Meet Our Coaches

With years of experience and a deep love for the game, they help young players grow both on and off the board.

At Silicon Valley Chess Kids, our coaches aren’t just great at chess—they’re passionate mentors who love working with kids.

Get to know the people behind the boards!

Coach Viktor from Silicon Valley Chess Kids

Coach Viktor

Coach Viktor is the founder of Silicon Valley Chess Kids and has been playing chess for over 15 years, starting as a kid in Russia.

His favorite piece is the knight—creative and unpredictable, just like his teaching style.

Viktor loves helping kids build confidence, focus, and problem-solving skills through chess in a fun and supportive environment.

Portrait of Coach Archit, a young chess coach with a background in calculus and teaching

Coach Archit

Coach Archit is a software engineer with over 20 years of experience playing chess. He has obtained the title of National Master in 2023.
  His love and passion for the game is shown in the way he teaches - a ton of enthusiasm and energy!
  Archit's favorite piece is the bishop because two bishops absolutely can control the entire board!

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Portrait of Coach DJ, smiling chess coach with a background in competitive college chess

Coach DJ

Coach DJ discovered his passion for chess in college, where he led his team as board #1 and won multiple championships.

With a love for strategy, imagination, and teaching, he now brings that same energy to kids—helping them explore chess as a fun and rewarding alternative to video games.

DJ’s favorite piece is the knight, a tricky tactical weapon that reflects his creative style and approach to the game.

Portrait of Coach Jon, youth chess coach with experience from kindergarten to high school

Coach Jon

Coach Jon has years of experience working with kids from kindergarten to high school and loves combining his passion for teaching with the game of chess.

He’s been playing since 5th grade and brings a fun, thoughtful approach that helps students grow both as players and individuals.

His favorite piece is the knight—because in chess, like in life, it’s not just about power, but about strategy, planning, and using what you have wisely.