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PRIVATE Chess lessons
Below are local, in-person chess coaches who work with students in and around Indianapolis. They are recommended by Indy Chess, but are sole proprietors (meaning they are independent of Indy Chess). Please contact them to learn more about their availability, rates, curriculum, etc. Are you a chess coach who would like to be listed here? Click below to request an interview.
Ryan McCrea
Coach Ryan McCrea (Peak USCF rating: 1941) grew up playing chess without much formal training, but worked under world-class chess instructors in Texas, Florida, and Georgia and has adapted his style into an openings-fixated fundamentals-based training program. He arrived in Indiana and immediately found success as a coach, winning the K-6 Indiana State Team Championships with University Elementary of Bloomington in 2026. He currently is a contracted coach by Indy Chess at many Indianapolis schools, including Clearwater Elementary and Herron Prep.
Ideal Students: Beginner to 1500 USCF
Rev. Mike Gant
Coach Mike Gant (Peak USCF rating: 1999) has been a chess coach in Indianapolis for more than three decades! He won the inaugural 2024 Indy Chess Club Championship, and he loves to tell of coaching a team of 4th graders from Orchard School to a national championship in the 90s! He currently is a contracted coach by Indy Chess at many Indianapolis schools, including Harshman Middle School, Herron Prep, and George Julian 57.
Ideal Students: Beginner to 1500 USCF
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Upcoming Events
Weekly Chess NightTue, Oct 27Latvian Community Center
Adult Casual (18+) Chess MeetupSun, Nov 01Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
Scholastic Sunday: Team ChallengeSun, Nov 01St. Monica School Gym (Enter Door 15)- Weekly Chess NightTue, Nov 03Latvian Community Center
Blitz Night!Fri, Nov 13Latvian Community Center- Adult Casual (18+) Chess MeetupSun, Nov 15Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
Turkey Tornado IVSat, Nov 21St. Paul Episcopal Church- Blitz Night!Fri, Nov 27Latvian Community Center
- Adult Casual (18+) Chess MeetupSun, Nov 29Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
Bughouse Brawl VISun, Dec 06St. Barnabas School Gym- Blitz Night!Fri, Dec 11Latvian Community Center
2nd Annual Girls City Chess ChampionshipSat, Dec 12St. Paul's Church (North Entrance)
3-Day Winter Break Chess Camp (w/ optional rated tourney)Mon, Dec 21St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)- 3-Day Winter Break Chess Camp (w/ optional rated tourney)Mon, Dec 28St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)
- Adult Casual (18+) Chess MeetupSun, Oct 25Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
- Weekly Chess NightTue, Oct 20Latvian Community Center
2-day Fall Break Chess Camp (w/ optional rated tourney)Thu, Oct 15St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)- Weekly Chess NightTue, Oct 13Latvian Community Center