QueenHJM Chess School- ***Online via Zoom Only
Responds in about 2 hours
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About
Welcome to QueenHJM Chess School!
I'm Holly McRoberts, a 7-time New Mexico Women's State Chess Champion, FIDE-rated chess player, and educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience. I provide personalized online chess lessons via Zoom for children, teens, and adults anywhere in the world—no special equipment required.
I specialize in helping beginners build a strong foundation while making chess fun, interactive, and confidence-building. Whether you're learning the rules for the first time, looking for homeschool enrichment, preparing for your first tournament, or returning to chess after many years, I'll create lessons tailored to your goals, experience, and learning style.
My teaching approach is patient, encouraging, and engaging. Students build confidence while developing strategic thinking, problem-solving, concentration, and decision-making skills that extend beyond the chessboard.
Services include:
Private online chess lessons
Small group lessons
Homeschool chess enrichment
Tournament preparation
Free 20-minute Chess Strategy Session for new students
Every great chess player starts as a beginner. I'd love to help you or your child discover the lifelong enjoyment and benefits of chess.
Overview
Hired 15 times
Serves Chesapeake, VA
Background checked
1 employee
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
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Services offered
Level of experience
Work location
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.
Exceptional 5.0
7 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Alan t.
Aug 31, 2026
Hired on Thumbtack
I am just beginning to learn chess and find her lessons very helpful. She stays positive and lets me know in a positive way what I am doing well at and what I need to work on.
Highly recommend.
atuck 1944
Highly recommend.
atuck 1944
Details: 65 years or older • No experience • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
QueenHJM Chess School- ***Online via Zoom Only's reply
Thank you so much, Alan! It has been such a pleasure working with you and watching your chess skills grow. I especially enjoy seeing those moments when a new idea clicks and you begin to see the board in a whole new way! Your willingness to learn, ask questions, and keep improving makes our lessons a joy. I’m looking forward to many more games and discoveries together! ♟️👑
— Holly
QueenHJM Chess School
*Learn the Game. Discover Your Strength.*
Chess Lessons
Kyria B.
Sep 12, 2026
Hired on Thumbtack
My son loves when he has chess lessons, he likes the ability to play against her and other student’s. I love the professionalism she shows, and she is overall a very kind and informed instructor!
Details: At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
QueenHJM Chess School- ***Online via Zoom Only's reply
Thank you so much, Kyria! It means so much to hear that your son looks forward to his chess lessons! I absolutely love seeing him play, learn, and challenge himself—especially when he gets the opportunity to test his skills against me and other students.
One of my biggest goals is for children to associate chess with learning, confidence, and FUN, so hearing that he genuinely enjoys our time together makes me very happy. Thank you for trusting me to be part of his chess journey! ♟️👑
— Holly
QueenHJM Chess School
*Learn the Game. Discover Your Strength.*
Chess Lessons
Makani M.
Sep 9, 2026
Hired on Thumbtack
Holly called almost immediately after my request and scheduled a free session to play a game and baseline my skills. She then took nearly double to time to review several games with me before our first real session. I could not recommend Holly more, and I'm super excited to book my next session!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • Remotely (phone or internet)
QueenHJM Chess School- ***Online via Zoom Only's reply
Thank you so much, Makani! I really enjoyed our first game and having the opportunity to dig into your previous games with you. Getting to know how you think over the board—and identifying both your strengths and the areas where we can make the biggest improvements—is one of my favorite parts of coaching.
Your enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and I’m just as excited for our next session! We have lots to work on and plenty of great chess ahead of us. ♟️👑
— Holly
QueenHJM Chess School
Learn the Game. Discover Your Strength.
Chess Lessons
Jessica M.
1 month ago
Hired on Thumbtack
So amazing. So much knowledge and honestly was fun too! I was so nervous to start but she made lesson so relaxing and natural.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
QueenHJM Chess School- ***Online via Zoom Only's reply
Thank you so much, Jessica! This makes me smile because chess should be challenging, but it should also be FUN! ♟️
I’m so glad you felt comfortable and relaxed during our lesson. There is absolutely no reason to be nervous about learning chess—we all start somewhere, and every mistake is simply another opportunity to discover something new.
You were such a joy to work with, and I loved seeing your confidence grow as we played. I’m looking forward to many more games, laughs, and “aha!” moments together! 👑♟️
— Holly
QueenHJM Chess School
*Learn the Game. Discover Your Strength.*
Chess Lessons
Jessika H.
Aug 5, 2026
This chess lesson was amazing. The instructor showed deep knowledge, endless patience, and a true love for the game that made every minute fun and clear. My skills improved fast, and I felt supported the entire time.
QueenHJM Chess School- ***Online via Zoom Only's reply
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Jessika! It was a pleasure working with you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the lesson and felt supported throughout the learning process. My goal is to create a positive, engaging environment where students can build confidence, improve their skills, and truly enjoy the game of chess. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience—I look forward to continuing your chess journey together!
Credentials
Background Check
Holly Mcroberts