Inspire Excellence in Chess and Life Skills
Empowering students through chess education and critical thinking.
Welcome to Chess Champs Academy
Our Mission
At Chess Champs Academy, we inspire students to excel in chess while cultivating life skills that extend beyond the board. Our programs nurture focus, patience, pattern recognition, and critical thinking—empowering young minds to thrive in school and beyond.
We believe that chess is more than just a game—it’s a tool for empowering young minds to succeed academically, socially, and personally. Whether your child is a beginner or an advanced player, our supportive environment helps them build confidence, develop resilience, and discover the joy of learning through play. Join us in unlocking the full potential of every child and watch as they thrive both on and off the board!
Student Testimonial
My student, Connor Selakovic, began attending my group classes at Loma Portal Elementary two years ago and started private lessons with me 1.5 years ago. Since then, he has won multiple local tournaments, gained confidence, and is now competing in rated competitions.
About coach Navid
Hello! I’m Navid, and I’m excited to share my passion for chess with you and your students. I started playing competitive chess at the age of 9 and achieved the title of United States Chess Federation Expert with a rating of 2000. But chess has always been about more than trophies or titles for me—it’s been a transformative journey that shaped who I am today.
As a kid, some of my happiest memories came from chess. Traveling across the country to represent my school in tournaments was thrilling, but the game also had a much deeper impact on my life. I struggled with focus in the classroom, and school often felt like a challenge. When I started improving in chess, everything changed—my focus sharpened, my problem-solving skills improved, and my patience grew. These changes didn’t just make me a better chess player; they made me a better student and person.
That transformation inspired me to share the power of chess with others. In 2021, I began teaching chess in schools across San Diego County and saw the joy, confidence, and life skills that students gained through the game. I founded Chess Champs Academy to bring those same benefits to even more students.
At Chess Champs Academy, our lessons are fun and engaging, designed not just to teach chess but to help kids grow as individuals. Through chess, students develop focus, patience, critical thinking, and pattern recognition—skills that will serve them in school and beyond. Whether they’re beginners or experienced players, I’m passionate about helping each student unlock their potential.
I look forward to helping your students make their next great move—both on the chessboard and in life!