Program Structure

A program that grows with your child

Juniors

Beginner

First exposure to chess: piece movement, basic rules, board awareness, through games & puzzles.

Jumpstarters

Intermediate · 100–500 USCF
Chess.com Rating: 100–800 Blitz/Rapid

Structured training for developing players ready to improve strategy and competitive skills.

Challengers

Advanced · 500–1000 USCF
Chess.com Rating: 800+ Blitz/Rapid

Advanced training for competitive players ready to refine tactics and tournament-level strategy.

Outside the Classroom

Community

Friday Night Chess Club

Casual, all levels drop-in. Open play, puzzles, and snacks.

Competition

Monthly Tournaments

Open to all club levels to test what you've learned.

Weekly Rhythm

The Schedule

Fall session runs September 11 – November 1, 2026

Registering after the session has started? Email us to pro-rate your classes.

Juniors

Unrated

LevelBeginner

2-Month Session Rate$30 / class

Drop-in Rate$40 / class

Saturday9:00–10:00 AM

Sunday1:30–2:30 PM

Filled

Jumpstarters

100–500 USCF
Chess.com Rating: 100–800 Blitz/Rapid

LevelIntermediate

2-Month Session Rate$30 / class

Drop-in Rate$40 / class

Saturday10:15–11:15 AM

Sunday2:45–3:45 PM

Challengers

500–1000 USCF
Chess.com Rating: 800+ Blitz/Rapid

LevelAdvanced

2-Month Session Rate$30 / class

Drop-in Rate$40 / class

Saturday9:00–10:00 AM

Filled

Sunday4:00–5:00 PM

Filled

Friday Evening · Club Night

6:30 – 7:30 PM

Drop-in, all levels: open play, puzzles & social play.

Starts September 11, 2026

Monthly Tournaments

1× per month, Sunday

Open to everyone.

Next tournament date: Coming soon

Pricing

Classes

$30 per class

With 2-month session enrollment

Fall session: Sept 11–Nov 1
Drop-in classes: $40 per class

Chess Club

$10 per session

Placeholder

Friday night drop-in, open to all levels. Payment can be made at the door.

Tournaments

$25 per sign up

Current students

Guests: $30 per sign up

About Our Coaches

Navid

Head Coach · USCF Expert, 2000 Rating

Navid started playing competitive chess at age nine and went on to earn the title of USCF Expert. But for him, chess was always about more than trophies. As a student who struggled with focus, the game taught him patience, sharpened his problem-solving, and changed how he showed up in the classroom. Since 2021, he's brought that same transformation to schools across San Diego County, helping every student unlock their potential, both on the board and off it.

Elkaei

Coach · USCF Expert, 2000 Rating

Elkaei grew up competing alongside some of Southern California's strongest chess players at the San Diego Chess Club and went on to earn the title of USCF Expert, with a peak USCF rating of 2129. Since 2018, he has coached students throughout San Diego, combining his deep knowledge of the game with a passion for helping young players grow. Elkaei strives to connect with each student, building their skills and confidence while helping them develop a lasting love for chess.

Troy

Coach · 1900 Rating

Since 2012, Troy has mentored chess to over a thousand students. From beginner to expert level, he has also coached them for ultimate success in tournaments. Having four teenagers of his own, who have assisted instructing the past decade, he knew the profound importance of preparation for life through chess. Understanding anyone can do so by learning the dozens of life skills chess offers. Chess is life and life is chess.

Jonathan

Coach · Chess Instructor & Educator

Jonathan Frye is a dedicated educator and chess instructor based in San Diego. By day, he works as a High School Special Education Teacher, helping students build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed. He brings that same passion for teaching to the chessboard, coaching students through the local school district and San Diego Chess Club. Jonathan uses chess to teach critical thinking, patience, resilience, and problem-solving, creating an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can grow. His goal is to help every student build confidence, both on the board and beyond it.

Hector

Chess Coach · Arena FIDE Master (AFM)

Hector is an Arena FIDE Master and dedicated chess coach who believes chess is about more than just learning how to win. He loves helping students build confidence, sharpen their critical thinking, and develop the skills to make better decisions both on and off the board. With a strong foundation in strategy and endgame play, Hector creates a positive, supportive environment where students can challenge themselves, grow their skills, and most importantly, enjoy the game.

Inside the Academy