Chess is how a child learns to think.
Private chess lessons in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Goleta for children at any stage. In person or on Zoom.
No two students get the same lessons. The coaching is mine. Between lessons, the newest training tools are built in, shaped to each student. See the practice lab
Book a lessonUSCF Expert · National K-6 Blitz Champion · Washington State K-6 Champion · 25 rated tournaments directed in our local community · Immediate Past President, Santa Barbara County Chess Club
What every child learns, in their own way
Learn from every moment
Children learn to get curious and ask questions, turning tough games into information, then growth.
Trust yourself
Every move is your child's own. Their instincts get sharper by being tested. When the board says otherwise, they ask why, problem-solve their way to a better idea, and go again.
Joy
Lessons are games first. A child who learns to love learning will practice on their own, in chess and well beyond it.
Taught by someone who has won it, and has run it
I started playing at nine, won state and national titles as a student, and have spent over a decade teaching and organizing chess in Santa Barbara.
Since 2014 I've directed 25 USCF rated tournaments in our local community for the Santa Barbara County Chess Club, where I'm Immediate Past President. I know what it takes to get good, and I know what it feels like to be a beginner. With every student that means patience, humor, and lessons that move at the child's pace. I explain ideas in plain words, and we play a lot.
Structure gives children something solid to stand on, and within it I encourage them to explore their own ideas. When an idea is a known dead end, I step in with feedback, so they're free to experiment without getting lost. When a child is stuck, I add structure. When they're flowing, I step back and let them explore.
The practice lab
Practice between lessons
Every student has a lab of their own: a place to try ideas and get feedback that fits them.
A gentle opponent
Starts easy and adapts after every game: a little stronger after a win, easier after a loss.
Puzzles from their own games
Each puzzle comes from a moment on the student's own board.
Kyle sees where they are
Progress goes to Kyle with one tap, so every lesson starts from where they are now.
Open the practice lab Kids lab
Families of newer players get a code from Kyle for the kids lab.
Lessons
After each lesson, parents get a short note on what we covered and what to try at home.
Teens and adults: tournament and adult coaching.
Get in touch
Have a question first? Send a message and I'll reply by email.