Coach Lazar Vilotijevic
$90/hour
estimated price
Responds within a day
Introduction: 2600+ rating and top 800 worldwide on chess.com
Earned Title At the World Open in 2014 (Age 13)
5 Time Suffern County Champion
4 Time Bergen County Champion
Second Place at 6TH ANNUAL BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS
Hundreds of First Place School District tournaments
Rated 2175 at age 14
My aim as a mentor is for students to embark on a transformative journey where improvement is not limited to a single aspect of the game. From enhancing personal opening repertoires and mastering maneuvering positional middlegames to recognizing endgame patterns, my instruction covers the full spectrum of chess strategy and tactics. I look forward to seeing you elevate your chess potential and chess prowess to new heights.
My name is Lazar, and I am a FIDE Candidate Master with an ELO rating of 2500 plus online. I’ve dedicated myself to the pursuit of the Grand Master title and have now returned to the game with renewed vigor. My passion for chess extends beyond personal achievement; I find immense joy in sharing my expertise through teaching. I am articulate in speaking my ideas across the board and am lucky to have gained this skill from reviewing my tournament games with my parents during my youth years. My educational portfolio spans from after school programs, to group adult lessons at local chess clubs. My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a deep love for the game, believing that an ELO rating of 2000 plus is easily within reach when students truly enjoy their chess journey. When I am not instructing, you’ll find me absorbed in the world of chess, constantly studying and enhancing my skills to inch closer to the coveted Grand Master title. My commitment to chess is unwavering.
Additionally, I organize and host online match play, bringing together a community of chess players through my own team arena on lichess. Participation is open to all, and challenges amongst any members are encouraged. You can find the registration link in my nio by visiting the MatchPlay team mentioned above.
Overview
Hired 48 times
Serves San Antonio, TX
Background checked
1 employee
4 years in business
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
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2023
2022
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Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
44 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Jennifer B.
Oct 11, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
We feel very lucky to have Lazar as our coach. He is highly knowledgeable about the game, but, most importantly, his people skills allow him to break things down effectively, helping his students think better.
It's easy to talk to him, and he makes the game less intimidating, encouraging you to develop your own greatness.
I'm convinced that my son's game has improved drastically, and it's delightful to see how much he enjoys his lessons instead of suffering through the process at his own pace.
Lazar is polite, well-educated, and a positive influence in this somewhat stigmatic sport. I'm positive we'll hear great things from him in the chess world in the future. He's one of the most talented players we've had the privilege to know.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • Intermediate • I don't have an Elo rating • As recommended by teacher • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Chess Lessons
Ryan U.
Apr 15, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
Lazar is highly qualified and has the ability to meet you where you are in your chess development. Even before my first lesson, he reviewed my games and identified areas for growth. With his help, I hit new highs in my rank and learned many ideas in chess that I very likely would have otherwise overlooked. I am thankful to have him as a coach!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • Once a week • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Chess Lessons
Mark N.
Oct 11, 2023
Lazar has been teaching my eight-year-old son for less than a year, and his progress is unbelievable. Not just in knowledge & ability (he's been winning tournaments and advances to a new level with each one) but more importantly, Lazar has fostered a love of the game, and a way of critical thinking that my son can use in many ways throughout his life. Best of all, Lazar makes it fun & age appropriate, with an enthusiasm that rubs off. He treats my son with respect, which builds confidence just as much as the chess. The enthusiasm is genuine - Lazar seems just as excited about my son's tournaments as we are! My son looks forward to the lessons each week. We're grateful we found Lazar as a coach.
Suresh K.
Aug 28, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
Below is the feedback from my son who took class with Lazar
My chess went to a whole another level when practicing with Lazar. As he always looked over my games and saw what we needed to work on. He also went out of his way to find the best games in the world and we did an analysis on them. He also has many areas where you can practice as he made many studies and lines for openings and he sends them to you so that’s at you can practice different openings and puzzles out of class. Overall I really enjoyed my experience with Lazar!
Details: 10 - 13 years old • Beginner • Once a week • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Chess Lessons
James A.
Jun 16, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
Excellent interactive style. Gives clear concise directions and explanations and encourages student interaction with game strategy. I look forward to future lessons and discussions with Coach Lazar. JP :-)
Details: 65 years or older • Beginner • I don't have an Elo rating • As recommended by teacher • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Chess Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Lazar Vilotijevic