016.

Emanuel Vaglio making a chess move on a chessboard

My training is based on the identification of the weaknesses and strengths of my students. 
Many times training is usually boring and no matter how hard you work, you feel that you are still stuck on the same level.

Title:

  • FIDE International Master

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Top Achievements:

  • Venezuelan and Subcontinental champion.

Alejandro Uzcategui looking at a chessboard thinking about his next move

Visit the best place to play in rated and un-rated tournaments in Chicagoland. Participate in their weekly events and meet new friends in a vibrant and well-known club.

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