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. Know More2. 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. Know More5. 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 2906 reviews Posted on Neethi RaghubanshiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very happy with the coaching provided by the Upstep Academy. The trainers have strong knowledge and explain concepts in a clear, structured way. I’ve noticed a clear improvement in my son’s strategic thinking, focus, and confidence while playing chess.Posted on shehnaz kasimTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have a good experience with Upstep Academy.The classes are well-structured. My daughter’s coach Miss Pooja is highly skilled and very supportive. The concepts are well explained and helps my child’s skill development.We have seen improvement in overall gameplay of my daughter after joining Upstep academy. The relationship managers Mr.Sarthak and Mr.Justin have been helpful in organising,scheduling the classes and clearing the queries whenever needed.Posted on Vandana SharmaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best coachesPosted on Rupinder KaurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The online chess coaching program is highly effective and well organized.The sessions are interactive and tailored to the learner's level.Hoping my child will develop more better and become confidence in his game.Posted on Archana BaxiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are very pleased with the experience our daughter Shivanshi Baxi has had at the chess academy since she started her journey two months ago. In a short span of time, we have already noticed a positive change in her concentration, patience, and problem-solving skills. Her coache Mr. Vishwadeep Jadhav and RM Vicky Gaikwad are highly supportive, approachable, and dedicated to helping each student grow at their own pace. They create a friendly yet focused environment that makes learning chess both enjoyable and meaningful for young beginners. A big thanks to both of them.... What we appreciate most is how the academy encourages discipline, strategic thinking, and confidence in children right from the start. Our daughter looks forward to every session, which speaks volumes about the quality of teaching and the positive atmosphere. We are truly grateful to the academy for giving her such a strong and inspiring beginning in chess.Posted on Aisha ShaikhTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This chess class has been a great learning experience for my son. The teaching method is structured yet fun, which keeps kids interested. I’ve noticed improvement in his focus, strategy, and patience.Posted on Shweta MaheshwariTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son has been with the academy for two years now. He has been very receptive to the classes and it has been very professionally managed keeping to the schedule, advance notification of the no class days. Responsive efforts to catch up with missed sessions. They have tournaments internal and external if anyone wishes to participate which is good. Overall it's been a good decision for our child. Special thanks to our relationship manager.Posted on Khushbu SharmaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience is wonderful . All relationship managers and coaches are Cooperative, Enthusiastic and Helpful.Posted on Divya ShuklaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son has been attending the chess class for the past four months, and I’ve seen wonderful progress in both his thinking and confidence. The coach creates a calm, focused environment where every child feels encouraged to think strategically rather than rush their moves.
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.

