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David Bajot

$50/hour
Estimated price


Responds in about 48 min


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About
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.
Overview

Hired 4 times

Serves Nashville, TN

Background checked

1 employee

1 year in business

Business hours

Sun11:00 am - 8:00 pmMon11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Services offered
Level of experience
Work location

My customers travel to me

I travel to my customers

I work remotely (phone or internet)

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

25 reviews

5

96%

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4%

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Wyatt B.

Jan 14, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

David is a very informative and insightful coach! I learned something brand new in my very first session (1350 ELO at peak). His sessions are personalized so you’re not just getting basic tips and tricks; it’s real learning from YOUR real games and experience. He also takes time to check in with you, provide you with resources, and make sure you’re having the best time possible with the always elusive game of chess. I highly recommend him!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • Intermediate • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

Chess Lessons
pro avatar
Yevgeny K.

Dec 13, 2025

We’re having a great experience with David as a chess coach. He’s dedicated, patient, engaging, and knows how to challenge an intermediate 8-year-old while keeping lessons fun and motivating.
David Bajot's reply
Thanks, Yevgeny!
pro avatar
Natalia P.

Dec 12, 2025

I really enjoy my lessons with David I learned a lot and improved in playing chess . I was very happy to get my first title. Playing in a tournament I was thinking about what David tought me and won. David is a great teacher i recomend him to everyone who wants to improve in playing chess .
David Bajot's reply
Thanks, Natalia!
pro avatar
Katelin J.

Dec 11, 2025

David is an exceptional chess teacher. He's professional and incredibly patient, creating a comfortable environment to learn in. I really appreciate how insightful his feedback is; he has a knack for spotting exactly what I need to work on and adjusting the lessons to meet me where I’m at. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their game.
David Bajot's reply
Thanks Katelin!
pro avatar
Gwendolyn R.

Dec 20, 2025

David is such an exceptional instructor with my child. He goes above and beyond and helping children and adults, understand the game of chess.. He is very patient and understanding with the scheduling with me and my son.
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David Bajot

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