What this Varanasi class is
ChessWize is a live online chess class for children aged 5–15, offered to families in Varanasi. A named coach teaches on a video call and shared digital board; this is not an in-person branch.
ChessWize is online only and has no local centre in Varanasi.
Who the format fits
It fits beginners through rated players whose family can protect a recurring IST time agreed after the level check, wants a group capped at six or a one-to-one format, and values one regular coach. It does not fit a family that needs a walk-in classroom in Varanasi.
Chess coaching that reaches every lane of Varanasi
Varanasi families know that a fixed coaching address rarely works here. The old-city lanes, the riverfront, and the newer neighbourhoods further out make travel the hardest part of any after-school plan. Live online classes remove that problem entirely: your child joins from home, and the coach's ability matters more than their pin code.
Your child is taught by FIDE-rated coaches, including Hrdyansh Pandey, Tarun Gupta, and Aryan Pal, in skill-matched batches of 4-6 students or one-on-one. The same coach stays with your child every session, so strengths and gaps are tracked over months, not guessed at week to week. Batches are synchronized 12-week groups, and each age track has its own roadmap.
Even parents who do not play themselves can follow along. One mother put it plainly when she said, "I don't know chess, but I can see exactly what she covered each week." That is what the weekly WhatsApp report gives you: a clear view of every class without needing to sit in. If a class goes unused, you receive a 100% refund on unused sessions.
Start with a complimentary 30-min level check before you commit, and see how your child responds before paying anything. The starter pack is ₹2,500 for 8 classes, and regular plans afterwards run from ₹375 to ₹1,000 per class depending on the plan. Coaches have already guided over 1000 students, with families reaching their first tournament in about 4 months on average, and 12 cohort district finishers along the way.
Class times for Varanasi
The page uses Indian Standard Time (Asia/Kolkata). The recurring class time is agreed with the family after the level check.
All class times run on India Standard Time (IST), which has no daylight saving, so the windows stay the same all year and the local time in Varanasi matches the IST mapping exactly. Coach availability windows across the week include 9:30 AM-1:30 PM IST, 11:30 AM-3:30 PM IST, 12:30-5:30 PM IST, 2:30-5:30 PM IST, 4:30-9:30 PM IST, and 5:30-8:30 PM IST. Evening slots after school hours are available, so a class can fit around homework and family time without a commute.
| Window | Family time | Coach time |
|---|---|---|
| Family-agreed weekly class | Recurring time agreed after the level check (IST) | The same IST appointment for the family and coach |
What Varanasi parents pay
The published list runs from ₹313 to ₹1,000 per live class. Starter pack ₹2,500 for 8 classes (₹313/session) is the entry pack.
Prices are the INR list recorded in the pricing source as of 2026-09-04; unused sessions follow the published refund guarantee.
Read the full courses and fees page →The coaching roster parents can check
No coach is assigned to Varanasi merely because this is a city page. These are the national roster details published in the coaching data; the demo confirms the actual match for a child.
Hrdyansh Pandey
Published FIDE rating 1850
FIDE ID IN-25600184 · Verify profile
Ages 5–15 · Foundation, tactical, and tournament-prep tracks
Languages: English, Hindi
Tarun Gupta
Published FIDE rating 1920
No FIDE ID is published in the current roster record.
All ages · Curriculum design + senior cohort coaching
Languages: English, Hindi
Aryan Pal
Published FIDE rating 1780
No FIDE ID is published in the current roster record.
Ages 5–10 · Beginner foundations
Languages: English, Hindi
What the curriculum covers
Class length
Class length: see the programme page. The shared programme data does not publish one duration for every track, so this page does not manufacture one.
Batch formats in the programme data
12-week synchronized batches with strictly 4-6 similarly-rated students
Private option: 1:1 Analyst Protocol. Private 1:1 live analysis sessions + engine homework + written coach reviews
Beginner → intermediate → advanced
Beginner
- Learn the board and legal moves. The child practises setup, movement, captures, check, checkmate, castling, promotion, and en passant through playable examples. The coach checks understanding by changing the position.
- Finish a complete game. Once the rules are stable, the child plays guided games. The coach helps with a simple thinking routine but leaves enough space for the student to make and correct decisions.
- Use opening principles. Development, centre control, and king safety give the first moves a purpose. The child learns principles that work across many openings before studying a named repertoire.
- Find basic tactics and endings. Forks, pins, simple mates, and basic king-and-pawn endings turn rules into practical skill. Reviews stay focused on mistakes the beginner is ready to understand.
Intermediate
- Stabilise tactical vision. Pins, forks, skewers, discoveries, and removal of the defender are practised in mixed positions. The child must identify why a tactic works and what would stop it.
- Choose candidate moves. Instead of calculating the first attractive move, the student lists sensible choices. Checks, captures, threats, and improving moves become part of a deliberate search.
- Read positional clues. Open files, weak squares, pawn breaks, and poorly placed pieces help the child form a plan. Strategy stays connected to concrete moves rather than abstract rules.
- Link openings to endings. A compact repertoire produces familiar middlegames, while essential king-and-pawn and rook endings improve confidence when pieces come off the board.
Advanced
- Audit the player's game. Recent tournament and online games are grouped by error type. The coach establishes priorities and distinguishes one-off mistakes from patterns that need a training block.
- Deepen calculation. Exercises include candidate selection, comparison of resulting positions, defensive resources, and stopping points. Accuracy and evaluation matter more than the number of moves calculated.
- Refine repertoire and strategy. Opening files are tied to model positions and likely opponents. Middlegame work covers pawn structures, exchanges, initiative, and transitions rather than memorisation alone.
- Convert training into events. Pre-event preparation, clock plans, rest, and post-event review connect weekly lessons to competitive play. The plan changes as new game evidence appears.
How the first month starts
The level check establishes the starting point. Early lessons then use the first roadmap goal for that level: beginners learn the board and legal moves, intermediate players stabilise tactical vision, and advanced players audit recent games. The coach moves from that evidence instead of assigning a city-wide syllabus.
Practice and parent reporting
A beginner benefits from repetition with variation. Set up a king-in-check position in several ways, ask for all legal responses, or practise one mating pattern from both sides of the board. This confirms that the child understands the idea rather than remembers one diagram.
For visibility at home, the published commitment is Weekly WhatsApp report for every student, giving the family a regular account of what to practise next.
Recorded programme results
The first-party trust record, last changed 2026-07-13, lists 1,000 students coached and 1,500 parents. It also records 4 district finishers in a cohort of 12, plus an average of 4 months to a first tournament. These are past records, not a promised result for one child.
DISTRICT — 2ND PLACE
Rachit Seksaria
Came to us plateaued and prepping for a district event. The coach analysed his games to pinpoint weak links, then drilled them. Within 2 months he finished 2nd (on tiebreaks) in the district tournament.
Event: District Tournament — 2nd place (tiebreaks)
Record date: 2 months in programme
FIDE-RATED AT AGE 6
Gahan C
His mother was understandably worried — would a 3-year-old learn online? She agreed to a 2-month trial. That was 2½ years ago. Gahan is still with us, has progressed from absolute beginner to a FIDE-rated player, and is the academy's youngest tournament-rated student.
Event: FIDE-rated tournament (youngest in academy)
Record date: 2.5+ years in programme
ACTIVE PROGRAMME STUDENT
Jiyansh
Active student in our structured programme — works through the same Foundation → Tactical → Tournament pathway every ChessWize student does. Photos from his recent classroom and practice sessions.
Event: Cohort tournament practice
Record date: In programme
How child safety works
Every coach clears a multi-step hiring process, and background verification — police clearance plus a reference check — is completed before they teach a child. Classes are live lessons rather than recorded lesson libraries, parents may sit in on any session, and a parent or guardian should remain at home during classes for children under eight. Read the complete, observable delivery policy on the child safety page.
What to set up at home
Any laptop, desktop, or tablet with a stable internet connection and a webcam. Classes run on Zoom plus our own student platform for puzzles, homework, and progress tracking. Nothing to install — it all runs in the browser.
What happens in the demo
- 1 · Meet
A FIDE-rated coach meets the child for the complimentary 30-min level check before you commit.
- 2 · Check
The child plays and solves positions so the coach can identify the current level.
- 3 · Match
The family hears which skill-matched batch or one-to-one format fits the assessment.
- 4 · Decide
No payment is taken before the demo. Paid classes begin only after enrolment and an agreed recurring time.
The four published commitments
These lines come directly from the shared trust record and are shown without rewriting their terms.
- Same coach every session — no rotation
- 100% refund on unused sessions
- Complimentary 30-min level check before you commit
- Weekly WhatsApp report for every student
Eleven checks to make before enrolling
Each answer below is tied to the section that carries its proof, so a parent can verify the detail rather than rely on a slogan.
-
Check 1
Who teaches my child, and are they rated?
Your child is taught by FIDE-rated coaches. Hrdyansh Pandey holds a FIDE rating of 1850 with FIDE ID IN-25600184, Tarun Gupta is rated 1920, and Aryan Pal is rated 1780. Ratings are public on the FIDE site, so you can verify each coach's standing yourself before the first session.
Check the proof → -
Check 2
How many children share the coach?
Batches are strictly 4-6 similarly-rated students, placed by working level so no child is lost in a crowd. The small size keeps intense peer-play, group calculation, and team-based tactical work possible. If you prefer full attention, a 1:1 Analyst Protocol gives your child the coach alone.
Check the proof → -
Check 3
Is there a real curriculum from beginner to rated play?
There is a real ladder from beginner to rated play. Age tracks for 5-8, 9-12, and 13-15 run alongside beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, plus tournament-prep and rating-improvement roadmaps. Each 12-week batch follows a synchronized plan, so progress is structured rather than improvised.
Check the proof → -
Check 4
How will I know it is working?
You receive a weekly WhatsApp report for every student, so you know what was covered even when you cannot watch. The same coach teaches each week and builds a picture of strengths and gaps over time. Progress depends on your child's pace and consistency, and the report keeps you honest about both.
Check the proof → -
Check 5
Is it safe, and can I see the classes?
Classes are live online sessions with a real coach on video call, so you can be present or nearby at home whenever you wish. There is no physical centre and no unsupervised venue. The weekly WhatsApp report shows exactly what was and was not covered, giving you a second window into each class.
Check the proof → -
Check 6
Can we try before paying?
Yes. A complimentary 30-min demo lets your child meet the coach and play before any payment. The complimentary 30-min level check before you commit also establishes an honest baseline, so the coach can recommend a batch that matches your child's actual working level rather than a guess.
Check the proof → -
Check 7
What if we stop?
If you stop, unused classes are refunded, so a missed class does not simply disappear from what you paid for. The guarantee is a 100% refund on unused sessions. Talk to the coach about rescheduling where possible, and the weekly report helps you track exactly what was covered.
Check the proof → -
Check 8
Will the timings fit our week?
Coach availability windows run across the day in IST, from morning slots like 9:30 AM-1:30 PM through evening windows such as 4:30-9:30 PM IST and 5:30-8:30 PM IST. Since IST has no daylight saving, times never shift. Evening slots fit around school, and there is no commute through the old city.
Check the proof → -
Check 9
What does it cost, exactly?
The starter pack is ₹2,500 for 8 classes, which works out to ₹313 per class. Regular plans after the starter pack run from ₹375 to ₹1,000 per class depending on the plan. These are two different things, and the free demo means you can see the coaching before any of it is charged.
Check the proof → -
Check 10
Is there a path to tournaments?
There is a clear path. A tournament-prep roadmap covers understanding the event, repairing the game plan, rehearsing tournament conditions, and reviewing the evidence. Coaches have already guided 12 cohort district finishers, with 4 wins, and families typically reach a first tournament in about 4 months.
Check the proof → -
Check 11
What do I have to do at home?
Very little structure is needed from you. Short, focused practice at home works better than long blocks, especially for young children, and a casual family game helps when adults resist correcting every move. Older children save a game link and bring one honest question to class.
Check the proof →
Watch every family video in the source record
These four files, posters, speaker labels, quotes, and summaries come from the testimonial and evidence inventories. Metadata appears only when it exists in those records.
A Parent's Journey
ChessWize Parent
“We tried two other academies before ChessWize. The difference is the weekly progress report — I can actually see what's working. He's improved more than we ever imagined.”
Steady, visible improvement
2026-05-03 owner-cleared-2026-09-04
From Beginner to Confident
ChessWize Parent
“She wouldn't even play with her grandfather because she was afraid of losing. Six months in, she's the one challenging him. The confidence is the real result.”
Composed under pressure · plays tournaments
2026-05-03 owner-cleared-2026-09-04
Transformation in Focus
ChessWize Parent
“His school teacher actually called us to ask what changed. The ability to sit still and concentrate has carried straight into his maths and reading.”
Focus carried into school work
2026-05-03 owner-cleared-2026-09-04
Student Testimonial
ChessWize Student
“What I love most is that my coach actually explains why a move is bad — not just that it is. I'm thinking ahead two or three moves now without being told.”
Tournament-ready in 6 months
2026-05-03 owner-cleared-2026-09-04
Written reviews from parents
The full written-review array is shown below, with a Varanasi-tagged record first when the source has one. Names, roles, cities, dates, ratings, and words remain as stored.
★★★★★
Honestly, I was skeptical about online chess coaching.
“Aadvik hated sitting still for anything, and I thought a Zoom class would last two weeks max. It's been six months. Last Sunday his class teacher called just to ask what changed — his attention in maths has jumped. He now does his puzzles before I'm up. Coach Arjun has the patience I don't.”
Rupali Sharma
Mother of Aadvik (9) · Lucknow
March 2026
★★★★★
She used to cry after every loss. Not anymore.
“Anika was playing 'casually' on chess.com and hanging pieces every game. First month the coach just drilled Checks-Captures-Threats. The dashboard is what sold me though. I don't know chess, but I can see exactly what she covered each week. Her play sharpened on its own by week eight.”
Monika Iyer
Mother of Anika (11) · Kanpur
February 2026
★★★★★
The resilience piece was unexpected — and the real win.
“We signed up for chess. What Ishita got was emotional self-regulation. Month one was all about learning to lose without falling apart. By month three she was analysing her own games after tournaments, pointing out where she'd blundered, calmly. Her results followed. But honestly, the composure is what I'll remember.”
Anjana Rao
Mother of Ishita (10) · Mumbai
January 2026
Every stored Google review
Google rating 5.0 from 21 reviews; the stored review set was pulled 2026-07-08.
Harshi
July 2026
★★★★★
We had been searching for a chess class online for our sons. Suddenly on instagram , we saw the ad for chesswize and connected with the them. The demo was really good and we started the classes for our almost 4.7 year old son. Ankit Rajoriya Sir engaged him really well , he very knowlegeble in his field. His classes are well structured and he teaches the concepts in simple and engaging manner. My son has started loving chess and has started applying the strategies. The environment of the class is really positive where kids feel safe asking questions and their queries are answered well. We truly appreciate his professionalism, dedication, and commitment towards his students. We highly recommend Chesswize and Ankit Rajoriya Sir to any parent looking for chess classes for their kids.
Read on Google →Ayushi
June 2026
★★★★★
We are very happy with the coaching at Chesswize, especially with our son’s teacher, Ankit Rajoriya. Ankit sir is a wonderful coach especially for younger kids.He knows the game deeply but also teaches with patience, encouragement, and real passion. He explains ideas in a clear and easy way, so children can understand and use them in their games. His classes are well-planned, fun, and motivating. Since our son started learning with Ankit sir, we have seen big improvements in his chess skills, thinking ability, focus, and confidence. He creates a friendly environment where kids feel comfortable asking questions and are inspired to keep getting better. We truly value his dedication and care for each student. We strongly recommend Chesswize and Ankit Rajoriya sir to any parent who wants quality chess coaching for their child.
Read on Google →Anisha
June 2026
★★★★★
Coach Ankit has been amazing for my 8-year-old. He’s super friendly and explains chess rules in a way kids actually get. My son looks forward to every Chesswize class now. He motivates him to do better without any pressure, and I’ve seen fast improvement in both his game and confidence. Highly recommend Ankit for young beginners!
Read on Google →Susmita
June 2026
★★★★★
We are extremely happy with the quality of coaching provided by Chesswize, especially by our son’s chess teacher, Ankit Rajoria. Ankit is an exceptional coach who combines deep chess knowledge with patience, encouragement, and a genuine passion for teaching. He explains concepts in a simple and engaging manner, making it easy for young learners to understand and apply new strategies. His lessons are well-structured, interactive, and motivating. Since joining Chesswize and learning under Ankit’s guidance, we have noticed a significant improvement in our son’s chess skills, critical thinking, concentration, and confidence. Ankit creates a positive learning environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and are encouraged to continuously improve. We truly appreciate his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to each student’s growth. We highly recommend Chesswize and Ankit Rajoria to any parent looking for high-quality chess coaching for their child.
Read on Google →divya
June 2026
★★★★★
I am very happy with the overall experience at chesswize! Mr Ankit Rajoriya makes the class so much fun. Honestly the whole session finishes without any boring or dull moment. Everything is so systematic. Its worth it!
Read on Google →Padma
June 2026
★★★★★
Hi, just wanted to share a feedback about the ongoing chess classes My daughter harshitha really enjoyed learning chess with Ankit Rajoriya. His classes are highly engaging and interactive, making it easy to stay focused throughout the session. He explains concepts clearly, patiently answers questions, and provides practical strategies that help improve both understanding and gameplay. I have noticed a steady improvement in her chess skills and confidence since joining his classes. I would highly recommend Ankit as a chess coach to anyone looking to learn and grow in chess. Really appreciate the effort and happy with her progress 👍
Read on Google →Read the remaining 11 stored reviews
manasa
June 2026
★★★★★
It was a great platform for kids and learners.. teaching concepts and making them to think and play..Ankit rajoriya sir was excellent in teaching makes children in comfort zone by funy way and he starts teaching .that is the way children can engage whole time..
Read on Google →Sri
June 2026
★★★★★
Extremely happy with Tarun, he teaches my son really well, explains the topic in child understandable language, very disciplined..Thanks for the wonderful sessions
Read on Google →Anusha
December 2025
★★★★★
Chesswise Academy is an excellent place for kids to learn chess. The trainer is patient, knowledgeable, and focuses on building strong basics. Classes are well-organized and engaging. I can see good improvement in my child’s thinking and confidence. Highly recommend Chesswise Academy for chess learning.
Read on Google →priyanshu
December 2025
★★★★★
A perfect place to learn chess the right way. Excellent trainers, structured lessons, and amazing improvement.
Read on Google →Utkarsh
December 2025
★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great learning platform with clear teaching, supportive mentors, and well-structured content. Very effective and highly recommended
Read on Google →Shailja
November 2025
★★★★★
It's a truly amazing platform which not only enriches the individual's skills but also boost up the candidates to pursue in the field of success ....
Read on Google →Tushar
November 2025
★★★★★
My nephew is learning chess from chesswize and I'm very happy with his progress.The teaching style is clear, engaging, and very student friendly. Highly recommended for kids!
Read on Google →Ankit
November 2025
★★★★★
One of the best platform to learn chess skill, enhance either. The instructors are young and enthusiastic.
Read on Google →20EC101
November 2025
★★★★★
ChessWize is a great platform for improving chess skills—clean interface, smart puzzles, and very helpful analysis.
Read on Google →Priyansh
November 2025
★★★★★
My brother started chess 6 months ago from beginner level and now he is in Intermediate level. Their 2:1 program is highly effective.
Read on Google →Rajeev
November 2025
★★★★★
I am extremely happy with ChessWize Chess Academy. The coaching is very structured, child-friendly, and delivered with amazing patience. Each session is interactive and helps kids build strong fundamentals along with confidence. The best part is the personal attention given to every student, which truly makes a big difference in their progress. The academy also celebrates students’ achievements, motivating them even more. I strongly recommend ChessWize to anyone looking for quality chess training.
Read on Google →Why the online format fits Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major cultural and religious centre on the Ganges. It is also an education city, with Banaras Hindu University giving it a prominent place in Indian academic life.
The dense old city, riverfront areas, and expanding outer neighbourhoods do not share one easy coaching location. Live online sessions let families choose a suitable hour and reach an experienced FIDE-rated coach without adding a journey through the city.
Local chess context
Varanasi has a strong tradition of study that extends from classical learning to modern schools and higher education. For a child interested in chess, a lesson plan, reviewed games, and steady parent updates can turn independent play into more purposeful learning.
Varanasi's narrow old-city lanes and its spread of newer neighbourhoods further out mean a fixed coaching address rarely works for the whole city; an online class removes the geography question so the coach's ability matters more than their pin code.
Online and offline choices
An offline class can suit a family already close to a coach they trust, especially for a younger child who focuses better around other kids in the room. Given how spread out and dense parts of Varanasi are, most parents here find online more workable simply because it does not depend on which lane you live down.
Programme claims are linked to the first-party source pages below; the city wording remains the existing city record.
Questions from parents in Varanasi
Is online chess coaching suitable for a 5 or 6-year-old, or is it better for older kids?
Younger children do fine online, especially in a small batch or 1:1 format where the coach can keep their attention directly rather than managing a large room. The free demo is a good way to see how your specific child responds before committing to a batch.
What if my child misses a class — do we lose that class and the fee?
Unused classes are refunded, so a missed class does not simply disappear from what you paid for. Talk to the coach about rescheduling where possible — the weekly WhatsApp report also helps you track exactly what was and was not covered.
Do you have a centre in Varanasi, maybe near BHU or the cantonment area?
No, ChessWize does not operate any physical centre in Varanasi. Coaching is entirely live online with a real coach on video call and a weekly WhatsApp report, and this is the same everywhere ChessWize operates, not specific to Varanasi, which is useful if you want to compare across sessions before committing.
How is progress actually tracked over weeks and months?
The same coach teaches your child every week, so they build a clear picture of strengths and gaps over time, and send a WhatsApp update after each class. There is no rigid syllabus timeline promised — progress depends on the child's pace, consistency, and practice between classes.
Will my child keep the same coach from week to week?
Yes. The guarantee is same coach every session, with no rotation. Continuity matters because the coach notices patterns in your child's play over months, remembers which positions caused trouble, and can adjust the weekly plan accordingly. You are not reintroducing your child to a stranger every few weeks.
Can we see how a class works before paying anything?
Yes. Book the complimentary 30-min demo and your child plays with a real coach on a video call. The level check that comes with it shows where your child stands, so you can judge the fit and the recommended batch before any money changes hands.
How do batches handle children of different playing strengths?
Children are placed by working level, and each 12-week batch holds strictly 4-6 similarly-rated students. That matching keeps peer-play meaningful and stops a stronger child from coasting or a newer one from drowning. If the fit is wrong, the coach can revisit the placement after the level check.
What does my child actually work on between classes?
Homework is light and targeted. A beginner practises one idea in several variations, an intermediate student mixes tactical sets with a reviewed slow game, and older students keep a short error log. The coach designs the set from errors seen in class, so practice feeds directly into the next lesson.
Does online coaching really work for a child in Varanasi's spread-out neighbourhoods?
It works precisely because geography stops mattering. Whether you are in the narrow old-city lanes or a newer colony further out, the class starts at the same hour with the same coach. Many parents here find online more workable than an offline class that depends on which lane they live down.
Who can I contact if a class is missed or a question comes up?
The coach stays reachable through the weekly WhatsApp channel, where you also receive the report after every class. If a session is missed, discuss rescheduling directly, and remember that unused classes are refunded. Saving a game link or a confusing position between classes gives the next lesson a real starting point.
When will we know if the coaching is actually improving my child's play?
Signs show up within weeks. The coach reports after every class, so you can watch the weekly themes build, and your child starts calculating lines instead of moving on instinct. Rating movement takes longer, but steadier games and fewer avoidable losses usually appear before any number changes.
Which age is the right time to start structured chess lessons?
There are dedicated tracks for ages 5-8, 9-12, and 13-15, so a child can start at any of these stages. Younger children begin with safe move habits and short complete games, while teenagers start with an honest baseline and a working repertoire. The free level check tells you which track fits.