Chess is an art and a science, and it shows a lot about a person. It teaches many disciplines.
Benefits Of Playing Chess
Develops the Ability of think Rationally
Increase IQ
Levels
Builds Self-
Confidence
Teaches the
Virtue of Patience
Improves Concentration
Exercise the
Brain
Teaches
Sportsmanship
Improves
Problem-Solving
Improves Memory Function
Develops Creative Thinking
Raises Abstract Reasoning Awareness
Improves the Ability to Think Under Pressure
Develops Creative Thinking
Improves Strategic Thinking
Teaches Planning and Foresight
Develops Pattern Recognition Skills
Why My Coaching
Is Different
Learn chess the Right way!
With over a decade worth of experience I bring something unique to my coaching.
I have taught chess in after school programs, small groups, private individual lessons as well as ran eight-hour chess camps. I teach strategy, tactics and theory to help my students learn the great game of Chess. My personality mixed with authenticity allows me to connect on a personal level. I have good intuition to help students reflect and discover new insights. My positive mind set and communicational skills promote great learning. Allow me to level up your game with a pinch of entertainment. The doctor is here to help !
Master Chess with Expert Guidance
People all over the world play chess. This ancient game brings people from all walks of life together while playing each other in the creative and strategic battle of the mind. It forces people to make situational decisions while planning for potential future choices. Those decisions can quickly change based on their opponent’s choices, making the game exciting for everyone involved. But chess is more than just fun and exciting. There are multiple benefits to this classic game that you may not know about.
My Achievements
- PhD in Higher Education Administration.
- Master of Science in Higher Education Administration 

- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics
- Ranked as a Top 1 percent chess player on the largest chess platform in the world. Notable wins against Grandmasters!!
- One of the nation's top chess instructors with a proven track record!
So, the next time you sit down for a casual game with a friend or a competitive match with someone, keep these benefits in mind. They might motivate you to start playing every day!
So why not get started today and reap the many mental and psychological benefits associated with the game.
Testimonials
Joel Kuznetsky
I have been working with Dr. Shawn for over a year and he has taken me from an 800 player to a 1600 player. His knowledge of openings, basic and advanced principles, middle game tactics, and end games are expert level and he is able to teach everything to me in a way I understand. He makes the lessons very fun and knows to work on areas of my game that need improvement. I recommend him to any beginning or advanced player that is looking to take their game to the next level.
Doug L
I have had the pleasure of having Shawn as a teacher for several years. Like many people, I became interested in chess during the pandemic, and in middle age. Shawn allowed me to progress at a radically faster rate than I had been making prior to working with him, and he continues to make chess feel fun, assessable, and approachable. His casual and calm demeanor also makes the process more fun. I would highly recommend him to people of any age interested in learning to play this endlessly interesting game.
Fonce Fontanella
Shawn has shown me techniques in all (3) phases of Chess that greatly improved my rating. He explains the strategies in a very understandable & enjoyable way. Highly recommended!
Roger Rocha
Shawn is an exceptional chess coach who combines a positive, supportive approach with a commitment to helping me overcome my bad habits. He started by teaching me reliable openings to navigate the early game confidently, then introduced me to rock-solid chess principles that continue to guide me throughout my chess journey. Instead of memorizing long lines and variations, Shawn focuses on core strategies I can apply in any situation, making each lesson practical and impactful.
Louis Ferraro
As I became more serious about being a better chess player, I realized that watching YouTube videos to learn was not going to cut it. This is when I found Shawn, and he turned out to be the perfect chess instructor for me. As I improved, he introduced progressively harder scenarios, which not only challenged me but also raised my ELO quicker than I expected. Shawn’s focus on fundamentals proved to be the best way to learn, ensuring I had a strong grasp of core concepts instead of simply memorizing lines.
Hal Goldberg
I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support I received from my chess coach Shawn. His deep understanding of the game and passion for teaching have transformed my skills and confidence on the board. From the very first lesson, he tailored his approach to meet my needs, helping me to understand complex strategies in a way that was both engaging and accessible. Shawn's patience and encouragement have made learning enjoyable, and I’ve seen significant improvement in my game.
Kobe Kato
Being an excellent player doesn't necessarily translate into being an excellent coach, but Shawn is both. I've watched his games and have experienced his lessons and, in my opinion, he's the real deal. More than that, Shawn is a pleasure to be around and a great friend. He's funny, has a wonderful attitude and as I've gotten to know him over the years, he's not just generous with his time but with his knowledge as well. For me, chess is about discipline, patience, and self-mastery which Dr Shawn exemplifies and which is also why, chess is life! Yours truly!
Rita Jules
Shawn is an enthusiastic and kind chess teacher with a great attitude towards kids and a generous spirit. My son reports that Shawn is funny, takes time to explain why one move is better than another, and knows a LOT about chess. In lessons they review strategy and play games online with other players, analyzing moves in real time and learning how to be sportsmanlike in victory or defeat. Five stars!
Millan Jankovic
I have had a passion for chess for a long time but was never able to take my game to the next level until I met Shawn. Learning from him has been a fantastic experience. I saw results almost immediately and within a few months I had increased my rating by 200 points. He has a unique ability to break down complex strategies into easy-to-understand concepts and he genuinely cares about his students’ progress. If you're looking to improve your chess game, Shawn is the teacher you need!
Jay Vera
Dr. Shawn is more than just a chess teacher. When my son Tristan was struggling, Dr. Shawn stepped in with something I didn’t expect – he used chess to teach life lessons. His kind heart and love for chess are shown in every lesson. He doesn't just teach moves - he shows kids how to think ahead and believe in themselves. Thanks to Dr. Shawn, Tristan has grown from a struggling student into a confident kid who knows how to tackle challenges. Dr. Shawn doesn't just create better chess players – he helps build stronger, smarter, and more confident young people.
