Chess is no longer a mere recreational game but an intellectual pursuit in the city of Pune. As a result, the expanding population of wannabe grandmasters has led to a spike in demand for chess classes in Pune.

The bright side is Pune’s premier chess coaching classes have all that it takes to train budding prodigies and up-market players. They provide both the mentorship and competitive exposure that are essential to the growth of your skills. Walk through this list of the best Pune chess academies and plan your next move.

However, when it comes to providing the best chess classes in Pune, not every academy is created equal. In order to ensure that you gain access to top-notch coaching, we assessed these academies on the following pragmatic and results-oriented criteria:

• Experience of chess coaches
• Mode of class delivery (online, in-person, or both)
• Student success stories
• Training methods
• Positive reviews and testimonials
• Quality of facilities and resources

Let’s take a look at the ten best chess academies in Pune:

Upstep Academy was established in 2020, and within the last four years, it has become a credible name in online chess coaching. Upstep offers world-class training to students in Pune and beyond. Its flexible and interactive approach makes it ideal for young learners.

• Location: Online platform accessible from Pune
• Courses are designed for ages 5 to 15 for more age-appropriate instruction.
• The programs are structured in a manner so as to provide maximum learning along with flexibility for finding a pace that works for you.
• Students can progress through different levels: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (Parts 1 & 2), and Master.
• 1-on-1 online classes are also offered for more personalised attention.

Students receive course completion certificates signed by the chess GrandMaster Viswanathan Anand. Book a free trial class for your kid today.

Kunte’s Chess Academy has been a go-to place for chess enthusiasts in Pune. It was founded in 2007 by WIM and National Women Champion Mrs. Mrunalinee Kunte-Aurangabadkar. 

• Address: 302, Sanskruti Pratibimb, Mayur Colony, Next to Jog High School, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038
• Academy is known for one-on-one coaching by celebrated chess champions.
• Regular skill development camps are conducted for players so they can stay sharp and competitive.
• Academy has an impressive track record of nurturing talents who shine at various state and national-level tournaments.

Victorious Chess Academy has more than 15 years of experience as a global chess education leader. It has over 625 award winners and 8200 happy students across 30+ countries.

• Address: Sr. No. 8/6, Marne Building, Lane No. 4, Near Ashwin Clinic, Karve Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411052
• Multiple levels of training courses as per players’ existing skills.
• Academy’s USP is specialised intermediate training for players rated between 1400 and 1700 to further improve their performance.
• Has a global reach that benefits chess learners all across the world. 

Joseph D’Souza Chess Academy is one of the oldest and most well-known organisations in Pune. Chess guidance offered at this academy is a mixture of Indian, British, Russian, American, and Spanish chess techniques.

• Address: 1138, Sadashiv Peth, Next to Indian Bank, Near Perugate Police Chowky, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
• Dedicated chess courses such as Chess-Special Advanced Training for more advanced players. 
• Special chess sessions like the Corporate Chess Gym, for business leaders, executives, managers, etc.

The Focus Group Chess School has 17+ years of expertise in providing simplified chess training to young chess learners. 

• Address: Lane 8, Off North Avenue Road, Near Seniority Health Clinic, Kalyani Nagar, Survey No. 209/4, Pune, Maharashtra
• The key feature is bilingual chess coaching in Hindi and English language to make chess more accessible for everyone.
• Academy is known for offering stepwise guidance; hence, it is best suited for newbies and even kids.

Rajesh Oza Chess Academy was founded in 2004. Rajesh Oza is India’s first blind FIDE-rated chess player and a three-time National ‘A’ Champion. 

• Address: Situated at Agarkar Girls High School, near Apollo Theatre, Rasta Peth, Pune
• The best part about the academy is its specialised programs for blind players.

Chess Pune Academy is a top-rated institution with a Google rating of 4.9 stars. It is a chess academy that is suitable for chess players of all ages.

• Address: Yash Terrace, Warje, Pune, Maharashtra 411052
• Training is available to ages 5 to 25. Thus, practically anyone can participate. 
• Timings are adjustable and are designed to fit into students’ busy schedules without compromising quality.

Kids Chess Academy is solely dedicated to strengthening young minds through chess.

• Address: Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038
• Special emphasis on the development of focus, problem-solving, and cognitive thinking skills. 
• One-on-one online classes are also offered at this academy.

Multiple skills development through chess and multi-sport coaching at Falcon Basketball and Chess Academy, Pune.

• Address: Kondhwa, Pune, Maharashtra 411048
• Full-scale training for improving chess as well as different sports skills.

Founded with the goal of sheltering the very best talents in the game, with an experienced coach at the helm, who won the Mayor’s trophy in 1991. It has a history of helping students have excellent career outcomes in chess. The academy takes one-on-one training to prepare its students for success in various chess tournaments.

1. For starters, take the school’s accessibility into account, in addition to whether or not they offer online classes that can fit into your schedule.
2. The coach’s experience can make or break things. Find an instructor with a track record of helping students succeed in chess.
3. Choose academies that offer one-on-one online sessions or have low student-teacher ratios. Your child will receive more individual attention in that way.
4. Please do not forget to go through the curriculum. A flexible yet structured curriculum will help your child to learn at their own pace.
5. Finally, seek feedback from other parents. They will be honest with you whether they are satisfied with the academy or not! You can also look at Google reviews and choose the one that has maximum ratings.

The right coaching environment will help your child improve their chess skills and sharpen their ability to think strategically. Therefore, we advise you to thoroughly research Pune’s coaching academies to see what they offer. Look at their online reviews and ratings. Then, after careful consideration, select the one that aligns with your child’s learning goals.