Meet Our Coaches

Coach Viktor is the founder of Silicon Valley Chess Kids Academy 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.

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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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.

Coach Aryan has been playing chess for over 10 years and has competed seriously for years. What started as a goal to beat his dad and grandpa has grown into a bigger mission—working toward the National Master title, with a current ~2200 online rating.

He’s taught chess at two Bay Area chess organizations, leading both after-school and weekend classes, and helping kids progress from complete beginner to intermediate. Aryan brings a focused but fun teaching style that helps students build confidence, improve quickly, and enjoy the process.

Aryan’s favorite piece is the queen—versatile, powerful, and a great reminder that in chess (and in life), smart activity and good timing matter.

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