Discover the impactful work done at over 18 schools, universities, and programs across the world in 11 countries driving the chess mission forward with dedication and expertise.

Partners & Contact Schools

Suriname Chess Academy

Chess House Minsk

Connect Community

California, United States

Belarus, Europe

California, United States

Suriname, South America

The Suriname Chess Academy is a chess educational organization founded by ChessGuru partner Suradj Hanoeman in 2016, focused on providing high-quality, structured chess education to foster independent thinking and positively influence students through the game. The academy emphasizes empowering individuals through chess to develop critical life skills, such as strategic thinking, logic, and social dexterity, ultimately impacting students long-term in positive ways.

Yashas is a ChessGuru ambassador and has been playing competitive chess for over 7 years and loves expanding the chess community as President of Washington High School’s chess club. Washington High School's chess club is a club for students to learn, play, and compete in chess. These clubs offer activities such as instructional lessons, competitive tournaments, and casual play, fostering social interaction and developing skills like strategy and sportsmanship in a safe, school-based environment.

Alexender Solorio, a dedicated 7th grader at Connect Community Charter, is a standout ambassador for our chess program. Connect is a vibrant learning environment that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and character development. The school’s commitment to fostering both academic growth and personal responsibility makes it a natural home for our chess program. By integrating chess into its culture, Connect empowers students to strengthen patience and resilience.

The Chess House in Minsk, also known as Клуб Шахматный дом, offers a comprehensive program for both children and adults. It features a children's chess school for students as young as four, with lessons conducted by experienced coaches in both Russian and Belarusian. And beyond even structured learning, the Minsk Chess House is a community hub where people can drop in to play casual games, socialize with other players, or simply relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is a national organization that promotes and develops chess in Guyana by offering chess classes, organizing tournaments for various age groups and skill levels, and registering players with the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The GCF also runs initiatives like "chess in schools" programs and offers specialized instruction, including free programs for girls and women, to increase the game's participation and positive impact throughout the country.

Washington High School

Sacha is a dedicated chess enthusiast and our representative at the University of Amsterdam, where he combines his love for the game with a sharp academic and entrepreneurial mindset. Smart and ambitious, he brings both analytical precision and creative strategy to every match. Beyond the chessboard, Sacha is passionate about running and exploring new ideas in business, but his deepest commitment remains to the game of chess. His goal is to share that passion by strengthening community ties, inspiring peers, and helping others discover the joy and challenge of the sport.

Harini Babu, a former student at Ardrey Kell High School, brings focus, creativity, and a deep appreciation for learning to her role as a chess ambassador this upcoming year. Her contributions have also strengthened our partnership with the University of Edinburg, where her leadership and outreach have helped expand opportunities for students to engage with chess as both a discipline and a community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, collecting vinyls, and crocheting—pursuits that reflect her patience, curiosity, and attention to detail.

Guyana Chess Federation

Guyana, South America

Universiteit van Amsterdam

Netherlands, Europe

University of Edinburgh

Scotland, Europe

BRAC University

Bangladesh, Asia

We are proud to partner with BRAC University, one of South Asia’s leading institutions of higher education, to bring structured chess opportunities to students in Dhaka. The collaboration has enriched campus life by fostering critical thinking, discipline, and camaraderie among participants. Through regular classes and events, chess has become both a recreational outlet and a platform for leadership, helping BRAC students sharpen their strategic skills while building community beyond the classroom.

Hillview Middle School

California, United States

Sahil Shivakumar, a student at Hillview Middle School, is a seasoned chess player ranked in the top 95th percentile on Chess.com. With nearly a decade of experience and 83 tournaments under his belt—including winning the Switzerland Rising Open Division in 2022 and representing California at nationals multiple times—Sahil brings elite skill and global perspective to every game. His leadership has also helped strengthen the chess culture at Hillview, where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, think strategically, and embrace the values of discipline and creativity that chess inspires.

Menlo-Atherton HS

California, United States

Alli Schindler, a dedicated student from the Class of 2026 at Menlo-Atherton High School, is a standout ambassador for our campus community. She brings consistent energy and leadership to meetings, always ready to lend a hand and help organize. Well-connected and deeply engaged in student life, Alli plays a key role in making others feel welcomed and heard. Her commitment extends to journalism, where she helps spotlight student voices and strengthens school spirit.

Turkmen Chess Community

Turkmenistan, Asia

The chess community in Turkmenistan, led by the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan (CFT), is experiencing rapid growth, marked by a significant increase in FIDE-rated tournaments in 2024 and the launch of a new regional Grand Prix circuit in March 2025. This expansion includes a focus on youth development, with children as young as six participating in school programs and tournaments.

Aragon High School

California, United States

Noah Prasso, a student at Aragon High School, is a passionate chess enthusiast and the president of the Aragon Chess Club. As a dedicated ambassador, Noah combines strategic thinking from the chessboard with technical expertise from his work on the Aragon Robotics 840 software team. Outside of chess, he excels as a badminton player, enjoys traveling the world, and pursues professional photography. Noah’s leadership, creativity, and global mindset make him a standout representative of the chess community.

Signature Chess Club

United Arab Emirates, Asia

The Signature Chess Club is a student-led community dedicated to exploring chess as both a competitive game and a tool for intellectual growth. Members come together to learn strategy, practice through friendly matches and tournaments, and study the game’s deep history and cultural impact. The club emphasizes accessibility—welcoming players of all skill levels—while fostering critical thinking, patience, and creativity. Beyond the board, Signature Chess Club builds camaraderie through collaboration, teaching, and shared problem-solving, creating a space where pawns and players alike can discover their potential.

Don Bosco Upanga CC

Tanzania, East Africa

Don Bosco Upanga Chess Club has partnered with ChessGuru to expand access to professional chess training and youth development across Tanzania. Through this collaboration, ChessGuru’s innovative speed-chess curriculum and digital coaching resources will support Don Bosco’s mission of fostering strategic thinking, discipline, and global competitiveness among young players. Together, they aim to build a new generation of chess talent in East Africa through tournaments, mentorship, and community engagement.

IMHome Poland

Poland, Europe

We are proud to partner with IM Home Education, a private school in Warsaw where Chess House Minsk arranges engaging chess classes for their students. The program is made possible through the support of Zmiter, the school’s founder and manager, whose vision for innovative education aligns with our mission to expand access to chess learning worldwide.

Togo Chess Federation

Togo, West Africa

We are honored to collaborate with the Togo Chess Federation, the national body dedicated to promoting and developing chess across the country. Through this partnership, we work to expand access to chess education, organize training opportunities for young players, and support the growth of the game at both grassroots and competitive levels. Together, we aim to empower the next generation of Togolese players to thrive on and off the board.

California, United States

Laurel Elementary School

Ambassador Andrew is a 5th grader at Laurel and started his chess journey with his dad. Today he also enjoys playing online and his favorite mode is rapid. In addition, Andrew plays soccer and basketball competitively and enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends. In addition, Andrew plays soccer and basketball competitively and enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends. In addition, Andrew plays soccer and basketball competitively and enjoys playing video games.

Nathan Begon is an avid chess player and the first international ambassador for our program, helping expand our mission to the university level. Fluent in both English and French, Nathan brings a global perspective and a deep passion for the game. He’s dedicated to building a vibrant chess community on campus and creating opportunities for students to connect, compete, and grow. Outside of chess, Nathan enjoys exploring strategy games and sharing his love of learning with others.

Belgium, Europe

Université Libre de Bruxelles

Tanzania Chess Assoc.

Tanzania, Africa

ChessGuru partnered with the Tanzania Chess Association to expand nationwide access to youth chess education and competition. Through this collaboration, ChessGuru provides training resources, coaching support, and curriculum materials while TACA mobilizes local schools and communities to establish sustainable chess programs. Together, they aim to nurture young talent, promote gender-inclusive participation, and integrate chess into Tanzania’s educational landscape through tournaments, workshops, and digital learning initiatives.