Chess is not just a game in India—it’s a growing movement of strategic brilliance, with young prodigies making a mark globally. To hone skills and compete at international levels, joining a top chess academy is essential. Based on infrastructure, coaching standards, success stories, and curriculum, here are the 10 best chess academies in India.
1. Chess Gurukul, Chennai
Address: 9/3, 2nd Street, Venkatesa Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600018
Fees: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000/month (online and offline)
Details: Founded by Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh, this academy is renowned for producing champions like R. Praggnanandhaa. It offers personalized training, online sessions, and tournament prep.
2. South Mumbai Chess Academy (SMCA), Mumbai
Address: Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400058
Fees: ₹2,000 – ₹8,000/month
Details: SMCA is known for its strong curriculum and practical sessions with FIDE-rated coaches. It conducts regular tournaments, camps, and grandmaster coaching.
3. Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy, Kolkata
Address: 37A, Garcha Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700019
Fees: ₹1,500 – ₹6,000/month
Details: Established by GM Dibyendu Barua, this academy focuses on grassroots development. It provides one-on-one coaching and access to national-level events.
4. Tattva Chess Academy, Pune
Address: Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra – 411014
Fees: ₹2,500 – ₹7,000/month
Details: Tattva Academy is equipped with digital boards and online classes. Their structured modules are ideal for beginners to advanced-level players.
5. Bangalore Chess Academy, Bengaluru
Address: Jayanagar 4th Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560041
Fees: ₹2,000 – ₹6,000/month
Details: This academy has trained numerous FIDE-rated players and emphasizes a strong foundation with video review, tactics training, and practice matches.
6. Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA), Chennai
Address: Room No.75, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600003
Fees: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000/month
Details: As a state-level body, TNSCA conducts camps and tournaments and supports players with coaching programs and exposure.
7. Matrix Chess Academy, Hyderabad
Address: Tarnaka, Secunderabad, Telangana – 500017
Fees: ₹1,800 – ₹5,500/month
Details: Matrix has built a reputation for nurturing young talents. It provides training for FIDE norms, and its students have performed well nationally and internationally.
8. Vishy Anand Chess Academy, Chennai (Online-focused)
Address: Online Platform (Headquartered in Chennai)
Fees: ₹3,000 – ₹12,000/month
Details: Founded by the legendary Viswanathan Anand, this academy is a collaboration with WestBridge. It provides high-quality, competitive training for serious players via online modules.
9. ChessBase India Academy, Mumbai (Online)
Address: Online Platform (HQ in Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Fees: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/month
Details: A digital learning initiative, ChessBase India offers webinars, online coaching, tactics training, and lessons from titled players.
10. Brilliant Chess Academy, Delhi
Address: Rohini, Sector 8, New Delhi – 110085
Fees: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000/month
Details: With trained FIDE instructors, Brilliant Chess Academy focuses on both online and offline learning. Students receive exposure to local and international tournaments.
India’s chess scene is booming with talent, and the right academy can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for FIDE titles, these academies offer the structure, support, and training to achieve your chess dreams.
