Coach Lazar Vilotijevic
$90/hour
Estimated price
Responds within a day
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Introduction
2700+ 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.
Overview
Hired 50 times
Serves San Antonio, TX
Background checked
1 employee
5 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2022
Projects and media
13 photos
Projects and media
13 photos
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
52 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Bonnie L.
Aug 28, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
Details: 14 - 17 years old • Intermediate • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Chess Lessons
Antro P.
May 17, 2025
Coach Lazar has been a fantastic chess coach for my son. He’s patient, knowledgeable, and great at explaining concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. My son’s confidence and skills have grown a lot since they started working together.
Lazar keeps each lesson engaging and focused—highly recommend him for any young player looking to improve and enjoy the game!
Anushadevi M.
May 14, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
My son has been taking chess classes with Coach Lazar for few months now. Coat Lazar is incredibly patient and knows how to keep young players engaged. He has a knack for making complex concepts simple and fun. If you are looking for a skilled coach who is amazing with kids, I highly recommend coach Lazar.
Details: 6 - 9 years old • Beginner • Remotely (phone or internet)
Chess Lessons
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
Carl P.
May 18, 2025
I'm an adult improver and have been playing chess since the age of 7 years old. In that time I've tried (with some degree of success) various improvement methods ranging from puzzles, videos on openings, studying books such as Silman's endgame course and of course tactical exercises. The problem with the above methods for me is that doing these in isolation lacked structure and discipline. With Lazar's support I'm able to have high value conversations about very specific topics suited to my particular needs. Further, and probably even higher value is having Lazar analyse my games with me each week and for him to highlight specific areas we need to work on. Lazar's all round chess knowledge is very strong, he is very flexible with his availability and friendly in his approach. My overall understanding of the game has definitely improved thanks to Lazar and my ratings from blitz, rapid and classical have all increased. Without hesitation I highly recommend Lazar as a Chess Coach irrespective of your level.
Credentials
Background Check
Lazar Vilotijevic