Sharpening your mind, improving decision-making, and building strategic thinking can all start with one powerful skill — chess. Pune has emerged as a growing hub for quality chess education, offering professional coaching programs, structured curriculums, and expert trainers for students of all levels. Whether you’re searching for the best chess classes in Pune, a trusted chess academy Pune, or flexible online chess classes in Pune, this guide will help you discover the right training institute to match your goals.
10 Best Chess Classes in Pune
Pune has long been a hub for intellectual sports, and finding a reputable chess academy in Pune is now easier than ever. Below is a curated list of the top-rated institutes offering the best chess coaching classes in the city.
1. Kingdom of Chess
Kingdom of Chess is widely recognized as a premier chess academy Pune residents trust for high-performance training. While they operate primarily as a national-level online chess coaching hub, they have a massive presence in Pune through their digital curriculum. They focus on producing rated players trained by FIDE certified coaches.
- Website: www.kingdomofchess.com
- Landmark: Primarily Online (Managed from national hubs).
- Courses Offered: Pawn (Beginner), Bishop (Intermediate), and King (Advanced/Rated) modules.
- Google Rating: 4.9/5.
- Prices: Affordable/economical.
- Speciality: Internationally recognized curriculum and Grandmaster training sessions, Weekly Tournaments, .
- Key Detail: They are open 24 hours (Monday–Saturday), offering unmatched flexibility for working professionals.
2. Victorious Chess Academy
If you are searching for the best chess academy with high physical presence, Victorious Chess Academy (VCA) is a top choice. They have been in the business for over 15 years and have a curated syllabus that includes ample study material and access to online chess lessons. VCA is known for organizing well-managed tournaments that are highly enjoyable for children.
- Website: www.victoriouschess.com
- Landmark: Near Zudio Showroom, Little Millennium Preschool Corner, Baner.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5.
- Speciality: Professional training camps and structured modules for all ages.
- Prices: ₹600/session or ₹5,500/month; ₹1,200/private hour.
- Key Detail: They organize some of the most well-managed chess camps in Pune during summer and winter breaks.
3. Chess Pune Academy
Led by FIDE-certified Chess Teacher Sanket Yadav, this chess academy in Pune has gained immense trust since 2018. They are a favorite for online chess classes for beginners, specifically focusing on 1:1 personalized attention. They even host free weekly tournaments for their students to apply what they’ve learned.
- Website: www.chesspuneacademy.com
- Landmark: Near Jadhav Heights, Shree Yash Terrace, Warje.
- Google Rating: 4.9/5.
- Prices: ₹700/session or ₹6,500/month; ₹1,400/private hour.
- Speciality: Personalized 1:1 classes and a global student base from USA, UK, and Dubai.
- Key Detail: Includes free entry to their weekly Sunday tournaments with cash prizes for all enrolled students.
4. Checkmate Chess Academy
Checkmate Chess Academy (Check-Mate Chess Institute) provides a robust environment for local players in the Warje area. As a prominent chess academy pune, they provide a dedicated space for daily practice and emphasize tactical puzzles to help students level up their game in a competitive environment.
- Website: www.checkmateacademy.com
- Landmark: Located Near Joshi Hospital, Warje.
- Google Rating: 5/5.
- Prices: ₹500/session or ₹4,800/month; ₹1,000/private hour.
- Speciality: Flexible 24-hour operation (Mon-Sat) and intensive practice sessions.
5. Falcon Chess Academy
Falcon Chess Academy is a premier destination for aspiring grandmasters, known for its strategic depth and personalized coaching. As a top-tier chess academy in Pune, they focus on advanced opening theories and endgame mastery, utilizing modern software to analyze player performance and sharpen decision-making skills.
- Landmark: Located opposite Balewadi High Street, Baner.
- Google Rating: 4.9/5.
- Prices: ₹600/session or ₹5,500/month; ₹1,200/private hour.
- Speciality: Specialized weekend bootcamps and FIDE-rated tournament preparation.
6. Kunte’s Chess Academy
Founded by Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte, this is the most prestigious chess academy in Pune. It is a training ground for competitive players aiming for professional excellence. The academy has been spreading awareness of the game since 2007, making chess classes in Pune accessible for serious aspirants.
- Website: www.kuntechessacademy.com
- Landmark: Next to Jog High School, Mayur Colony, Kothrud.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5.
- Prices: ₹700/session or ₹6,000/month; ₹1,300/private hour
- Speciality: Advanced mentorship and national-level tournament preparation.
- Key Detail: They limit batch sizes to 12 students to ensure high-quality instruction from their elite faculty.
7. Kaizer Chess Academy
With 16 years in the industry, Kaizer Chess Academy is celebrated for its systematic teaching methods. It is a top-tier chess academy Pune option that offers a well-structured syllabus and professional coaches who focus on personal attention and regular assessments.
- Website: www.kaizerchessacademy.com
- Landmark: Near Barbeque Nation, Imperial Residence, Kalyani Nagar.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5.
- Prices: ₹2,500 to ₹4,500/month (depending on batch size); ₹1,200/private hour.
- Speciality: Monthly tournaments and assessment-based personal growth plans.
- Key Detail: Known for their unique “Peer Learning” model where students analyze their own games under expert guidance.
8. Chess Quest Academy
Chess Quest Academy focuses on holistic development, dividing students into beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups to ensure proper pacing. It is highly regarded for its “hands-on” training and local community engagement, emphasizing decision-making abilities.
- Website: www.chessquestacademy.com
- Landmark: Behind Rao Hospital, Ayodhya Society, Bibwewadi.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5.
- Prices: ₹500/session or ₹4,800/month; ₹1,000/private hour.
- Speciality: Strong focus on strategic thinking and school-level tournament prep.
- Key Detail: They offer a clear promotion system; as students improve, they are promoted to higher-level batches with different coaches.
9. Rajesh Oza Chess Academy
Run by Rajesh Oza, a dedicated figure in the chess world for over 21 years and India’s first blind FIDE-rated player, this academy offers a unique blend of discipline and strategy. It is considered one of the best chess coaching classes for families seeking a supportive environment.
- Website: www.rajeshozachess.com
- Landmark: Opposite Maharshi Nagar Police Chowky, Gultekdi.
- Google Rating: 5/5.
- Prices: ₹800/session or ₹7,000/month; ₹1,500/private hour.
- Speciality: Simplifying complex strategies for young beginners and regular feedback to parents.
- Key Detail: The academy has a high success rate in helping students secure their first FIDE international rating.
10. Joseph D’Souza Academy
Established in 1999, the Joseph D’Souza Academy for Chess and Education is a pioneer in Pune. It has over 30 years of coaching experience and has trained over 10,000 students. Their coaching is a unique blend of Russian, American, and Indian chess methods.
- Website: www.jdchessacademy.in
- Landmark: Opposite Indian Bank, Near Perugate Police Chowky, Sadashiv Peth.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5.
- Prices: ₹500/session or ₹4,500/month; ₹1,000/private hour.
- Speciality: Special “Corporate Chess Gym” for executives and advanced training for elites.
How to Choose the Best Chess Classes in Pune
Selecting the right chess academy in Pune requires balancing competitive excellence with a supportive learning environment. Whether you are a beginner or an aspiring professional, finding a class that aligns with your specific skill goals and schedule is the first step toward mastery.
1. Coach Credentials & Experience
The quality of a chess academy in Pune is defined by its mentors. Prioritize FIDE certified coaches, as they bring professional-grade strategic insights. High-level players (GMs or IMs) are best for competitive aspirants, while patient, certified instructors are ideal for foundational learning.
2. Curriculum Structure
The best chess coaching classes offer a clear roadmap. Look for academies that have defined levels (e.g., Pawn, Bishop, Knight, King). A structured syllabus ensures students don’t just learn moves, but master openings, middle-game tactics, and endgame theories in sequence.
3. Batch Size & Attention Level
Whether you choose offline or online chess coaching, batch size is critical. Beginners benefit most from 1:1 sessions or small groups (4-6 students) where the coach can instantly correct mistakes. Larger batches are acceptable only for advanced practice sessions.
4. Tournament Exposure
A reputable chess academy in Pune should facilitate competition. Inquire if they host internal leagues or help with FIDE-rated tournament registrations. Real-world play under a clock is essential to turning theoretical knowledge into practical skill.
5. Online vs Offline Format
If you have a busy schedule, online chess classes in Pune offer the best flexibility and access to global tools. However, for those specifically targeting Over-The-Board (OTB) professional play, visiting a physical center helps in mastering board visualization and physical piece handling.
6. Fees vs Value
Average fees for chess classes Pune residents pay range from ₹2,000 to ₹4,500 per month. While private coaching is more expensive, the value lies in personalized game analysis and faster rating growth, which often proves more cost-effective in the long run.
Conclusion
Choosing the right chess classes in Pune can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively a learner improves. With many reputed academies offering structured lessons, experienced coaches, and competitive exposure, students have access to excellent training opportunities suited to every level. Whether you prefer offline sessions for personal interaction or online chess classes in Pune for flexibility, the key is selecting a program that matches your goals, learning pace, and commitment. With consistent practice and the right guidance, any student can build strong chess skills and long-term strategic confidence.
