Meet Our Chess Coaches: How The Digital Chessboard Academy Chooses and Checks Them
Parents tell us the most important question is simple: who will teach my child? Here is who our coaches are, what they have achieved, and the three checks every coach passes before they teach a single class.
The three checks every coach passes
- Identity verification. We confirm who the coach is.
- Credential verification. Federation and FIDE credentials are checked directly, not taken on trust.
- A reviewed trial class. Each coach teaches a trial class that our team reviews before they are hired.
Who our coaches are
Our coaches combine strong tournament careers with teaching experience. Their profiles, which you can read in full on our coaches page, include:
- State champions. Including a multiple-time state champion, an 11-time state champion and National gold medallist, and an under-15 state champion.
- National-level players and medallists. Including an SGFI National Youth bronze medallist and a CBSE National Under-19 gold medallist.
- FIDE-rated players and titled players. Including FIDE-rated coaches, an Arena FIDE Master and an Arena International Master.
- FIDE National Instructors and arbiters. Including National Instructors and certified arbiters.
- Experienced teachers. Some of our coaches have more than a decade of coaching and have trained hundreds of students across several countries.
What we look for beyond titles
Titles show playing strength; they do not prove someone can teach a seven-year-old. We look for coaches who explain simply, keep classes encouraging and give each child feedback. That is why the trial class matters.
Support around the coach
Our student support team and student counsellors help parents understand progress and choose next steps, so you are never left guessing. With the Parent Portal, progress reports and parent-teacher meetings, you can see how your child is doing.
Why we show the coaches openly
We believe a parent should know exactly who is teaching their child. Read why in who actually teaches your child's chess class, and see how we compare in online chess academies compared.
What each check means for your child
| Check | What it gives you |
|---|---|
| Identity verification | We know who is teaching your child |
| Credential verification with the federation | Ratings, titles and certifications are real, not self-reported |
| A reviewed trial class | We see how the coach teaches before they teach your child |
Our coaches by profile
| Type of experience | Examples from our public profiles |
|---|---|
| State and zonal champions | Multiple-time and 11-time state champions, an under-15 state champion, a 6-time zonal champion |
| National and school-level medallists | National youth and CBSE national medallists |
| FIDE-related roles and titles | FIDE-rated players, FIDE National Instructors, a certified arbiter, Arena titles |
| Teaching experience | Coaches with 10 to 18 years of experience, some having trained hundreds of students across several countries |
| Languages | For example, a coach who teaches in English and Hindi (see individual profiles) |
See the full list with photos on our coaches page.
Choosing the right level
Our Beginner Explorer, Intermediate Master and Champion Track levels have different teaching styles, from playful basics to tournament preparation. Ask how your child's level will be decided during your free demo. See what to expect in a demo class.
Beyond the coach: your support team
Our student support team and counsellors help families understand progress and choose next steps. You can also follow practice and progress in the Parent Portal. For ideas on how to read progress, see how to track your child's chess progress.
Frequently asked questions
Are your coaches FIDE-rated?
Our coaches include FIDE-rated players, FIDE National Instructors and certified arbiters. Each coach's credentials are verified directly before they teach.
How are chess coaches vetted at The Digital Chessboard Academy?
Coaches are identity-verified, their federation and FIDE credentials are checked directly, and each teaches a trial class that our team reviews before they are hired.
Can I choose my child's coach?
Ask us during your free demo class. We will explain how classes and coaches are allocated.
Can I see a coach's credentials before joining?
Yes. Coach profiles are on our website, and you can ask about credentials in your free demo class.
What is a FIDE National Instructor?
A FIDE coaching title awarded to qualified chess trainers. Our coaches include FIDE National Instructors.
Explore The Digital Chessboard Academy
- Courses: Beginner Explorer to Champion Track
- Pricing and plans
- Meet our coaches
- The Parent Portal
- Free FIDE rating calculator
- Chess learning options compared
- Online chess academies compared
- All chess articles
Try a live online class — free
Small groups, FIDE-rated coaches and a no-obligation demo for your child.