Private Chess Lessons

Private chess lessons through the Saint Louis Chess Club are excellent opportunities to get specialized, one-on-one instruction with our highly trained staff. Private lessons include an initial assessment from the instructor to determine the player’s strengths and weaknesses, after which the instructor will create a personalized lesson plan to suit the player’s needs.

Private chess lessons at the St Louis Chess Club

Grandmaster in Residence

Saint Louis Chess Club is pleased to present

GM Illia Nyzhnyk

as our current Grandmaster in Residence.

See our schedule of upcoming grandmasters in residence.

photo GM Illia Nyzhnyk 2025 GMR

Meet Our Private Chess Coaches

Chose from a diverse lineup of chess experts, men and women from various backgrounds, skill levels, and price points, all ready to help you sharpen your game with private lessons.

IM Dorsa Derakhshani

IM Dorsa Derakhshani

International Master Private Lessons Woman Grandmaster
GM Akshat Chandra

GM Akshat Chandra

Grandmaster Private Lessons
GM Cemil Can Ali Marandi

GM Cemil Can Ali Marandi

Grandmaster Private Lessons
GM Mikhail Antipov

GM Mikhail Antipov

Grandmaster Private Lessons
GM Yuniesky Quesada

GM Yuniesky Quesada

Grandmaster Private Lessons
IM Tianqi Wang

IM Tianqi Wang

International Master Private Lessons
NM Nikolas Theiss

NM Nikolas Theiss

National Master Private Lessons
NM Hemi Rambha

NM Hemi Rambha

National Master Private Lessons
Sara Herman

Sara Herman

Private Lessons USCF Expert
Thomas Walthall

Thomas Walthall

Private Lessons
Justin Beckstead

Justin Beckstead

Private Lessons
Andre Gorostiaga

Andre Gorostiaga

Private Lessons
Asher Harris

Asher Harris

Private Lessons
Luke Byrnes

Luke Byrnes

Private Lessons

Private Chess Lessons FAQ

What are private lessons?

Private Lessons are 1-on-1 lessons with our experienced staff of chess instructors. Instructors will cover everything from the rules of the game to more advanced chess strategy.

How do I schedule a private chess lesson?

You can schedule a private lesson by selecting from one of the Chess Experts above. Their profiles will contain additional background, pricing, and booking information.

Want our help matching you with an expert?
Give us a call at (314) 361-2437 or email us at info@saintlouischessclub.org

Do you offer in-person private chess lessons?

Yes! We offer in-person chess lessons as well as online chess lessons.

How do online chess lessons work?

After scheduling through our website, you will receive an email with a link to a Google Meet for your lesson. Your instructor will join you at the meeting link and teach using screen-shares and online chess boards. If you would like to talk to the instructor before your lesson, please contact them directly using the email listed on their profile.

Is there an alternative to private lessons to learn how to play chess?

Yes! We offer weekly classes and lectures that range from pure beginner classes to advanced lectures taught by our Grandmaster in Residence.

How soon can I schedule a private chess lesson?

Private chess lessons must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

I’m no longer available for my scheduled lesson. What should I do?

To reschedule or cancel a chess lesson, please contact your instructor directly using their email address listed on their profile page.

Can I cancel my lesson and receive a refund?

Private chess lessons must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund.

Is it possible to schedule one chess lesson with multiple students?

Private Chess Lessons with Minors

All Saint Louis Chess Club private lessons involving a minor must be monitored by a responsible adult. To ensure this, in-person lessons must take place somewhere publicly accessible. For online lessons, a STLCC employee will join the virtual meeting space to verify the initial and ongoing presence of a responsible adult with the minor or will remain to monitor the lesson if unable to make such a confirmation. All lessons comply with the full STLCC Minor’s Policy available here.