Grandmaster Accelerator Program

An elite chess journey. Powered by Grandmasters. Made for Upstep Students.

From Player to Contender

A New Path to Chess Mastery

GAP is Upstep Academy’s most exclusive chess learning experience — a Grandmaster-led, high-impact group program designed to accelerate growth, clarity, and confidence in every student.

This is more than training. It’s transformation.

Program Structure

GM LIVE Masterclass Sessions

GAP is Upstep Academy’s most exclusive chess learning experience — a Grandmaster-led, high-impact group program designed to accelerate growth, clarity, and confidence in every student.

Booster Sessions

Dynamic and fun-filled learning sessions. Packed with knowledge and actionable insights, these sessions guarantee to add incredible value to your skills and overall game-play experience.

Recorded GM Bonus Vault Sessions

Get access to bonus Grandmaster sessions over and above the live Masterclass! It is designed to double your chess knowledge and mastery.

Psychology Session

Unlock the mindset of a champion! These sessions are designed to build your mental resilience, focus, and confidence, helping you perform at your peak and become a stronger chess athlete.

Parent - Teacher Meeting

An absolute traditional way to get the best solution to all the general queries from the absolute experts of the field!

What Sets GAP Apart?

Interactive Q&A in every class

Key Program
Advantages

Exclusively for Upstep students

Key Program
Advantages

Reference study material after each session

Key Program
Advantages

Balances skill with mindset development

Key Program
Advantages

Structured for serious, long-term growth

Key Program
Advantages

Key Program Advantages

Why Train with a Grandmaster / Titled Player?

See the Game Like a Master

Understand the deep “why” behind moves – not just what to play, but how to think.

Spot the Patterns That Others Miss

GMs and titled players recognize recurring patterns, ideas, and traps that engines can’t always explain. You’ll begin to notice themes that transform your understanding and intuition.

Train for Real Competition

Discover how professionals prepare for tournaments, handle time pressure, manage nerves, and recover from losses. It’s not just knowledge – it’s competitive wisdom.

Accelerate Improvement

Their clarity helps students make fewer mistakes and improve faster – saving months of trial-and-error.

Inspiration That Lasts

Learning from top talent builds belief, seriousness, and identity. It motivates students to aim higher and builds confidence through real mentorship.

PRICING & ACCESS

Fee USD 150 (Quarterly)
Frequency 2 days / week (4 sessions)
Qualification Master Course Students
Format Live Online Sessions
Additional Recorded GM Bonus Vault sessions
Psychology Session
Parent-Teacher Meeting

Please Note: Each session = 45 mins. (90-mins = 2 sessions) – Fees inclusive of taxes – Seats limited: admission is first come, first served basis.

Secure your seat early to avoid missing out — this is a limited opportunity for serious learners.

Meet Your Grandmaster

GM Swayams Mishra

The 62nd Grandmaster of India, Swayams Mishra is one of the country’s most respected and versatile chess minds. With a peak FIDE rating of 2503, he brings over 14 years of elite coaching experience — training world champions, prodigies, and rising stars across the globe.

As the Assistant Coach of the Indian Women’s Team, he helped secure Gold (2024), Silver (2023), and Bronze (2022) at the Chess Olympiads & Asian Games. Known for breaking down complex ideas into simple, actionable insights, Swayams specializes in teaching the kind of practical game sense that even engines can’t give you.

GM Swayams brings elite-level insight and mentorship to every GAP session — helping Upstep students think, train, and play like Grandmasters.

GM Sahaj Grover

A chess prodigy from Delhi, Sahaj Grover became India’s 28th Grandmaster in 2012 after a stellar youth career that included winning the World Under-10 Championship and a bronze at the World Junior (U-20) Championship. With a peak FIDE rating of 2528, Sahaj has claimed titles like the South African Open (2017 & 2018) and competed at the highest levels worldwide.

Known for his sharp tactics, deep preparation, and ability to spot patterns others miss, Sahaj now brings his expertise to Upstep Academy’s Grandmaster Accelerator Program (GAP) — helping the next generation master the skills and mindset engines can’t teach.

Terms & Conditions
  • Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis
  • Limited seats available
  • Recorded sessions will be available for a 7-day validity
  • Recording of the GM Live Masterclass sessions and Recorded GM Bonus Vault sessions will be provided on request
  • Recording of Booster, Psychology and Parent–Teacher Meeting Sessions will not be provided.
  • In case the GM is unavailable, a Titled Player (IM/FM/CM/WGM/WIM) will conduct the session
  • Each session is of 45 minutes (GAP sessions are two 45-min sessions back-to-back)
  • If a session is cancelled due to unavoidable reasons, it will be rescheduled on the next available date
  • Fee paid towards the program is non-refundable.
  • Complimentary Psychology session will start from September 2025
  • Masterclass with GM, Booster Session, Psychology Session, Parent-Teacher Meeting will be conducted online in webinar format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grandmaster Accelerator Program?

GAP is Upstep Academy’s premium chess training experience, led by world-class Grandmasters and titled players. It’s designed to take students beyond the basics—focusing on deep strategic understanding, mindset development, and competitive play.

How is GAP different from the ongoing classes of Upstep?

Regular classes at Upstep focus on core concepts and gradual skill building – they focus on structured learning, building core chess concepts, and ensuring steady progress through our proven curriculum. They are essential for consistent growth, discipline, and mastering the fundamentals.

GAP builds on this. It’s designed for students who already know the basics and want to accelerate their growth. In GAP, students get access to live Grandmaster webinars, bonus recorded GM content, high-energy booster sessions, psychology coaching, and parent-teacher meetings—experiences that deepen their understanding, sharpen competitive instincts, and enhance their mindset.

Think of ongoing classes as your daily training and skill building. GAP is your performance booster—the extra edge that transforms a good player into a serious competitor.

GAP sits on top of these regular classes—it’s an accelerated, high-intensity program designed to push students further and faster. It combines live Grandmaster webinars, bonus recorded GM sessions, fun & engaging booster sessions, psychology coaching, and parent-teacher interactions—all crafted to strengthen both skill and mindset, while complementing the progress students make in their regular classes.

Will my child be able to interact with the GM?

Yes. Students can interact directly with the Grandmaster during live sessions through Q&A and get actionable advice.

Who will be teaching my child?

Sessions are led by Grandmasters such as GM Swayams Mishra and GM Sahaj Grover. In case a GM is unavailable, an International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), Candidate Master (CM), Woman Grandmaster (WGM), or Woman International Master (WIM) will step in—ensuring high-quality instruction at all times.

What if my child misses a class?

We provide recordings of GM session on request, with a 7-day viewing window.

Will the topics be suitable for my child’s level?

Yes. GAP is designed for students who already know chess basics and want to grow into confident, competitive players.

How do I register?

Click the “Join the Waitlist” button on this page or get in touch with your Relationship Manager at Upstep. Seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What will my child gain from GAP?
  • Advanced thinking skills and deep strategic understanding
  • The ability to spot patterns and plans that engines can’t explain
  • Competitive mindset and decision-making under pressure
  • Exposure to world-class chess techniques
  • A boost in focus, confidence, and self-belief

EVERY CHAMPION HAS A GAP. WE HELP THEM FILL IT.

From Player to Contender

Join the Accelerator. Train like a Grandmaster. Think like one too.

Join the Waitlist