VALERI HAKOBYAN - chess

Coach Val is an experienced chess coach with over eight years of online teaching experience and more than fifteen years of competitive chess experience. He is passionate about helping students develop critical thinking, confidence, and discipline through chess. His interactive teaching style encourages students to actively analyze positions, suggest moves, and understand the ideas behind every decision rather than simply memorizing patterns.

Coach Val teaches students of all ages and skill levels, from young beginners as early as five years old to advanced tournament players. In group classes, he emphasizes collaboration through game analysis and discussion while fostering healthy competition and continuous improvement. His goal is to create a supportive learning environment where students build both strong chess fundamentals and a genuine love for the game.

Coach Val holds a Master’s degree in Applied Educational Psychology, allowing him to combine educational principles with competitive chess training. His lessons focus on tactical awareness, positional understanding, endgame technique, and tournament preparation, helping students develop both practical playing skills and strategic thinking.

Outside of chess, Coach Val enjoys strategic sports such as boxing and tennis, along with reading thriller books and watching thriller movies.

Selected Achievements:

• US Chess Federation (USCF) peak rating of approximately 2200

• Current USCF rating: 1900

• Lichess rating: approximately 2200

• Chess.com rating: 2100–2200

• First Place — Philadelphia World Open (2021)

• First Place — Las Vegas National Open (2021)

• Top 3 — North American Blitz Championship (2024)

• Over eight years of online teaching experience

• Master’s Degree in Applied Educational Psychology