Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury

With the explosion of online chess during the pandemic, more people than ever are looking to up their game.

Did you know that Chess.com saw a 40% increase in new members during 2020?

That’s millions of potential students waiting for you.

Why Start an Online Chess Coaching Business?

Low overhead. High demand. Flexible hours.

What’s not to love?

Plus, you get to share your passion with others and watch them improve.

It’s a win-win.

Getting Started: The Basics

1. Assess Your Skills

Be honest. Are you really good enough to teach?

If you’re rated 1800+ on major chess platforms, you’re probably ready.

If not, keep grinding.

2. Define Your Niche

Beginners? Advanced players? Kids? Adults?

Pick a lane and own it.

3. Set Up Your Online Presence

• Create a killer website
• Establish social media accounts
• Join chess forums and communities

4. Choose Your Teaching Platforms

Options include:

• Zoom
• Skype
• Chess.com’s live coaching feature
• Lichess’s study feature

Test them all. See what works best for you.

Pricing Your Services: Don’t Sell Yourself Short

Starting out? $20-30 per hour is reasonable.

As you build your reputation, don’t be afraid to raise your rates.

Top online chess coaches can charge $100+ per hour.

Remember: You’re selling results, not time.

Marketing Your Chess Coaching Business

1. Content Marketing

Create valuable content that showcases your expertise:

• YouTube tutorials
• Chess puzzles on social media
• Blog posts analyzing famous games

2. Offer Free Mini-Lessons

Give potential students a taste of your teaching style.

They’ll be hooked.

3. Leverage Chess Communities

Be active on:

• Reddit’s r/chess
• Chess.com forums
• Local chess club Facebook groups

Don’t spam. Provide value. The students will come.

4. Collect and Showcase Testimonials

Nothing sells like social proof.

Ask your best students for glowing reviews.

Plaster them all over your website and social media.

Scaling Your Chess Coaching Empire

1. Group Lessons

More students. Less time. More money.

Win-win-win.

2. Create Digital Products

• Recorded video courses
• E-books on specific openings or strategies
• Custom training plans

Passive income is the name of the game.

3. Host Online Tournaments

Charge a small entry fee.

Offer coaching packages as prizes.

Great way to attract new students and keep current ones engaged.

The Tech Stack: Keep It Simple

You don’t need fancy equipment to get started.

Must-haves:

• Reliable internet connection
• Decent webcam and microphone
• Screen sharing software
• Digital chess board (like chess.com or lichess.org)

Nice-to-haves:

• Second monitor for better multitasking
• Graphic tablet for on-screen annotations

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Overcommitting

Don’t burn yourself out. Start small and scale gradually.

2. Neglecting Business Basics

Track your income and expenses. Set aside money for taxes.

Don’t let the IRS checkmate you.

3. Ignoring Student Feedback

Listen to your students. Adapt your teaching style.

Happy students = More referrals = More money

The Power of Specialization

Want to stand out in a crowded market?

Specialize.

Some ideas:

• Endgame expert
• Opening preparation guru
• Tactics wizard
• Mental game coach

Find your unique angle and dominate that niche.

Staying Sharp: Continuous Improvement

The chess world is always evolving.

Stay on top of:

• New opening theory
• Cutting-edge chess engines
• Emerging teaching techniques

Attend workshops. Read books. Play in tournaments.

The better you get, the more valuable you become to your students.

Building Long-Term Relationships with Students

Repeat business is the lifeblood of any coaching enterprise.

How to keep students coming back:

1. Set clear goals and track progress
2. Celebrate their wins (no matter how small)
3. Personalize your approach for each student
4. Go above and beyond (occasional free resources or extra time)

Remember: You’re not just teaching chess. You’re building confidence and problem-solving skills.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: The Potential of Online Chess Coaching

According to a recent survey, the global chess market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025.

That’s a lot of potential students.

Even if you capture just a tiny fraction of that market, you’re looking at a seriously profitable business.

Embracing Technology: Enhance Your Coaching

Use AI-powered chess analysis tools to provide deeper insights.

Platforms like Chessable can help you create interactive lessons.

Stay ahead of the curve. Your students will thank you (and pay you more).

The Mindset for Success

Patience is key. Building a thriving chess coaching business takes time.

Stay consistent. Keep learning. Keep improving.

Remember: Every grandmaster was once a beginner.

Your chess coaching business can follow the same trajectory.

Networking: Your Secret Weapon

Connect with other chess coaches.

Join professional organizations.

Attend chess conferences and events.

The more people you know, the more opportunities will come your way.

Final Thoughts: Your Move

Starting an online chess coaching business isn’t just about making money.

It’s about sharing your passion, helping others improve, and contributing to the chess community.

But make no mistake: If you do it right, it can be incredibly profitable.

So what are you waiting for?

The clock is ticking. Make your move.

Your chess coaching empire awaits.