"Chess helps you to concentrate, improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve in an uncertain environment." -Anatoly Karpov

Unlock Your Child's Potential with Chess

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About

At Chess Wizards London, we believe in the transformative power of chess to foster strategic thinking and boost educational outcomes. Our mission is to use our experience in more than 30 London schools and more than 500 students to make the timeless game of chess accessible, enjoyable, and challenging for people of all ages and skill levels.

Why Chess ?

Rational Thinking and Decision Making: Chess encourages logical reasoning, helping children to think ahead, weigh options, and understand the consequences of their actions.

Strategy and Problem Solving: Every move in chess involves strategic planning, which enhances problem-solving skills that are applicable in many areas of life.

Self-Awareness: Chess requires players to reflect on their decisions, learn from mistakes, and understand their own strengths and weaknesses.

Dealing with Winning and Losing: Chess is a great way for children to learn sportsmanship. They learn to win graciously and lose with dignity, understanding that each game is an opportunity for learning and growth.

These skills extend far beyond the chessboard, influencing academic performance, social interactions, and personal growth. By learning chess, children develop a toolkit of skills that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of life.

Reviews

  • Dionysios is an example of an exceptional teacher: knowledgeable, patient and engaging. He doesn’t give answers straight away but guides the student to think differently and reach to the conclusions by their own, prioritising the reasoning behind each lesson. I would definitely recommend to close friends and family, young or adult.

    Pablo

  • I got Zapantes (Dio) to teach my kid to play chess. He has made chess super fun and interesting. He is patient and engaging. He’s a really good teacher.

    Nicolette

  • Very experienced staff! Particularly impressed with the way they were delivering their sessions, which were both fun and educational!

    Ioannis

Meet the Team

  • Hello, I'm Dionysios Zapantes, the founder of Chess Wizards London. My journey with chess began at the tender age of five in Western Greece, where the game quickly became more than just a pastime; it evolved into a passion. Over the years, I've had the honor of being a regional champion multiple times, carrying with me not just trophies, but invaluable experiences and memories, especially from being part of my school's chess team and participating in school team championships.

    Chess has been a constant companion through my life's milestones, accompanying me to London in 2018 when I embarked on my studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London. It was here in London that I discovered another calling: teaching chess. The joy and fulfillment I found in teaching chess to young minds have been unparalleled. Working with some of the most prestigious schools in London, for more than 5 years, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact chess can have on developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence in children.

    This realization sparked a vision. Despite the rich chess culture in London's most popular clubs, I saw an opportunity to elevate the level of chess teaching further. Drawing from my extensive experience as a player and teacher, and inspired by advanced learning methodologies like the Kumon method known for its effectiveness in teaching math, I founded Chess Wizards. My aim is to blend academic excellence with the psychology of learning, creating a nurturing environment where children can grow not just as chess players but as thinkers and leaders.

    At Chess Wizards, we're more than just a chess club; we're a community of learners and dreamers. We believe in the power of chess to change lives, fostering skills that extend well beyond the chessboard. Join us on this exciting journey, and let's unlock the full potential of every young mind that walks through our doors.

  • Hi, I’m Athina, and I’m excited to bring my expertise to enhance children’s experiences in chess lessons. As a Lead Assistant Psychologist in Central and North West London and a Research Assistant in the Mood Instability Group at Imperial College London, I combine academic knowledge with practical experience. My background includes academic achievements from UCL, Imperial College, and the University of Glasgow.

    I have extensive experience conducting mental health research with children and volunteering in roles such as teaching in Fiji and supporting individuals through Shout, a 24/7 text-based mental health service. My goal is to assess feedback, identify behavioural patterns, and provide tailored training for instructors, ensuring each child’s chess journey promotes cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

  • Hello, I'm Pietro, a coach in Chess Wizards London. Contrarily to the typical chess player, I have discovered the wonders of chess as an adult. Within a year I had become team captain for Southampton’s league team, I had come second in the Fareham standard play tournament and I had reached a FIDE rating of over 1700 elo. To achieve this, I have discovered unique and fun ways to learn and study chess. Now, years later, I plan on sharing these methods with my students. Chess is a great mirror of life, and winning at the board will give you confidence for many other aspects of your life. That is why I would like for as many people as possible to learn chess.

  • Hi, I’m Sami Mortazavi, and I’m excited to be your child’s chess coach. With a peak FIDE rating of 1800 and years of competitive experience, including university tournaments and a featured chess brilliancy in The Telegraph, I bring a lifelong passion for the game.

    Growing up, I learned chess from my father, an International Master, which inspired me to share this knowledge with others. With a 2:1 History degree from the University of Exeter, I’ve honed my teaching skills to help young learners improve their technique, think critically, and build confidence. I aim to make chess both fun and a tool for developing creativity and life skills.