David Bajot

I am a longtime educator and chess coach with over 40 years of teaching experience, dedicated to making chess both fun and meaningful for everyone. My approach blends patience with interactive lessons tailored to each student’s needs, energy, and interests. I believe chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for building confidence, resilience, and thoughtful decision-making. In my private instruction, I work with students of all ages and skill levels—from those brand new to the game to advanced players around 2000 ELO. I have also guided a teacher in launching an after-school chess program, and my experience extends to working with children of all backgrounds, including students on the autism spectrum and with ADHD. My lessons emphasize growth, engagement, and adaptability, always keeping learners motivated and inspired. I competed in tournaments in Belgium (under-21 championships, at ages 13-14), as well as in California, Ohio, and Illinois, and studied under the late great GM Anatoly Lein and IM Calvin Blocker, a 15-time Ohio state champion. Beyond private instruction, I am the founder and organizer of the weekly Palo Alto chess meetup, where I foster a welcoming environment for players of all ages to learn, connect, and grow. With over five decades of playing experience, I bring both deep knowledge of the game and a warm, student-centered approach. Outside of chess, I am also passionate about skiing and music: I was on the Belgian National Alpine Ski Team for years and competed in international under-18 events. I am natively bilingual in English and French, with conversational Spanish.