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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
Club Championship!Sat, Sep 12St. Paul Episcopal Church
Weekly Chess NightTue, Sep 15Latvian Community Center- Weekly Chess NightTue, Sep 22Latvian Community Center
Scholastic Sunday TournamentSun, Oct 04St. Monica School Gym (Enter Door 15)
2-day Fall Break Chess Camp (w/ optional rated tourney)Mon, Oct 12St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)- 2-day Fall Break Chess Camp (w/ optional rated tourney)Thu, Oct 15St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)
Turkey Tornado IVSat, Nov 21St. Paul Episcopal Church
2nd Annual Girls City Chess ChampionshipSat, Dec 12St. Paul's Church (North Entrance)- Weekly Chess NightTue, Sep 08Latvian Community Center
- Scholastic Sunday Tournament @ St. BarnabasSun, Sep 06St. Barnabas Catholic School
- Weekly Chess NightTue, Sep 01Latvian Community Center
- Weekly Chess NightTue, Aug 25Latvian Community Center
Adult Casual (18+) Chess MeetupSun, Aug 23Guggman Haus Brewing Co.- Weekly Chess NightTue, Aug 18Latvian Community Center
- Weekly Chess NightTue, Aug 11Latvian Community Center
- Adult Casual (18+) Chess MeetupSun, Aug 09Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
Blitz Night!Fri, Aug 07Latvian Community Center- Weekly Chess NightTue, Aug 04Latvian Community Center