Chinmay Teke

What makes you a good coach?

I’m patient, understanding, and genuinely passionate about helping others improve. I enjoy explaining things in simple, clear ways and making chess fun to learn. I also believe in encouraging students to think for themselves and enjoy the process rather than just focusing on getting the final answers.

Key strengths

My main strengths are patience, clear communication, and analytical thinking. I enjoy breaking complex ideas into smaller, easy-to-understand parts that help students learn effectively.

Why do you love Chess?

I love chess because every game is unique and challenges me to think strategically and adapt quickly. I spend much of my free time playing online or solving puzzles, which helps keep my mind sharp and active.

When/how did you first learn to play?

I first learned chess from my father, which sparked my initial interest. Later, I joined my school’s chess club, where I improved through regular practice and tournaments. I was fortunate to represent my school at the national level, where our team placed third. After a short break, I returned to chess and now regularly play and train with my university’s chess club.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

I have always enjoyed working with children. I previously worked as a casual reliever and volunteered at summer camps, which strengthened my interest in teaching. Being able to combine my love for chess with the opportunity to help kids develop passion, focus, and problem-solving skills is incredibly rewarding for me.

Main Chess achievements

My greatest chess achievement was representing my school at the national championships, where our team secured third place. More recently, I have been an active member of my university chess club, improving through practice games, puzzles, and friendly competitions.

How does Chess help kids?

Chess helps kids develop essential life skills such as focus, patience, and problem-solving, as well as staying calm under pressure. It teaches them to think ahead, adapt when things don’t go as planned, and appreciate that consistent practice leads to growth—no matter how small the improvement.