Mumbai’s fast-paced environment demands sharp thinking, quick decision-making, and strong focus — and chess is one of the best ways to build these skills. From beginners exploring the basics to competitive players aiming for tournaments, the city offers a wide range of professional chess coaching options. If you’re searching for the right chess classes in Mumbai, this guide will help you discover top academies, expert trainers, and structured programs designed to accelerate learning and improve performance.
1. Kingdom of Chess
Kingdom of Chess is widely recognized as a premier chess academy providing online chess classes in Mumbai, offering a blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology. They are pioneers in delivering best chess coaching classes through a digital-first approach, serving students in over 20 countries. The curriculum is designed to transform beginners into tournament-ready players through best chess coaching classes that emphasize tactical patterns and mental resilience. Their methodology isn’t just about moving pieces; it’s a holistic development program that uses chess as a tool to improve IQ, focus, and decision-making. By integrating online chess lessons with high-quality study material and rigorous tournament preparation, they have helped thousands of students achieve state and national accolades.
- Website: www.kingdomofchess.com
- Address: Online sessions available across Mumbai.
- Phone: +918114417629
- Google Rating: 4.9/5
- Prices: Affordable / Economical.
- Courses Offered: Beginner Level, Intermediate Level, and Advanced Level.
- Speciality: Live interactive sessions, personalized mentorship, weekly tournaments, and training by FIDE-certified coaches.
2. South Mumbai Chess Academy (SMCA)
SMCA is one of India’s leading institutions, known for producing national-level champions through a professional and disciplined training environment. They provide both offline and online chess coaching, utilizing a points-based progress tracking system. It is widely considered a best chess academy for those aiming for serious tournament play and FIDE ratings.
- Website: www.smca64.com
- Address: Tantia Jogani Estate, 304, off NM Joshi Marg, next to Lodha Pavilion, Shastri Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400011
- Phone: +912235224032
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Prices: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per month.
- Speciality: World-class infrastructure and a high volume of student success in state-level tournaments.
3. Indian Chess School, Mumbai
Led by the legendary coach Praful Zaveri, this school offers a highly academic and systematic approach to the game. As a center for FIDE certified chess education, they use specialized manuals and digital portals to ensure a strong foundational grasp. Their curriculum is perfect for students who want a structured, syllabus-driven learning experience.
- Website: www.indianchessschool.com
- Address: Russian Centre for Science & Culture, Dr. Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, Peddar Rd, near Jaslok Hospital And Research Centre, opposite Sterling Apartments, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026.
- Phone: +91 90822 98125
- Google Rating: 5/5
- Prices: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per month.
- Speciality: Holistic training modules and hosting officially recognized FIDE-rated tournaments.
4. Chessniti Academy, Mumbai
Chessniti Academy stands out for its focus on logical analysis and the scientific aspects of chess strategy. They offer specialized online chess classes for beginners and advanced “Master” courses for those pursuing professional norms. Their coaching blends human intuition with modern engine analysis to develop a unique playing style for every student.
- Website: www.chessniti.com
- Address: B Building, 2/8, Bhavani Shankar Rd, Madhav Nagar Cooperative Housing Society, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028.
- Phone: +91 99878 46713
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Prices: ₹3,000 – ₹5,500 per month.
- Speciality: Free demo sessions and step-by-step guidance for obtaining FIDE norms.
5. Gurukul Chess Academy
Founded by FIDE Instructor Hrishikesh Chavan, Gurukul focuses on grassroots development and personalized attention. They maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure that every child receives the guidance needed to master complex tactics. Their online chess coaching sessions are designed to be engaging, fostering a love for the game in young minds.
- Website: www.gcamumbai.com
- Address: Shree Siddhi Co-Op. Society, A/3, Gilbert Hill Rd, Munshi Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058
- Phone: +919820784682
- Google Rating: 5/5
- Prices: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per month.
- Speciality: 20+ years of coaching experience and specialized worksheets for home practice.
6. Joshi's Chess Academy
Joshi’s Chess Academy is a veteran institution known for its team of FIDE-certified trainers and arbiters. They emphasize “interest development,” ensuring that beginners stay motivated through interactive lessons and internal club matches. Their structured syllabus is designed to take students from basic piece movement to advanced international rating levels.
- Website: www.joshichess.com
- Address: 1st floor Pre Primary Building Mahatma Phule Marg Vishnu Nagar, off Gopal Krishna Gokhale Marg, Naupada, Thane West, Maharashtra 400602
- Phone: +91 9820209129
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Prices: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per month.
- Speciality: Organized teaching patterns with a focus on local school-level competitions.
7. Chess Guru
Owned by International FIDE Rated player Amit Panchal, Chess Guru specializes in identifying and nurturing raw talent. They offer a competitive “internal league” model that prepares students for the pressure of real-world FIDE events. Their sessions are available both offline and via online chess lessons, catering to all age groups and skill levels.
- Website: www.chessguruacademy.com
- Address: 105, R. R. Realty Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, opposite Dreams Mall, Ganesh Cooperative Housing Society, Bhandup West, Maharashtra 400078
- Phone: +91 98675 90592
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Prices: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per month.
- Speciality: Strong track record of students achieving high International Ratings (ELO).
8. Shetty Chess Classes
Shetty Chess Classes is highly regarded for the patient and personalized coaching style of its founder, Murugan Shetty. It is one of the best options for online chess classes for beginners, focusing on building logic and concentration through the game. The academy maintains a friendly, community-driven atmosphere that encourages young players to excel without stress.
- Website: www.shettychessclasses.com
- Address: Bungalow No.1, Radiant Minds, near Atur park, Atur Park, Basant Garden, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
- Phone: +91 8097244325
- Google Rating: 5/5
- Prices: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per month.
- Speciality: Highly patient coaching ideal for young children and beginners.
9. Kings Chess Club
Kings Chess Club provides a high-tech learning environment, utilizing professional software to analyze games and improve student accuracy. They offer a deep dive into opening theories and endgame techniques, making them a favorite for intermediate players. Their curriculum is designed to build resilience and long-term strategic thinking skills.
- Website: N/A (Contact via JustDial/Phone)
- Address: Takshila, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai.
- Prices: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per month.
- Speciality: Flexible timings and excellent community networking for young players.
10. Mumbai Chess Academy
With over two decades of experience, this academy is a pioneer in the “Chess in Schools” movement across the city. They offer a “High Performance” program for elite players while maintaining excellent online chess classes in Mumbai for casual learners. Their global student base and expert faculty make them a powerhouse for professional chess development.
- Website: www.mumbaichessacademy.in
- Address: B 10, Balgovindas Society, Taikalwadi Road, Mahim, Mumbai.
- Phone: +91 7039192507
- Google Rating: 5/5
- Prices: Competitive market rates; free trial classes available.
- Speciality: Expert coaches focusing on building a strong foundation for kids and beginners.
Comparison Table: Best Chess Academies in Mumbai
| Chess Academy | Location | Top Coaches | Online/Offline | Special Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Chess | Nationwide and Worldwide | FIDE-rated coaches & IMs certified and Advanced Chess Coaches | Online/Offline | Comprehensive training for all levels. Chess tournaments & strategy |
| South Mumbai Chess Academy | Andheri | FIDE-rated coaches | Offline | Tournament training |
| Indian Chess School | Dadar(West) | Chess Trainers | Online & Offline | School chess programs |
| Chessniti | Mumbai | Expert Trainers | Online & Offline | Youth chess development |
| Chessbrainz | Chandivali | FIDE-rated coaches | Offline | Competitive chess coaching |
| Chanakya Chess Academy | Boriwali | Chess Experts | Online & Offline | Chess tournaments & strategy |
| Priyadarshi Chess Academy | Powai | Chess Trainers | Offline | Cognitive development through chess |
| Wisdom Chess Academy | Mumbai | Professional Coaches | Offline | Chess for all age groups |
| Chess Masters Academy | Navi Mumbai | Chess Coaches | Online & Offline | chess coaching |
| Gurukul Chess Academy | Kandivali | Chess Educators | Online & Offline | chess coaching |
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Chess Classes in Mumbai
Selecting the best chess academy involves more than just looking at the fees. Consider these points:
- Coach Credentials: Ensure the academy has FIDE certified coaches for advanced learning.
- Mode of Learning: Decide if you need the convenience of online chess lessons or the social interaction of offline classes.
- Tournament Exposure: Does the academy organize or facilitate entry into rated tournaments?
- Batch Size: A smaller student-to-teacher ratio (ideally 1:6) ensures personalized attention.
Why Kingdom of Chess Is the Best Choice for Mumbai Students
Kingdom of Chess provides a high-standard, tech-driven learning environment that balances professional FIDE-rated coaching with the flexibility required for Mumbai’s fast-paced student lifestyle.
- Elite Mentorship: Students learn directly from FIDE-certified coaches and participate in masterclasses with International Masters and Grandmasters.
- Flexible Online Learning: Perfect for Mumbai’s busy schedules, their interactive online chess classes eliminate commute time while maintaining a classroom feel.
- Structured Roadmap: The curriculum is divided into clear levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) with defined milestones and sublevel assessments.
- Tournament Ecosystem: They organize weekly online tournaments and provide specialized preparation for state, national, and international championships.
- Advanced Progress Tracking: Parents receive detailed performance analytics and real-time feedback through a dedicated technology-enabled student dashboard.
- Proven Track Record: The academy has trained over 10,000 students globally, producing numerous Commonwealth champions and national medalists.
Conclusion
The chess landscape in Mumbai is more vibrant than ever, evolving from local community clubs to world-class digital learning hubs. Whether you choose a legacy institution like South Mumbai Chess Academy or a modern, tech-enabled powerhouse like Kingdom of Chess, the goal remains the same: nurturing a sharp, resilient, and strategic mind.
By selecting an academy that offers FIDE-certified expertise and a structured curriculum, you are not just teaching a child a game—you are equipping them with life skills like patience, foresight, and critical thinking. As India continues its “golden era” in global chess, there has never been a better time for Mumbai’s students to make their first move.
