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Top-Rated Child Master Chess and Build lifelong success skills for Growing Minds
(0–1500 Rating)
Whether you’re just starting out or building toward a 1500 rating, work directly with Coach Viktor — a 2000-rated player, experienced mentor, and founder of Northern California’s largest chess community.
Chess isn’t just a game — it’s a powerful tool for developing lifelong skills like focus, discipline, confidence, and strategic thinking. In my lessons, students build those qualities by training through 5 core principles:
- Train everyday
- Challenge yourself
- Think before you move
- Build brick by brick
- Celebrate small wins
Lessons are available in-person across Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Los Altos, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale, or online from anywhere.
Summer discount:
$120
$100 per class
Start your child's journey today!
Skills that my students get from the classes:
🥇 1. Train Every Day
I help students build consistent habits by assigning short daily homework (like 5 puzzle rushes on Lichess) and tracking their streaks together. This teaches them that showing up every day—even for 10 minutes—leads to real improvement.
⚔️ 2. Challenge Yourself
Every class includes a new tactic, advanced puzzle, or stronger opponent to stretch their thinking. I encourage students to try, fail, and try again, reminding them that growth happens when we leave our comfort zone.
🧠 3. Think Before You Move
I teach students to reflect on their thinking by reviewing their games together, asking: “What was your plan here?” or “What did you miss?” This builds their ability to slow down, plan ahead, and make better decisions.
🧱 4. Build Brick by Brick
My lesson structure follows a clear system — warm-up, core idea, application, and reflection — so students can learn chess piece by piece, like building a LEGO set. Over time, they see how everything fits together.
🌟 5. Celebrate Small Wins
Whether it’s solving a puzzle they missed last week or spotting a tactic in a real game, I highlight and celebrate small improvements. These moments boost their confidence and show them they’re making progress.
What Learning Looks Like
Here’s a glimpse into our real lessons — where strategy meets curiosity, and young minds grow.
My 1-on-1 coaching isn’t just about improving your rating — it’s about helping you or your child think sharper, stay focused, and develop skills that will last a lifetime. ”
Reviews
Krishna D.:
My son ( 6 year old) takes chess classes from Viktor, he really enjoys the classes. Viktor is very knowledgeable and teaches in a way that kids can easily understand, he is patient and very professional. As a parent I really recommend Viktor for chess classes to your kids. I know he does 1 on 1 classes as well as group lessons in different locations in bay area.
Jackey W.:
I have three boys- twins who are eight-years-old and a seven-year-old son all three of them have been learning chess under Viktor Grigoriev. and I couldn’t be more pleased with his coaching. He is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable instructor who knows how to break down the complexities of chess in a way that is both engaging and easy for kids to understand.
One of the things I appreciate most about Viktor and his team is their ability to make the game exciting and fun. Chess can sometimes feel overwhelming for young learners, but Viktor and his team keeps lessons interactive and enjoyable, fostering a real enthusiasm for the game. My kids look forward to each session, and I have seen tremendous improvement not only in their strategic thinking but also in their confidence and problem-solving skills.
If you are looking for a chess coach who combines expertise with a fantastic teaching approach, I highly recommend Viktor Grigoriev. He creates a positive and encouraging environment that truly helps children develop a love for chess while sharpening their skills.
Lars B.:
Our kids have been taking classes with Viktor for about a year. They are always super excited when he's coming for class and have really developed a love of the game alongside their skills.
Suramya S.:
My son is 8 and really enjoys his Chess classes with Viktor. He has improved a lot and is now ready for tournaments. The classes are fun, educational and taught in a very innovative way. Thank you Viktor🙏.
Ready to level up your chess journey?
What You’ll Get with Each $120 Session:
- 60-minute private coaching (in-person or online)
- Customized lesson plan and curriculum
- Rating-based progress path: Learn the Basics • Break 800 • Reach 1200 • Push for 1500
- Game review and guided analysis
- Homework and curated study materials
- Progress tracking and optional parent updates
- Text support between sessions
- More than just chess — this is mindset training for life.
Serving Locations
In-person in:
- Palo Alto
- Mountain View
- Menlo Park
- Sunnyvale
- Los Altos
- Redwood city
Online:
Available anywhere