Make the 1st Move of your child's Chess journey with Upstep Academy!
Fill in the details to book
your FREE Demo session
Certification & Inspiration by
GM Viswanathan Anand
Five-Time Word Chess Champion
All you need for
FREE Demo Class is
- A Device: Laptop | Desktop | Tablet | Smart Phone
- Willingness to learn & play
- Good internet connection
The Objective of our demo is to assess your child’s Chess level, give you an experience of our online Chess class, 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 demo class
- 20 Minutes Demo Session
We are Your Ultimate Chess Partner: Here’s Why!
Certified by GM Viswanathan Anand
Earn Level completion certificate Signed & inspired
by the 5-time World Chess Champion.
Live, Personalized & Engaging Classes
Interactive sessions tailored to
your child’s learning pace.
Scientifically Structured 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.
Expert Chess Coaches
Internationally experienced & skilled coaches
guiding your child to success.
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Seamless learning support for
parents and students.
Scientifically Developed & Structured Curriculum
With years of experience, feedback, and proven results, we have meticulously developed a structured curriculum consisting of five foundation levels followed by Master Level training.
Even a child who completes just the first course in our curriculum will have a stronger grasp of chess than an average adult who plays it 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 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.
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 chess has positively influenced their children’s lives.
EXCELLENT
Based on 3384 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Stuti BansalTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I enrolled my child into Upstep since the very beginning and is very happy with the curriculum that they offer. The coach Mr. Gippolson and the RM Mr. Jay are extremely helpful. They made sure that my child is learning and advancing properly. As a parent I had a lot of doubts. Mr. Jay made sure that all my doubts are cleared timely. I am so happy that Upstep is a part of my child’s learning.Posted on Google![]()
Adhvita ShettyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sreejith is a very good chess coach. My son has been learning with him for almost a year he has been understanding and teaches kids with lots of patience.Posted on Google![]()
navya mary georgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Having excellent coaches..Child interacts well with them.Posted on Google![]()
Priti WadekarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Swaraj has been attending Upstep Academy for over 9 months now, and we are extremely happy with his progress! His teacher, Sangharsh Karpe, is very knowledgeable and do an excellent job explaining concepts clearly. I especially appreciate the small batch size, which ensures personalized attention for every child. Relationship Manager, Shailendra Waingankar, make sure to connect with student and parents on regular basis to collect feedback and takes action accordingly. Most importantly, Swaraj thoroughly enjoys every single class!Posted on Google![]()
Feby K. ATrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My daughter has been learning chess at Upstep Chess Academy under Mr. Harsh Seth for the past six months, and we’re truly grateful to have such a wonderful teacher. He is patient, kind, and encouraging, and gently brings her focus back whenever she gets distracted. His positive and caring approach has helped her enjoy chess even more. We truly appreciate his dedication and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great chess teacher!Posted on Google![]()
Parampreet KaurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ankit Sen has been wonderful coach for my son. Lessons are structured, engaging, and tailored to his specific strengths and weaknesses. Beyond the board, we've seen a boost in his focus and confidence. Thank you, Ankit Sen.Posted on Google![]()
krutika ostwalTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We’ve been having a wonderful experience with our chess coach Ms. Priyanka Damekar. What really stands out is the amount of attention and care she gives to every child in the class. She makes sure that every student’s doubts are given equal attention, and she is encouraging and supportive towards all the children. This creates a very positive and comfortable learning environment for all the students. I also really appreciate how thoughtfully she handles a class with young children. Giving them a minute to draw and channelise their energy before getting back to chess is such a simple but effective idea. It helps them settle down, stay focused, and enjoy the session rather than feeling overwhelmed. Another thing I really appreciate is that she gives equal opportunities to all the children to participate and solve puzzles. No child feels left out, and everyone gets a chance to think, attempt, and learn. Overall, she is a very patient, encouraging, and thoughtful teacher who genuinely seems invested in every child’s learning and development. We are very happy with her teaching and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a wonderful chess coach for their child.
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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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child will earn certificate with each level
All you need is :
- A Device (Desktop | Laptop | Tablet | Phone)
- Good internet connection
- Willingness to learn and explore
Chess is one of the few sports that can be learnt online and offline equally well with guided training, practice and analysis.
Yes, our levels are very well structured, this allows you to take a small break and then start from exactly where you stopped. You can even switch between the formats e.g. from private one-on-one to Group classes and also change frequency.