Mark Paragua

Hello! My name is Mark Paragua. My journey with chess began as a child in the Philippines, where I became a Master at age 9 and later the youngest Grandmaster in my country’s history. While I have competed on the world’s biggest stages—from the World Cup to the Chess Olympiads—my true passion today is sharing the joy of chess with students here in New York City. ​I believe that chess is a beautiful tool for building a child’s confidence, focus, and strategic thinking. My goal is to nurture every student’s potential with a humble, patient, and encouraging approach. ​Why Choose Me? ​Direct GM Mentorship: You work directly with me—a verified International Grandmaster—ensuring you receive the highest level of expertise. ​A "Humble Master" Approach: I specialize in breaking down complex Grandmaster strategies into simple, fun lessons that are easy for children and adults to understand. ​Character & Discipline: Beyond the moves, I teach life skills like patience, sportsmanship, and how to stay calm under pressure. ​NYC Wide: I am dedicated to the NYC community and happy to travel to your home in any of the five boroughs or meet with you online. ​Lesson Rates: ​Online Mastery: $60/hour ​In-Person (All NYC Boroughs): $125/hour ​Mastery Package: $1,150 for 10 sessions (Save $100) ​I would be honored to help you or your child discover a love for this game. Please message me here to discuss your goals or to schedule a brief introductory call!