One-to-one coaching for all ages with titled players and experienced coaches — built around your game, your goals, your schedule.
Private Coaching
One-to-one coaching for all ages with titled players and experienced coaches — built around your game, your goals, your schedule.
Private Coaching
Private Coaching
One-to-one coaching for all ages with titled players and experienced coaches — built around your game, your goals, your schedule.
Meet Our Coaches
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![A man playing chess at a table, smiling, wearing a black T-shirt with a chess logo, with a chessboard and pieces in the foreground.]()
Sam Walker
CO-FOUNDER, NATIONAL MASTER, CLASSICAL: 2251
My parents taught me the game when I was an over-excitable 7-year-old, and I went on to play for England from Under-11 to Under-18, including the World U16 Team Olympiad in Turkey and the Commonwealth Championships in New Delhi. My chess highlight was winning the British U14 Championship in 2008 — but the real prize has been the friendships and skills picked up along the way, and that's what I love to teach. On Saturday afternoons you'll often find me coaching at Battersea Library.
Whatever your ambition, I'd love to help you take the next step.
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![A man with dark hair and a beard is playing chess on a wooden chessboard. He is wearing a black shirt with a chess logo on it. The background is plain and white.]()
Gabriel Barr
CO-FOUNDER, BLITZ: 2150
Chess clicked instantly — I was soon beating my first teacher, my Dad — and a lifelong passion was born. Highlights since include European trips with the England Junior Chess Team and leading my school, huge underdogs, to 3rd at the British Schools Championships. Time spent in Brazil gave me the chance to run sessions and organise a tournament in the Pantanal wetlands — hopefully inspiring a few future Brazilian grandmasters to rival their football team.Coaching kids who love the game is an absolute joy — there's nothing better than watching it click.
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![Young man playing chess, concentrating with hand on forehead, sitting at a chessboard.]()
Dashiell Shaw
COACH, NATIONAL MASTER, CLASSICAL: 2245
My dad taught me the game as a kid and I was hooked from the start. Like many players, I rediscovered my love for chess during lockdown, and these days I play regular competitive chess — though nothing will ever top drawing my final round game to qualify for the England Junior squad, the most nerve-wracking half point of my life. Recently, I’ve taken up chess boxing and have one bout under my belt — proof that I'll take chess anywhere, even into the ring.I have had a lot of chess students in the past, of all ages, and have deep experience in explaining detailed strategic concepts to help you improve your game.
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![A young woman with long curly hair, glasses, and a black shirt with a chess logo, playing chess.]()
Archi Agrawal
COACH, CLASSICAL: 1788
My dad taught me chess when i was 6 and my mum would take me to after school clubs. What began as a hobby soon turned into my passion and I played U12 and U14 Asian and World Youth in my teens, and was famously known as the chess girl at school.My favourite part about playing chess is that I'm constantly learning, never a dull moment.
I'd love to help young minds explore, question, and discover!
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![A man with short brown hair and a slight beard taking a selfie in an office setting. Behind him are colorful posters of golfers. The man is wearing a dark navy sweater over a light purple collared shirt.]()
Adam Taylor
COACH, INTERNATIONAL MASTER, CLASSICAL: 2264
I'm an International Master and former British Junior Champion, with over 15 years of competitive experience and an ECF rating of 2264. I've represented England at European and World Junior Championships, and over the past decade I've coached players at every level alongside my own playing career. I focus on the fundamentals that make the difference — calculation, strategic understanding, and consistent improvement — and I tailor each session to the individual in front of me.
If you're serious about getting better, I'd be glad to help you make real progress.
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![Man with a beard playing chess, reaching to move a piece on the game board.]()
Benedict Lewis
COACH, BLITZ: 2100
I learned chess as a child, taught by my Dad but only being able to beat him when I picked the game back up as an adult! I have been coaching chess for children and adults for several years now and love to help people learn. From my own chess career, a highlight would be my team winning our division this year in the Central London League.
It only took me twenty years to beat my Dad — I promise I can get you there faster!
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![Young man with curly hair smiling and making a move in a chess game on a green and white chessboard with black and white chess pieces, against a plain white background.]()
Dara Pirouznia
COACH, BLITZ: 1800
I fell in love with chess as a teenager during the pandemic, starting with daily matches against my dad — beating him became the ultimate goal. Inspired by players like Alireza Firouzja, my game grew through school and university, where I won my high school tournament and played regularly at KCL's chess club. Games with locals in a Budapest park showed me that chess is a universal language that brings people together.
Coaching lets me share all of that, and I love helping students on their own chess journeys.
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![A man with a beard and dark hair sitting at a chessboard in a room with a bookshelf and a whiteboard with a checklist in the background.]()
Konstantinos Delidimoudis
COACH, CLASSIC: 2100
I began chess at 18, entirely self-taught, learning through real tournament experience and deep study. As an adult improver, I understand the journey from rules to independence — that shapes how I teach.
Over three years of full-time coaching, I've worked with children of all levels in schools, private lessons, and group sessions. My approach is patient, methodical, and encouraging. I've also brought together a group of young "Champions" who compete in weekend tournaments together as a squad.
I'd love to help your child discover what chess can teach them.
Ways To Learn With Us
Coaching that flexes around you — how often, where, and in what format is up to you.
A coach focused entirely on your game — solo, or in groups of two or three.
Sessions over a shared online board, or face-to-face in South London.
Book a single session to fix a problem, or a regular slot to build over time.
What We Focus On
No two players want the same thing, so we build sessions around what you’re working on.
Send us your recent games and we’ll find the recurring mistakes costing you points.
Build a repertoire that suits your style — sharp and attacking, or solid and low-maintenance.
A focused block of sessions before a tournament, match or even chess-boxing bout.
Rates
1-2-1 private sessions from £40/hour or £30 each as a pair
Rates depend on the coach you’re matched with and the format. Tell us your level and goals and we’ll recommend the right coach and confirm pricing first.
Your first lesson is half price, so you can find the right fit before booking a block.
Booking a block of ten sessions? The next one is on us.
Ready to level up?
Drop us a line with your level and what you're hoping to achieve, and we'll come back to you with a recommended coach and rates.
What happens next:
We match you with a coach — based on your level and goals, with rates confirmed up front.
Your first session — your coach assesses your game, talks through your goals, and you agree a plan together.
You improve — ongoing sessions at whatever rhythm suits you, weekly, fortnightly, or a focused block before an event.
Sessions are subject to our Private Coaching Terms & Conditions. By submitting, you agree to us using your details to respond to your enquiry. See our Privacy Notice.
Questions? Have a look at the FAQs below, or email coaching@checkmateexperiences.co.uk
FAQs
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Yes! We offer one-to-one private chess coaching both online and in-person across London. Our sessions are led by titled players and experienced coaches, and we cater to all ages and abilities—whether you are learning the fundamentals or preparing for rated competition.
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Not at all. We coach complete beginners through to strong club players with title ambitions. We'll match you with a coach suited to your level.
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Both. Most players choose online — it's flexible and removes travel — but in-person sessions are available at a location of you and your coach’s convenience.
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Sessions are usually 60 minutes. Most players book weekly or fortnightly, but it's entirely up to you — some come for a one-off, others for a focused block before an event.
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All ages — from young children learning the moves to adult club players.
We offer kids group sessions through our CheckMate Kids programme.
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Yes. Your first lesson is half price, so you can find the right fit before committing to a block. It's a low-pressure way to see how you - or your child - gets on with their coach and with us.
One exception: lessons with a titled player, such as a National Master or International Master, are charged at the full rate.
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Your coach will get a feel for your game — often by looking at a few of your recent games — talk through your goals, and agree a plan with you. You'll leave with a clear sense of what to work on.
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Once we've matched you with a coach and confirmed your rate, we'll send a secure payment link — pay by card or bank transfer. Payment is due when you book, and session blocks are paid in advance.
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We take time to match you well from the start, so it's rarely needed — but of course you can. If something isn't quite the right fit, just say, and we'll find you the right setup.
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Yes — sessions can be one-to-one or in a small group of two or three, so you and a friend are very welcome to learn together. See prices here.
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Yes. Book a block of 10 sessions and your next one is free — 11 sessions for the price of 10.
It's our way of rewarding those who commit to a run of regular coaching, the surest way to boost learning.