Chess Coaching by Viktor | Skills for Life
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Introduction
Top-Rated Chess Coach | Building Thinkers, Not Just Players
I’m Coach Viktor — a 2000-rated player, founder of Northern California’s largest chess community, and a mentor who helps kids build more than just chess skills.
My coaching isn’t about memorizing moves — it’s about mastering focus, decision-making, discipline, and confidence. I use a proven 5-principle system to help students aged 6–15 develop lifelong habits through chess:
• 🧠 Daily training habits (consistency)
• 🔥 Embracing tough challenges
• 🕵️♂️ Structured thinking and reflection
• 🧱 Building skills step by step
• 🌟 Celebrating small wins and progress
I offer 1-on-1 and small group lessons in Palo Alto, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Menlo Park, and Redwood City — both in-person and online.
Ready to help your child unlock their full potential — through chess and beyond?
Overview
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Background checked
3 employees
1 year in business
Business hours
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This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
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Projects and media
6 photos
Projects and media
6 photos
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, punctuality, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
8 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Krishna D.
Feb 26, 2025
My son ( 6 year old) takes chess classes from Viktor, he really enjoys the classes. Viktor is very knowledgeable and teaches in a way that kids can easily understand, he is patient and very professional. As a parent I really recommend Viktor for chess classes to your kids. I know he does 1 on 1 classes as well as group lessons in different locations in bay area.
Jackey W.
Feb 21, 2025
I have three boys- twins who are eight-years-old and a seven-year-old son all three of them have been learning chess under Viktor Grigoriev. and I couldn’t be more pleased with his coaching. He is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable instructor who knows how to break down the complexities of chess in a way that is both engaging and easy for kids to understand.
One of the things I appreciate most about Viktor and his team is their ability to make the game exciting and fun. Chess can sometimes feel overwhelming for young learners, but Viktor and his team keeps lessons interactive and enjoyable, fostering a real enthusiasm for the game. My kids look forward to each session, and I have seen tremendous improvement not only in their strategic thinking but also in their confidence and problem-solving skills.
If you are looking for a chess coach who combines expertise with a fantastic teaching approach, I highly recommend Viktor Grigoriev. He creates a positive and encouraging environment that truly helps children develop a love for chess while sharpening their skills.
Anjana k.
Feb 20, 2025
I started teaching chess to my 6 year old at home and soon realized he would benefit highly from professional guidance. I approached Viktor to train him and I am happy to see his game has improved a lot in just a couple of months. Viktor quickly adapted to my kid's learning style and created personalized lessons that is engaging, informative and fun. My kid loves his chess sessions and looks forward to solving the chess puzzles with Viktor.
Julieth R.
Jun 18, 2024
Kids did not about Chess whatsoever. Viktor introduced the game and my two boys ( 7 and 9) started playing with each other. Then we were invited to attend to a Chess club in Palo Alto. It was amazing, the boys always talk about their games after the lessons and they want to play more and more. Thank you for everything
Yair B.
3 weeks ago
Viktor is an excellent chess tutor - he is patient, communicative, and makes chess fun for our 9 year old boy. Thank you, Viktor!
Credentials
Background Check
Viktor Grigorev