Make the 1st Move in Your Child’s Chess Journey with
a Leading Online Chess Academy for Kids
Certification & Inspiration by
GM Viswanathan Anand
Five-time World Chess Champion
Make the 1st Move of your child's Chess journey with Upstep Academy!
Certification & Inspiration by
GM Viswanathan Anand
Five-time World Chess Champion
Why Upstep is a Leading Online Chess Academy for Kids ?
Certified by GM Viswanathan Anand
Earn Level completion certificate Signed & inspired
by the 5-time World Chess Champion.
Live Personalized Chess Classes Online
Interactive & engaging online chess classes for kids tailored toyour child’s learning pace.
Structured Chess Curriculum
A scientifically designed chess training curriculum developed through years of expertise for
steady learning and success.
World’s #1 Online Chess Academy
Shaping young minds through chess, loved by
students and trusted by parents. for delivering high quality online chess classes and results.
Expert Chess Coaches
Internationally experienced & skilled chess coaches
guiding your child to success.
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Seamless learning support for
parents and students to ensure smooth and effective online chess learning.
Scientifically Developed & Structured Chess Curriculum for Kids
With years of coaching experience, feedback and proven results, we have meticulously developed a structured chess curriculum designed to help children progress step by step in their chess journey. Our program is carefully organized into five foundation levels, followed by Master Level training. Through our interactive chess classes online, students gradually develop strategic thinking, tactical awareness, and deeper understanding of the game.
Even a child who completes the Beginner Level will understand chess rules and tactics better than many adults who play the game as a hobby with family and friends.
1. Beginner Level
Introduce your child to chess and its incredible possibilities. By the end, they’ll know how to play by international rules and apply basic strategies.
2. Advanced Beginner Level
Practical guidance to defeat amateur players. Students will master tactics and openings to gain a strong foundation.
3. Intermediate Level
Develop a solid understanding of endgames, opening theory, and strategic gameplay.
4. Advanced Part 1
Elevate to a professional level with an in-depth mastery of advanced tactics.
5. Advanced Part 2
Learn to analyze and gain insights from games played by World Chess Champions.
Master & Pro Master Level
A structured pathway to achieving an international chess rating, preparing students for competitive success.
1. Beginner Level
Introduce your child to chess and its incredible possibilities. By the end, they’ll know how to play by international chess rules and apply basic chess strategies.
2. Advanced Beginner Level
Practical guidance to defeat amateur players. Students will master chess tactics and openings to gain a strong foundation.
3. Intermediate Level
Develop a solid understanding of chess endgames, opening theory, and strategic gameplay.
4. Advanced Part 1
Elevate to a professional level chess skills with an in-depth mastery of advanced chess tactics.
5. Advanced Part 2
Learn to analyze and gain insights from games played by World Chess Champions.
Master & Pro Master Level
A structured pathway to achieving an international chess rating, preparing students for competitive chess success.
Inspiring Journeys of Our Students, One Move at a Time
Achieved a 310-Point Rating Surge in Just 8 Months
Kiet Nguyen, Australia
A dedicated and fearless competitor, 13-year-old Kiet has shown phenomenal progress by climbing f rom 1655 in January 2025 to 1965 by August 2025 — a massive +310 FIDE Classical rating jump!
🏆 Secured +258 rating points in just 4 months (April–August 2025), reflecting consistency and fearless play against stronger opposition.
🌟 Demonstrated relentless dedication through regular tournament participation and steady training.
🔥 Closing in on the 2000 rating milestone , making a strong statement of intent that he’s just getting started.
The Only U-7 Girl in the World with FIDE Ratings Across All Formats
Shreyanshi Jain, Rajasthan – India
Holds FIDE ratings in all three formats—Classical, Rapid, and Blitz—making her the only Under-7 girl in the world with such a distinction as of February 2025.
- Under-7 Girls National School Chess Champion with a flawless 9/9 score.
- Chessbase India Awarded a signed DVD by GM Gukesh D for her extraordinary feat.
- Continues the legacy of GM Gukesh D, who achieved the same milestone in 2017.
11-Year-Old FIDE Master with a FIDE Rating of 2346
Reyaansh Chakrabarty, Sydney – Australia
A prodigious talent, Reyaansh is making waves in the chess world with his extraordinary achievements at just 11 years old!
- Holds a FIDE rating of 2346 and the prestigious title of FIDE Master.
- Holds the title of Australian National U16 Chess Champion 2024, dominating players years older than him.
- Clinched bronze at the U10 FIDE World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.
- Among the youngest players in history to defeat a Grandmaster.
The Undefeated Hat-Trick Champion of MSSA Chess
Nirvaan Shah, Mumbai – India
A 10-year-old chess prodigy, Nirvaan has achieved an extraordinary feat of winning three consecutive MSSA Chess titles (2022, 2023, 2024), standing undefeated throughout!
- Won 24 games, drew 3, and lost none across three editions of MSSA Chess.
- Triumphed in the Under-12 section this year with an impressive 8.5/9 score.
FIDE-Rated at Just 5 and Growing Strong
Kushaagra Agrawal, Gorakhpur – India
A young chess enthusiast with remarkable achievements, Kushaagra has been turning heads with his impressive start in the chess world at just 5 years old!
- Achieved a Rapid FIDE Rating of 1428, becoming one of the youngest-rated players in India.
- Emerged as the top Under-5 performer at the National Schools U7 Championship 2024 with 5/9 points in his debut tournament.
Achieved a 305-Point Rating Leap in Just 2 Months
Vedant Nayudu, Singapore
Vedant has made an incredible leap in his chess journey, raising his FIDE Classical rating by 305 points in just two months!
- Gained 73 points at the Singapore International Open, battling higher-rated opponents.
- Secured a remarkable 146-point boost at the Xmas Basel Festival in Switzerland, with a draw against a FIDE Master.
- Added another 86 points at the Rilton Cup, competing against players averaging over 1700.
Indian U11 National Schools Champion 2024
Rishen Jilowa, Rajasthan – India
A rising star, Rishen showcased dominance and determination to clinch the Indian U11 National Schools 2024 Chess Championship in style!
- Crowned National Schools Champion with an unbeaten score of 8/9, finishing a full point ahead.
- Achieved a massive 110-point FIDE rating gain
Don't Take Our Word for It - Hear from Parents!
Forget the research and our claims. Trust in the experiences of parents just like you.
Read their reviews to learn how our online chess classes have positively influenced their children’s lives.
EXCELLENT Based on 2842 reviews Posted on Madhu KTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Both my kids have been learning chess at Upstep Academy and the progress they’ve made has been fantastic. The teaching methodology is very organised and structured, which makes it easy for children to learn and improve consistently. It’s great to see their confidence and understanding of the game growing over time. Highly recommend Upstep Academy for anyone looking for quality chess coaching for kids.Posted on Priyanka RajeevTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good coaching and get opportunities for online championships.. really good for upcoming students...Posted on Huong HoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Informative, well- organised course. Flexible and have lots of options for practising. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn and improve in chess!Posted on Umm e AzlanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I enrolled our 11-year-old son in online chess coaching with Upstep Academy, and it has been a wonderful experience so far. What stands out most is how naturally Mayank connects with my son. My son genuinely looks forward to his classes, which says a lot about the positive learning environment Mayank creates. He explains concepts clearly, encourages strategic thinking, and keeps my son motivated to improve. Overall, it has been a very positive, enjoyable, and enriching learning experience.Posted on upasna pandeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Must join this Acadrmy for chess. Specially coach Mr. Shubham Sharma is extremely helpful. The teacher and other team members are also helpful. It's 2nd level of my son.. hope he completes it successfully.Posted on Aatreya koushikTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Upstep academy is a Very good online platform for chess ,My son really enjoys the sessions and has learned a lot. The coach explains the concepts clearly and keeps the class engaging. Highly recommended!!Posted on Arpita SamantaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our experience with Upstep Academy has been nothing short of transformative. When my son first started, he had a basic interest in chess, but the coaches here turned that spark into a true passion and high-level skill set.Posted on Sangeeta ChinnarajTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My kid had a good time learning chess from experts. He enjoys it thoroughly. Highly recommend for any child abroad and interested to learn chess without any fuss.
Enrolment Process
Demo Class
Level Assessment
Counselling Session
Enrolment
Enrolment Process
1st
Demo Class
2nd
Level Assessment
3rd
Counselling Session
4th
Enrolment
All you need for
FREE Chess Demo Class is
- A Device: Laptop | Desktop | Tablet | Smart Phone
- Willingness to learn & play chess
- Good internet connection
The Objective of our chess demo class is to assess your child’s Chess level, give you a live experience of our online chess classes, and also show you the format in which chess is taught online by our well-experienced coaches
- Age Group : 5 to 15 Years
- Interactive Live One-on-one Chess Demo Class
- 20 Minutes Demo Session
Research Reveals Chess Can Boost Grades by Up to 20%!
Scroll through the other Research-Backed Benefits
of Chess Beyond the Board.
Chess Increases Creativity
Unleash your creative genius!
Playing chess activates the brain’s right hemisphere, sparking originality and imaginative problem-solving. A four-year study by Robert Ferguson involving students (grades 7 to 9) revealed that chess players showed the highest growth in originality compared to other activities..
Increases Problem-Solving Skills
Life is full of challenges, and chess is the ultimate training ground for solving them.
A 1992 New Brunswick (Canada) study split 450 students into three groups: Group A followed the standard math curriculum, Group B added chess instruction after first grade, and Group C started chess lessons from first grade alongside math.
Remarkably, Group C’s scores skyrocketed from 62% to 81.2%, outperforming Group A by 21.46%!
Exercises both sides of the brain
Think of chess as a full-brain workout that strengthens your mind from every angle.
A German study compared the brain activity of chess experts and novices, revealing that experienced chess players activate both hemispheres to process patterns and calculate moves faster. This dual-brain engagement leads to improved logical reasoning, visual-spatial skills, and the ability to multitask effectively.
Chess Improves Memory
Do you often wish your child had a better memory or was more organized? Chess might be the answer!
Studies have shown that chess players develop stronger memory skills, as the game requires them to remember moves, anticipate patterns, and plan strategies several steps ahead.
A 1985 study demonstrated that students who played chess for two years improved their grades in all subjects and exhibited better memory and organizational skills, as observed by their teachers.
Chess Helps Manage ADHD Symptoms
For children struggling with focus and attention, chess can work wonders. A 2016 study revealed that chess helped children with ADHD reduce inattentiveness by 41%, as it requires sustained concentration and thoughtful decision-making.
Parents of children with ADHD often notice significant improvements in their ability to focus for longer periods, stay calm under pressure, and develop self-discipline. By engaging in a structured and stimulating game like chess, children can channel their energy into something productive and rewarding.
Chess Promotes Brain Growth and Neural Connections
What if a simple game could physically grow your child’s brain? Studies suggest that playing chess stimulates the growth of dendrites—branch-like structures in the brain that transmit information between neurons.
When your child plays chess, they’re essentially working out their brain. The result? An increase in the brain’s ability to process and adapt to information.
Over time, this enhanced brain activity leads to better decision-making, faster reflexes, and an improved ability to tackle complex challenges.