Success Stories
From complete beginners to tournament champions - these are their journeys
Nivaan K.
With Chess Crew for: 1.5 years
Progress Journey
1100 beginner → Candidate Master
Nivaan had solid fundamentals but lacked the advanced techniques needed for elite competition. We identified his incredible work ethic and designed an intensive training program. His meteoric rise from 1100 to 2150 in just 18 months shocked the chess world—proving that with the right coaching, extraordinary improvement is possible.
Coach's Note
“Nivaan's dedication and competitive spirit have made him a true international contender.”
Jaivardhan R.
With Chess Crew for: 6 years
Progress Journey
1000-rated → Candidate Master
Jaivardhan understood chess but dreamed bigger than his current level. We built a systematic 6-year development plan, focusing on positional understanding and endgame mastery. His methodical approach and unwavering dedication transformed him into an international force—proving that with the right guidance, any dream is achievable.
Coach's Note
“Jaivardhan's journey shows how patience and steady growth can lead to international titles.”
Vivaan S.
With Chess Crew for: 4 years
Progress Journey
1000 → State champion
Vivaan had natural tactical ability but played too cautiously against stronger opponents. We taught him to trust his instincts and play fearlessly. His breakthrough came when he stopped being intimidated by titles and started playing the board, not the player—now he's defeating International Masters and holding Grandmasters to draws.
Coach's Note
“Vivaan's fearless style has allowed him to succeed even against International Masters and Grandmasters.”
Sanskrit J.
With Chess Crew for: 4 years
Progress Journey
Beginner → International competitor
Sanskrit started as a beginner but showed exceptional adaptability to different playing styles. We exposed him to international competition early, helping him develop a versatile repertoire. His ability to perform under pressure in unfamiliar environments made him a formidable competitor on both domestic and international stages.
Coach's Note
“Sanskrit's international exposure has shaped him into a versatile and confident player.”
Aaditya A.
With Chess Crew for: 5 years
Progress Journey
Beginner → Mumbai Champion
Aaditya had the fundamentals but lacked tournament experience and competitive mindset. We focused on building his mental toughness and strategic consistency. His patient approach to improvement paid off spectacularly—he's now Mumbai's most feared young competitor with over 50 tournament victories under his belt.
Coach's Note
“Aaditya's discipline and love for competition allowed him to steadily rise and dominate in his age category.”
Namish T.
With Chess Crew for: 3 months
Progress Journey
1700 intermediate → 1850-rated competitor
Namish was a strong player who hit the 1700 ceiling and couldn't break through. We identified specific gaps in his endgame knowledge and opening preparation. His disciplined approach to addressing these weaknesses led to one of the fastest rating jumps we've seen at the advanced level—proving that targeted coaching works at every stage.
Coach's Note
“Namish's quick rating gain shows the impact of disciplined study in a short time.”
Nehan M.
With Chess Crew for: 5 years
Progress Journey
Unrated → rated competitor
Nehan started chess with no prior experience but showed exceptional adaptability to different playing environments. We developed his ability to perform consistently across various tournament formats and international settings. His impressive results in Spain, combined with domestic dominance, showcase the versatility that comes from well-rounded training.
Coach's Note
“Nehan's international and domestic results highlight his adaptability and resilience.”
Aaryan W.
With Chess Crew for: 1.5 years
Progress Journey
1400 intermediate → National medalist
Aaryan had good fundamentals but lacked the tournament experience needed for national-level competition. We intensively prepared him for high-stakes events, focusing on mental toughness and pressure management. His national runner-up finish at just 9 years old demonstrated that age is no barrier when talent meets proper preparation.
Coach's Note
“Aaryan's rapid improvement and national podium finish highlight his big potential.”
Rayan M.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
Unrated beginner → Rated competitor
Rayan started chess with zero knowledge but tremendous determination. We recognized his exceptional tactical vision and built a training program around intensive puzzle-solving. His relentless practice schedule and hunger for improvement led to one of the fastest rating climbs we've ever witnessed—from beginner to expert level in just 12 months.
Coach's Note
“Rayan's breakthrough came from his relentless practice and sharp tactical play.”
Hrishaan S.
With Chess Crew for: 8 months
Progress Journey
1500 Rated → Improving competitor
Hrishaan was stuck in the classic 1500 plateau, winning some games but losing others unpredictably. We identified his inconsistent opening preparation and time management issues. After focused work on these areas, his game became remarkably solid—now he's the player others prepare for, not the other way around.
Coach's Note
“Hrishaan shows how small rating jumps can still reflect big leaps in consistency.”
Shiyam S.
With Chess Crew for: 3 years
Progress Journey
1400 → State medalist
Shiyam understood chess theory but lacked tournament experience and confidence. We focused on building his competitive temperament through gradual exposure to stronger opposition. His patient, methodical style eventually became his greatest weapon—wearing down opponents who underestimated his quiet determination.
Coach's Note
“Shiyam's patient style and tournament experience built his long-term success.”
Diganth A.
With Chess Crew for: 8 months
Progress Journey
1400 intermediate → Consistent player
Diganth moved to Canada and found the chess scene more competitive than expected. We helped him adapt to different playing styles and tournament formats. His methodical approach and willingness to learn from stronger players quickly earned him respect in Ottawa's tight-knit chess community.
Coach's Note
“Diganth's steady improvement shows how dedication pays off across different countries and formats.”
Sai T.
With Chess Crew for: 5 years
Progress Journey
Unrated beginner → District champion
Sai began as a complete beginner but showed unwavering dedication to improvement. We built a long-term development plan that emphasized consistent progress over quick gains. His methodical approach and persistence paid off spectacularly—he's now Nagpur's most decorated young champion with a trophy collection that speaks to five years of relentless effort.
Coach's Note
“Sai's persistence over five years has made him a consistent winner in Nagpur.”
Maya G.
With Chess Crew for: 1.2 years
Progress Journey
950 inconsistent player → Blitz specialist
Maya excelled at fast time controls but struggled in longer games. Instead of forcing her into slow play, we developed her natural quick-thinking abilities. She's now one of the strongest blitz players in her region.
Coach's Note
“Maya showed us the value of working with natural strengths rather than against them.”
Abhyuday J.
With Chess Crew for: 7 months
Progress Journey
1400 intermediate → Rapid Champion
Abhyuday loved fast-paced games but struggled with time pressure decisions. Instead of slowing him down, we embraced his natural speed and taught him rapid pattern recognition. His intuitive style, combined with solid tactical training, made him Singapore's most dangerous rapid player in his age group.
Coach's Note
“Abhyuday's focus on rapid formats sharpened his tactical decision-making.”
Suryaansh B.
With Chess Crew for: 1.5 years
Progress Journey
Unrated → Rated champion
Suryaansh entered chess to compete in Delhi's highly competitive school circuit. We recognized his strategic mindset and competitive drive, building a solid foundation while preparing him for the capital's tough tournament scene. His victories in both interschool and age-category events established him as one of Delhi's rising stars.
Coach's Note
“Suryaansh thrives in competitive Delhi chess events, steadily climbing the ranks.”
Aarav V.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
Unrated → Rated district winner
Aarav entered chess as a complete novice but demonstrated exceptional learning speed and competitive instincts. We fast-tracked his development for district-level competition, focusing on practical tournament skills. His rapid ascent and multiple district victories established him as Nagpur's newest chess prodigy in record time.
Coach's Note
“Aarav's steady rise in district competitions has made him a name to watch in Nagpur.”
Mirai S.
With Chess Crew for: 1.5 years
Progress Journey
Unrated beginner → U7 champion
Mirai had never seen a chessboard before but showed incredible curiosity about every piece and move. We channeled her boundless energy into focused training sessions. Her creative approach to positions often surprised seasoned coaches—now she's Mumbai's youngest district champion with a trophy collection that speaks volumes.
Coach's Note
“Mirai's energy and creativity make her a natural competitor.”
Neilooday R.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
Unrated beginner → #1 ranked 7 yo
Neilooday started as a complete beginner but showed extraordinary composure for his age. We recognized his natural intuition and developed a training program that balanced fun with serious competition preparation. His calm demeanor under pressure and sharp tactical eye quickly made him India's #1 young talent.
Coach's Note
“Neilooday's sharp instincts and composure make him stand out nationally.”
Vivaan A.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
Unrated → Local scholastic winner
Vivaan started chess to represent his school but had no competitive experience. We focused on building his consistency and mental toughness for school-level pressure. His reliable performance and steady temperament made him the player his teammates and coaches could always count on when it mattered most.
Coach's Note
“Vivaan's tournament consistency is the key to his rapid improvement.”
Vaibhav J.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
800 beginner → Rising star
Vaibhav was a curious beginner who wanted to improve quickly. We focused on building rock-solid fundamentals while keeping his enthusiasm alive. His consistent approach and willingness to learn from every game led to tournament victories that surprised even veteran Chicago players—proving that steady progress beats flashy shortcuts.
Coach's Note
“Vaibhav's steady rise comes from his strong grasp of fundamentals and eagerness to learn.”
Aadya K.
With Chess Crew for: 6 months
Progress Journey
Unrated → U14 scholastic nationals
Aadya had never played competitive chess but joined to support her school team. We discovered her exceptional ability to perform under team pressure and handle responsibility. Her rapid development and clutch performances in crucial team matches earned her national recognition in record time.
Coach's Note
“Aadya's quick rise reflects her ability to thrive in team formats and national competitions.”
Aairah G.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
Unrated → National-level performer
Aairah started with zero chess knowledge but demonstrated remarkable composure for her age. We prepared her specifically for high-pressure national-level competition, focusing on mental preparation alongside technical skills. Her board prize performance at CBSE Nationals proved that proper preparation can fast-track talent to the highest levels.
Coach's Note
“Aairah's ability to handle pressure has already earned her national-level recognition.”
Eesha K.
With Chess Crew for: 1.5 years
Progress Journey
750 beginner → State champion
Eesha knew the moves but got nervous in tournaments. We worked on building her confidence and teaching her to view pressure as excitement. Her transformation was remarkable—from a shy beginner to Chicago's most dominant young player, defending her city title with the poise of a seasoned champion.
Coach's Note
“Eesha's consistency and calm mindset give her an edge in pressure situations.”
Shivank P.
With Chess Crew for: 8 months
Progress Journey
700 beginner → Rising talent
Shivank was a complete beginner who asked to play against older kids. Instead of holding him back, we accelerated his development and entered him in higher age categories. His fearless attitude and rapid learning ability proved that age is just a number—he now consistently outplays opponents 3-4 years older.
Coach's Note
“Shivank's rapid growth is fueled by his eagerness to take on tougher competition.”
Sahasra B.
With Chess Crew for: 5 months
Progress Journey
600 beginner → Class E player
In a short span since starting with The Chess Crew, Sahasra has built an impressive opening repertoire and sharp tactical skills. Her rapid progress and fearless play show how quickly young talent can flourish with the right guidance.
Coach's Note
“Sahasra's quick grasp of openings allowed her to start beating opponents well above her rating level.”
Shanaya B.
With Chess Crew for: 5 months
Progress Journey
700 beginner → Emerging player
Shanaya was a complete beginner who absorbed new concepts like a sponge. We accelerated her development by introducing advanced tactics earlier than usual. Her quick pattern recognition and fearless approach to complex positions showed us that traditional age-based progression limits young talent unnecessarily.
Coach's Note
“Shanaya's rapid grasp of basics promises a bright chess future.”
Varun S.
With Chess Crew for: 1 year
Progress Journey
Unrated → Consistent competitor
Varun had never played organized chess but was eager to compete in Seattle's active scholastic scene. We focused on tournament preparation and building his confidence in competitive settings. His commitment to entering every available event and learning from each experience built a solid foundation for future success.
Coach's Note
“Varun's dedication to tournaments in Seattle has built a strong competitive base.”
And Many More...
These stories represent just a fraction of our students' achievements. Over 500 students have discovered their chess potential through our skill-based approach.
500+
Students coached to success
200+
Tournament victories
15+
Years of proven results
Your Child's Success Story Starts Here
Every champion started as a beginner. Every expert was once a novice. What made the difference? Personalized instruction that matched their ability and learning style.
“The question isn't whether your child can achieve chess success - it's how quickly they'll get there with the right instruction.”
- Coach Harsh