JD gives high-quality lessons. I’ve made strong progress and understand the game much better since I started working with him. Thank you!
Max
Rapid improvement!
Private coaching
Online Chess Lessons
Online chess lessons with a private coach: a structured method, analysis of your own games, and a clear study plan between sessions. Built for adults picking up the game and club players stuck on a plateau.
Rated 5/5 on 148 Superprof reviews, Ambassador badge.
The first lesson lasts 90 minutes, including 30 free minutes to set your goals. No commitment, no credit card.
How it works
1
Book a time slot
The online calendar shows my availability in real time. You get the Google Meet link by email — no credit card required.
2
We work on your games
Video call with a shared board: we go through your games, pinpoint what is costing you points, and fix it on concrete positions.
3
You leave with a plan
Every session ends with a simple study plan for the week. From one lesson to the next, we check that your rating is actually moving.
The full approach is documented in the JD Chess method: +500 Elo in 10 weeks. And if you are just discovering the game, learning chess as an adult explains where to start.
Chess lessons that fit your adult life
You do not need hours of study every day to make a lesson useful. We start with your games and the time you can realistically give chess, then choose one priority to work on between sessions.
Learning as an adult
We start with the positions you find confusing: keeping pieces safe, spotting threats and making a decision. You can ask basic questions without needing a rating or a repertoire first.
Returning to the game
Bring a recent game so we can see what has stayed with you and what needs refreshing. We choose a useful starting point instead of restarting every topic from zero.
Getting past a plateau
We look for a pattern in your decisions, such as rushing after the opening or missing an opponent’s threat. The next exercise follows that pattern, rather than adding another unrelated study task.
An illustrative example
One lesson, one useful priority for the week
Imagine that a game review shows you kept attacking while leaving pieces unprotected. Your priority is to check what your opponent threatens before committing to a move. A short practice block might be five minutes revisiting that position, five minutes on similar examples and five minutes explaining your choice without an engine. In your next game, try the same check before each move.
We can then review where the habit helped and where it broke down. This is an example of the process, not a promised rating gain or a fixed schedule for every student. Use the training routine calculator to explore how practice could fit into your week.
Simple pricing
Private lessons ($40/h)
Improve at your own pace with fully personalized coaching. Each lesson adapts to your level, goals, and current blockers.
Recommended option
10-lesson pack ($350)
The most complete option to build real progress. Regular follow-up, a personalized study plan, clearer priorities, and tracked training on ChessDesk.
Start the program →
Masterclass ($179, 8 hours)
A small-group immersion to work intensively, improve practical understanding, and break through to the next level, especially around 1000 Elo.
Reviews of my chess lessons
JD is an incredible chess teacher. He teaches my two children, aged 7 and 9, and both have made impressive progress with him...
Coralie
Mother of Auguste and Madeleine.
As an intermediate player (1200 Elo), I decided to work with a coach after a period of stagnation, and it was the right call. JD combines theory and practice...
Guillaume
On the road to 1500
Frequently asked questions
How much do online chess lessons cost?
A private lesson is $40 per hour. The first lesson is $40 in total for 90 minutes, including 30 free minutes. The 10-lesson pack is $350 ($35 per lesson), and the 8-hour masterclass is $179. Prices are in USD. No commitment or credit card is required to reserve your first lesson.
What happens during an online chess lesson?
We meet on a video call (Google Meet) with a shared board on screen. We analyze your Lichess or Chess.com games, work the positions that cost you points, and you leave with a concrete study plan for the week.
Do I need a minimum level to take chess lessons?
No. I coach adults discovering the game as well as club players who have plateaued. The method starts from your real games, so it adapts to your current level instead of following a standard curriculum.
What equipment do I need for an online lesson?
A computer with a browser and a decent connection is enough. A free Lichess or Chess.com account helps for analyzing your games, and I will help you set one up during the first lesson if needed.
Can I take lessons around work or from another time zone?
Use the booking calendar to check available times and select your own time zone before confirming. Choose a slot you can attend comfortably; availability depends on the current calendar. We can then shape your practice around the time you have between lessons.
What should I prepare for my first lesson?
Bring a recent Chess.com or Lichess game if you have one, one question you want to work on, and an idea of the time you can spend on chess each week. If you are starting from scratch, that is fine too: we can begin with the basics on the shared board.
Is an online chess lesson as good as an in-person one?
For chess, yes — and often better: the shared board lets us replay positions instantly, annotate variations, and keep a written record of every session. You improve between lessons, not just during them.
The easiest way to find out if it fits: a first 90-minute lesson, with 30 minutes free.