PERSONALIZED 1-ON-1 CHESS COACHING
Private Chess Lessons for Kids and Adults
Personalized chess coaching for kids and adults in New York City, Greenwich, and online, with a coach matched to the student’s level, goals, and learning style.
A plan built around the student
Private coaching gives each student direct feedback and a clearer path forward.
Chess Max private lessons help students slow down, review real games, strengthen calculation, and know what to practice between lessons.
For students with ADHD or autism who may benefit from an adaptive lesson framework, see Adaptive Private Chess.
Want to compare group and private lesson prices before choosing? See chess lesson prices.
Still deciding which format fits your child? Read our parent guide to group vs. private chess lessons for examples and a practical comparison checklist.
Looking for private chess lessons in Manhattan? Explore our Upper West Side location on West 79th Street, Upper East Side location on East 78th Street, and Lexington Avenue and 93rd Street location. Students and families in Connecticut can explore our Greenwich academy. Share your preferred location when requesting an evaluation so the team can confirm coach availability and in-person options for you or your child.
Matched coaching
The team recommends a coach based on level, personality, goals, and availability.
Online or in person
Lessons may be available in NYC, Greenwich, or online depending on the coach.
Focused practice
Work can center on confidence, tactics, game review, openings, or tournament preparation.
Who it helps
Support for the stage the student is in now.
Beginners building confidence
Clear explanations, patient pacing, and simpler thinking routines help new players feel comfortable at the board.
Developing students building stronger habits
Private lessons can reinforce tactics, checkmates, openings, endgames, and readiness for group classes.
Tournament players preparing competitively
Coaching can focus on game review, notation, clock use, calculation, openings, and decisions under pressure.
How it works
From first conversation to a focused practice plan.
Tell us about the student
Share the student’s level, goals, schedule, and whether online or in-person coaching is the better fit.
Get matched with the right coach
The team recommends a coach based on personality, level, goals, and availability.
Start personalized lessons
Lessons can include game review, tactical training, homework direction, and clear next steps between sessions.
Build a focused practice plan
After the first lesson, the coach can focus practice around the student’s level, habits, and goals.
Chess Max coaching approach
A good private lesson should make the next week of practice easier to understand.
Coaches meet students where they are, then use real positions and clear practice goals to build better thinking habits.
- Review the student’s own games and decisions.
- Build calm calculation habits instead of rushed moves.
- Connect private lessons to group classes, online learning, or tournament goals.
- Leave the student with a small, practical focus between lessons.
Coach directory
Find the right private chess coach.
Browse the roster, or start with an evaluation and the team will help match you or your child with the right fit.

In-Person and Online Lessons
Grandmaster Maxim Dlugy
Founder of Chess Max Academy, former World Junior Champion, and former number 1 blitz player in the world. Maxim Dlugy has coached Kasparov and Karpov, and his students have won more than 25 National Scholastic titles, 1 World Championship title, and 2 Continental Championships.
Starting from $250/hour

Online lessons
Grandmaster Sergey Kasparov
International Grandmaster | Chess Coach | Author | Languages: Russian, English, Italian
Starting from $140/hour

Online lessons
International Chess Master Artiom Samsonkin
Top Rated Coach, National Level. Artiom is extremely diligent and responsible when organizing chess teaching and homework for his students.
Starting from $130/hour

Online lessons
International Master Humberto Blanco
Humberto is an established chess coach, having coached youth and national teams in Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Starting from $100/hour

In-person and online lessons
Expert Coach Marfa Esaulova
Top Rated Coach. Marfa is a chess expert and kids chess coach who graduated from the Botvinnik Chess School and Orient Chess School.
Starting from $180/hour

In-person and online lessons
Dan Yates
Coach Dan Yates is a gifted instructor who turns lessons into a joyful, confidence-building experience, specializing in younger kids.
Starting from $150/hour

In-Person and Online Lessons
Benjamin Ginsberg
Coach Ben is a passionate player and dedicated mentor who helps students build confidence, critical thinking, and creativity on the board.
Starting from $150/hour

In-person and online lessons
Arrik Leman
Arrik Leman is a Master level chess coach who helped GM Max Dlugy prepare for the US Senior Championships and edit his book.
Starting from $180/hour

Online lessons
Angelyn Binan
Chess Coach Angelyn is one of the top women chess coaches in the Philippines and is also a National Master.
Starting from $90/hour

Online and in-person lessons
Alan Suh
Alan grew up in Hong Kong, competed through middle school, and taught at a U.S. expert level before building a high school chess club.
Starting from $150/hour

In-Person and Online Lessons
Deepak Aaron
Deepak is a professional chess player and dedicated mentor who has played chess for over 25 years and is a National Master.
Starting from $150/hour

Online lessons
Grandmaster Sergey Makarychev
A leading expert on chess openings and endgames who has coached world champions including Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.
Starting from $180/hour

In-person and online lessons
Joel Adebayo
Top Rated Chess Coach, PHD. Joel Adebayo is a strong FIDE Master and dominant Nigerian player.
Starting from $150/hour

Online lessons
National Master Jerich Cajeras
Top Rated Chess Coach. Jerich has been involved in chess for two decades with notable success as both a player and coach.
Starting from $100/hour

Online Lessons
National Master Marvin Ting
Marvin is a new addition to the chess tutoring team who has taught Chess Max summer camps and brings strong knowledge of the game.
Starting from $90/hour

In-person and online lessons
Rodwell Makoto
International Master with a proven record as a multiple-time Zimbabwe National Champion and international competitor.
Starting from $150/hour

In-person and online lessons
Vladislav Berezin
Meet Chess Coach Vlad, a coach focused on cultivating young minds through chess and supporting young kids and advanced adult players.
Starting from $180/hour

In-person and online lessons
Hector Morales
Hector Morales is a patient, engaging coach who connects naturally with children. He helps students build confidence, calm calculation, time management, and strong decision-making under pressure.
Starting from $150/hour
Questions before starting
Common questions before starting private chess lessons.
Do you offer private chess lessons for adults?
Yes. Adults can take private chess lessons in the same one-to-one format as children, with coaching tailored to their level and goals. Share your preferred location and schedule during the evaluation so the team can confirm coach availability and online or in-person options.
How much do private chess lessons cost?
Rates vary by coach. The coach directory shows each coach’s starting hourly rate and whether they teach online or in person. Compare private chess lesson prices, then use the free evaluation to confirm the right coach and available lesson options.
How do we choose a private chess coach for our child?
Share your child’s chess experience, goals, preferred schedule, and whether you want lessons in Manhattan, Greenwich, or online. The team recommends a coach based on the student’s level, personality, goals, and coach availability. You can also review the individual coach profiles before your evaluation.
Is private coaching better than group chess classes?
They solve different problems. Group classes give regular practice and social learning. Private lessons give targeted feedback and a plan for the student’s specific goals.
Can lessons focus on tournaments?
Yes. Tournament-focused work can include game review, tactics, openings, clock management, notation, and preparation for rated or unrated chess tournaments.
Can my child take private lessons online?
Online private lessons may be available depending on the coach. They are often useful for busy schedules, travel weeks, or students who want to work with a specific instructor.
Next step
Find the right private coach for you or your child.
Start with a free evaluation so the team can help match you or your child with suitable coaching.


