Our Approach to Chess Education
A structured, behavioural-first method designed to build strategic thinking, focus, and emotional resilience — both on and off the chessboard.
More Than Chess — A Holistic Learning Experience
At Chess Wizards London, we see chess as more than a game.
It is a powerful educational tool that develops logic, strategic thinking, self-awareness, and confidence.
Our approach combines:
A 6-level structured curriculum
Behavioural coaching
Goal-driven development
Supportive 1-to-1 and group environments
Whether you're a parent supporting your child or an adult who wants measurable progress, our programme helps every student grow intellectually and emotionally.
Developing Cognitive and Emotional Skills
Guided by our behavioural advisor Athina, our lessons focus just as much on how students think as on the moves they make.
We encourage reflection, resilience, and positive learning habits.
Focus & Concentration
Longer attention span and improved academic discipline.
Decision-Making & Planning
Evaluating options and thinking ahead under pressure.
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding strengths, dealing with mistakes, and handling wins/losses.
Confidence & Growth Mindset
Learning from challenges and building self-belief.
A Structured Path to Mastery
Our curriculum is used across 30+ London schools and teaches both chess skill and cognitive development.
Each level includes clear milestones and progression tracking.
Level 1 — Foundations
Basic moves, simple tactics, confidence building.
Level 2 — Early Strategy
Opening principles, piece activity, basic checkmates.
Level 3 — Tactics & Patterns
Pins, forks, skewers, attacking awareness.
Level 4 — Positional Understanding
Planning, piece placement, trading decisions.
Level 5 — Advanced Techniques
Endgames, deep calculations, king safety, strategic plans.
Level 6 — Competitive Readiness
Tournament mindset, game analysis, full-study routines.
Clear Milestones. Visible Progress.
After each lesson, students receive feedback highlighting:
What they have learned
Strengths & improvement areas
Tactical accuracy
Strategic understanding
Emotional and behavioural growth markers
Meet the Team
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Hi, I’m Oltin! I’ve loved chess from a young age and now I get to share that love with kids. I enjoy turning lessons into fun games, using stories and creativity to help children learn without it feeling too serious. I’m great at keeping kids engaged, explaining things in a way they understand, and most of all I love watching them grow more confident with every move they make on the board
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.