The fun is in the learning!
USCA trainers and students have appeared in leading news outlets, programs, and podcasts including
The USCA Trainer Team Includes:
4 Grandmasters, 4 International Masters, 4 FIDE Masters, 3 National Masters, 8 Certified FIDE Instructors
Over 10,000 students taught and counting!
Amazing Classes & Lessons
Our celebrated Chess classes teach children and adults to solve problems energetically and enjoy both challenges as well as rewards.
Brilliant Teachers
Train with the world's elite chess minds! Our acclaimed team of passionate and engaging mentors includes Grandmasters, International Masters, and FIDE Trainers.
Tailored For Each Student
Because everyone learns in their own way, we offer a variety of fantastic class and lesson formats to suit a student’s learning style and experience level.
Most trusted by NYC's best schools
Praise For Founder & Director Light Buggiani
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“Light Buggiani is a teacher of the highest order - I could not recommend him more wholeheartedly to parents looking to give their child a profoundly rewarding human experience through the art of chess.”
— Josh Waitzkin
International Master, 8 time National Chess Champion and subject of Searching for Bobby Fischer
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“Light Buggiani is one of America’s most creative and inspiring chess teachers. If I could start the journey of learning how to play chess again, I can think of no better guide than Light.”
— Bruce Pandolfini
Renowned Chess Teacher, Acclaimed Chess Author, Co-Founder of Chess in the Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
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Children can begin learning chess as early as 4-5 years old. At US Chess Academy, we tailor our teaching approach to match each child's developmental stage and learning style.
Younger students (ages 4-7) benefit from our game-based, engaging methods that make learning fun, while older students can dive deeper into strategy and competitive play. It's never too early or too late to start—we've successfully taught students from age 4 through adulthood. -
Absolutely! We welcome students at every skill level, from those who've never touched a chess piece to advanced tournament players.
Our instructors begin by assessing each student's current knowledge and tailoring lessons accordingly. Many of our students start as complete beginners and progress to become competitive tournament players.
Our patient, experienced teachers—including 5 Grandmasters, 4 International Masters, and 8 Masters—know exactly how to make chess accessible and exciting for newcomers. -
Chess offers benefits for virtually every child, regardless of their interests or learning style. If your child enjoys puzzles, strategy games, or problem-solving, they'll likely love chess.
But even children who seem restless or struggle with focus often thrive in chess because the game is engaging and rewarding.
We recommend starting with a trial lesson or our $25 Chess Assessment with a Chess Master (available at www.uschessacademy.com/assessment) to see how your child responds.
Most parents are surprised by how quickly their children become enthusiastic about learning!
Location & Logistics
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We're based in Manhattan, New York City.
We offer:
In-person lessons at our location;
In-home lessons throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn;
In-school programs at partner schools across NYC;
Online lessons accessible from anywhere.
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While we're based in Manhattan, we serve Brooklyn for in-home lessons and our online program serves students throughout the United States and internationally.
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We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy family schedules, including after-school hours, evenings, and weekends.
When you enroll, we work with you to find times that fit your schedule. Online lessons provide even more flexibility since there's no commute time.
Practical Concerns
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For online lessons, you'll need:
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone;
Stable internet connection
We'll provide access to our online chess platform and use Zoom for video conferencing.
For in-person lessons, all materials are provided. If your child wants to practice at home, we can recommend chess sets and resources.
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We understand that scheduling conflicts arise. Our state-of-the-art scheduling system allows customers to cancel and reschedule with just a couple of clicks. Specific policies vary by program format—we'll explain the details when you enroll.
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Online lessons use Zoom for video conferencing combined with an online chess platform where students and instructors can see and move pieces in real-time.
The instructor can demonstrate concepts, watch your child play, and provide immediate feedback just as they would in person.
Before your first lesson, we'll do a quick tech check to ensure everything runs smoothly.
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Absolutely! Parents are welcome to observe, especially for younger children or initial lessons. Many parents find it helpful to watch occasionally to understand what their child is learning and how they can support practice at home.
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We want every student to love learning chess! If your child isn't engaging with the material, please let us know immediately.
Often, a simple adjustment—like changing the teaching approach, modifying the pace, or switching to a different instructor—makes all the difference. We're committed to finding the right fit for each student.
Programs & Lesson Formats
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Our pricing is competitive with other elite chess programs in NYC.
Pricing varies based on lesson format (private vs. group), frequency, and whether lessons are online or in-person.
Please contact us directly for current pricing, or visit our website for detailed information. We're happy to discuss options that fit your budget.
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Yes! We encourage families to start with a trial lesson so your child can experience our teaching approach.
We also offer a comprehensive Chess Assessment with a Chess Master for just $25, available at www.uschessacademy.com/assessment.
This is a great way to evaluate your child's current skill level and determine the best program for them.
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We offer flexible enrollment options. Many families start with a trial or short-term commitment before moving to regular ongoing lessons.
We understand that every family's situation is different, and we work to accommodate your needs.
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Yes, we offer discounts when multiple children from the same family enroll. Contact us for specific details.
About US Chess Academy
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US Chess Academy has been setting the standard for chess education for years, teaching over 10,000 students.
We've built partnerships with some of NYC's most prestigious schools including The Buckley School, Riverdale Country School, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, and many others.
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Several factors set us apart:
Elite instructors: 5 Grandmasters, 4 International Masters, and 8 Masters;
Proven results: Our students include national champions and top-rated scholastic players;
Personalized approach: Low teacher-to-student ratios and customized curriculum;
Flexible formats: Multiple lesson types to suit different learning styles and schedules;
Reputation: Trusted by NYC's best schools and endorsed by chess legends like Josh Waitzkin and Bruce Pandolfini;Holistic development: We focus on building critical thinking, confidence, and life skills—not just chess moves.
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US Chess Academy was founded by Light Buggiani, an acclaimed chess educator endorsed by International Master Josh Waitzkin (8-time National Champion and subject of 'Searching for Bobby Fischer') and renowned teacher Bruce Pandolfini.
Light's innovative teaching approach and passion for chess education have made US Chess Academy a leader in the field.
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US Chess Academy has a rich community of teachers and students who have been featured in leading news outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, MIT Media Lab, Saint Louis Chess Club, NY1 News, CBS Mornings, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and many others.
This recognition reflects the caliber of our instructors and the achievements of our students.
Instructors & Teaching Quality
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We offer flexible formats to suit different learning preferences and schedules:
Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction with a master-level instructor, fully customized to your child's needs and goals.
Small Group Classes: Semi-private lessons with students at similar skill levels, combining personalized attention with peer learning.
In-School Programs: Curricular and after-school chess programs at partner schools throughout NYC.
Online Lessons: Live, interactive instruction via Zoom with the same exceptional teachers as our in-person programs.
In-Home Lessons: Private instruction in the comfort of your Manhattan or Brooklyn home.
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Both formats provide the same high-quality instruction from our world-class teachers.
Online lessons offer convenience and flexibility—your child can learn from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating travel time.
In-person lessons provide face-to-face interaction and can be helpful for younger students who benefit from physical presence.
Many families find online lessons just as effective as in-person instruction. The quality of teaching and personalized attention remain consistent regardless of format. -
Private lessons are ideal for students who want intensive, customized instruction, are preparing for specific tournaments, have scheduling constraints, or prefer one-on-one attention.
Group classes work well for students who enjoy learning with peers, benefit from social interaction, want a more affordable option, or are just beginning their chess journey. We're happy to discuss which format would best suit your child's needs. -
Each lesson is thoughtfully structured to maximize learning.
A typical session includes:Opening instruction on new concepts, tactics, or strategies;
Practical exercises and puzzles to reinforce learning;
Supervised game play with real-time coaching and feedback;
Game analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement;
Homework assignments (for students who want extra practice). Our instructors adapt the pacing and content to each student's level and learning speed.
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US Chess Academy has one of the most accomplished teaching teams in the country.
Our roster includes:5 Grandmasters (the highest title in chess),
4 International Masters,
8 Masters,
and multiple Certified FIDE Instructors.
We've taught over 10,000 students collectively. All instructors are carefully selected not only for their chess expertise but also for their passion for teaching and ability to connect with students. Many have coached national and international champions.
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Yes! We believe continuity is crucial for effective learning. Students are paired with an instructor who matches their learning style and goals, and they work with that same teacher throughout their chess journey. This allows the instructor to deeply understand your child's strengths, challenges, and progress, creating a more personalized and effective learning experience.
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Our approach integrates cutting-edge chess learning tools with a deep understanding of how children learn. We don't just teach chess moves—we build critical thinking skills, confidence, and a genuine love for the game.
Our low teacher-to-student ratio ensures every child receives substantial individual attention.
Plus, our instructors bring diverse teaching philosophies and international experience, giving students exposure to different styles and strategies used by top players worldwide.
Cost & Commitment
Student Progress & Outcomes
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Progress varies by student depending on their starting level, frequency of lessons, and practice between sessions.
Most students show noticeable improvement within 4-8 weeks of regular instruction. Students who practice between lessons and play games outside of class typically progress faster.
Our instructors provide regular progress updates and adjust the curriculum to ensure continuous growth.
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Research consistently shows that chess enhances academic skills.
Regular chess practice has been shown to improve:
Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving;
Reading comprehension and critical thinking;
Memory and concentration;
Patience and self-discipline;
Planning and strategic thinking skills.
Many of our students' parents report improved performance in school, particularly in math and science subjects.
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While not required, regular practice accelerates progress significantly. We recommend 15-30 minutes of practice 2-3 times per week between lessons. This can include playing games online, solving puzzles, or reviewing concepts from recent lessons. We provide guidance on effective practice methods.
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Many of our students participate in local, national, and international tournaments, but tournament play is entirely optional.
We support students whether they want to play casually for enjoyment or compete at the highest levels.
Our students include some of the highest-rated scholastic players in the country and world, and we have extensive experience preparing students for competitive play.
However, we equally value students who simply love learning and playing chess for personal enrichment.
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We have extensive experience coaching competitive players.
Tournament preparation includes:
Opening repertoire development;
Tactics and calculation training;
Endgame study;
Time management strategies;
Psychological preparation and dealing with competition pressure;
Game analysis and learning from losses;
Tournament logistics and what to expect.
Several of our instructors have coached national champions and international competitors.
Next Steps
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Getting started is easy:
Visit our website at uschessacademy.com or call us directly;
Schedule a trial lesson or book a $25 Chess Assessment at www.uschessacademy.com/assessment;
We'll discuss your child's experience level, goals, and scheduling needs;
Match your child with the perfect instructor;
Begin the chess journey!
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Of course! We encourage parents to reach out with questions. Contact us via our website, email, phone, or social media. We're happy to discuss your child's specific needs and how US Chess Academy can help them thrive.
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Yes! Visit our blog at uschessacademy.com/blog for articles on chess education, strategy tips, and advice for supporting your child's chess development.
We also share tips and updates on our Instagram (@uschessacademy) and Facebook pages.
Join Our World-Class Team
Help shape the next generation of players