Checkmate Your Dreams: Top 5 Chess Academies in India

Chess has always held a special place in India. From the legendary Viswanathan Anand putting Indian chess on the world map to rising stars like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and D. Gukesh, the game is now inspiring thousands of kids and adults alike. No wonder so many parents and students are looking for the best chess academy in India.

If you’ve ever typed “chess academy near me” into Google, you probably realized there are plenty of options. But which ones are actually worth it? In this article, we’ll walk through the top 5 chess academies in India, what makes them special, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Why Join a Chess Academy in India?

Yes, you can learn chess online. But joining an academy gives you a lot more:

Expert coaches who know what it takes to win.
Tournament exposure so you don’t just study theory but also apply it.
Healthy competition with peers at your level.
Discipline and focus—skills that help both on and off the board.

👉 If you’re curious about other sports academies, you can also check our guide on the best football academies in Jharkhand.

1. Chess Gurukul, Chennai

Chess Gurukul is one of the top chess academies in India founded by Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh. It is known to produce a great talent and has been instrumental in producing players such as Praggnanandhaa who developed their talent in this place before they had their international debut.

Why it’s popular:

Coaches with Grandmaster-level experience.
Strong focus on practical play, not just theory.
A proven record of producing champions.

📍 Chennai, Tamil Nadu
🌐 Visit Chess Gurukul

2. ChessBase India Academy

Chessbase India, operated by IM Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal is just like any other chess-related brand that you have most certainly heard of should you follow Indian chess. Their school includes online school, coaching camps and chess tools.

Why players choose it:

Flexible online coaching—ideal if there’s no local academy near you.
A huge chess community with live tournaments and analysis.
Access to professional chess databases and resources.

📍 Online (available across India)
🌐 ChessBase India

3. South Mumbai Chess Academy (SMCA)

SMCA is an organization that has been in operation since 1996, and has trained thousands of players all over Mumbai. Online training, as well as offline, is equally good with beginners as well as advanced learners.

What stands out:

Trained over 20,000 students so far.
Structured lessons for each level.
Students regularly represent India in global tournaments.

📍 Mumbai, Maharashtra
🌐 SMCA Official Site

4. Bangalore Chess Academy

This academy has also earned a good reputation in Karnataka on its personalized approach. In this country, there are numerous young talents, who start with nothing, and then compete at tournaments.

Highlights:

FIDE-certified coaches.
Holiday training camps for kids.
Regular practice matches and tournament exposure.

📍 Bangalore, Karnataka

5. Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy (DBCA), Kolkata

This academy, which was initiated by the second Grandmaster of India Dibyendu Barua, is as old as decades. It is a popular hangout among children in Kolkata.

Why it’s unique:

Run by a Grandmaster with rich experience.
Strong focus on developing chess at the grassroots level.
Excellent reputation in West Bengal’s chess circles.

📍 Kolkata, West Bengal

How to Pick the Right Chess Academy Near Me

When you’re shortlisting a chess academy, keep these points in mind:

Coach’s background – Look for FIDE-rated trainers or titled players.
Batch size – Smaller groups = more attention.
Tournament support – Academies that register students for local/national events are always better.
Flexibility – If you live in a smaller town, go for academies offering online classes.

Real Success Stories

Praggnanandhaa became the youngest International Master in 2016, training under GM Ramesh at Chess Gurukul.
Gukesh D, another Chess Gurukul prodigy, is now among the world’s top Grandmasters.
Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur rose through academy training and went on to earn the Woman Grandmaster title.

These examples show how structured coaching can turn talent into results.

Fees of Chess Academies in India

The cost depends on the level of training and city:

Beginner classes: ₹1,000–₹3,000/month
Intermediate training: ₹4,000–₹8,000/month
Advanced personal coaching: ₹10,000 and above

Most academies also offer trial sessions—a great way to test before committing.

Final Thoughts

India is already a chess powerhouse in the world and as it attracts more youths, the future is bright. You may want to be the next GM or may wish to simply sharpen your mind but getting the right chess academy in India will help you to do it.

Therefore, the next time you are searching chess academy near my location, make sure that the academy has competent coaches, exposure to tournaments and a track record. That is the way you will know that it is worth your time.

FAQs on Chess Academies in India

Q1. Which is the best chess academy in India?

India has some of the highest rated chess academies such as Chess Gurukul (Chennai), ChessBase India Academy (Online), South Mumbai Chess Academy, Bangalore Chess Academy and Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy (Kolkata). The option that is best would be based on where you are and what you want to learn.

Q2. How much does a chess academy in India cost?

The fees begin at 1000 rupees a month. Mid classes are between 4000-8000 and higher personal coaching with the titled players can cost 10000 and above per month.

Q3. Can I join a chess academy near me if I live in a small city?

Yes. Numerous best academies such as ChessBase India also have online classes available, thus even in case you cannot find a nearby academy to study chess, you can still receive professional training at home.

Q4. Do chess academies in India help with tournaments?

Most of the good academies do not only train students but also help the students to enroll in the tournaments both locally, state and even nationally. This exposure can be important in enhancing competitive skills.

Q5. Is it necessary to join a chess academy to become a Grandmaster?

Although other players can train themselves, enrollment in a chess school in India offers a structured training, guidance, and a chance that can highly boost your chances of attaining the higher ranks.