AKHILESH NAGARE - KNOW HIS Chess Journey
Meet the FOUNDER
FIDE Candidate MasteR
From Birthday Gift to Global Arenas — and Now, Grooming Future Champions
ABOUT ME!
Hi, I’m Akhilesh Nagare — a professional chess player, FIDE Candidate Master, international tournament competitor, and the founder of Akhilesh’s Chess Club (ACC) — an online chess academy dedicated to nurturing the next generation of confident and strategic chess thinkers.
My journey with chess began in the most unexpected yet life-changing way — as a 7-year-old receiving a chessboard as a birthday gift. It started with casual games with my father, who taught me the basics. But soon, chess wasn’t just a game — it became a passion. I was hooked. My other hobbies quietly faded away as I began spending hours poring over positions, studying openings, and challenging anyone willing to play.
The Making of a Competitor
By 2009, I was already playing competitive chess. I had a special knack for rapid tournaments and enjoyed early success. Chess quickly took centre stage in my life. By the time I entered college, I knew where my heart was — and it wasn’t buried in textbooks. Chess gave me a sense of direction. The thrill of tournaments, the constant travel, and the exposure to diverse players and cultures helped me grow not only as a chess player but as a human being.
I’ve always believed in being a good human before striving to be a great sportsperson. That belief has shaped the way I play — and now, the way I coach.
My Competitive Journey
One of my breakthrough moments came when I participated in the Under-25 National Championship in Andaman. I finished just outside the prize list, but I gained 46 valuable rating points. That event opened doors. I soon qualified and competed in the National Juniors and also participated in strong Grandmaster tournaments in India, facing off against some of the finest minds in the country.
From Playing to Coaching — Why I Started ACC
Over time, I realized my greatest joy wasn’t just in playing — it was in teaching. Watching young players discover the magic of chess reminded me of why I fell in love with the game in the first place. That led to the birth of Akhilesh’s Chess Club (ACC) — my passion project turned professional online chess coaching platform.
Though ACC officially started just a few months ago, I’ve been coaching kids and young players for over 5 years now. Through one-to-one coaching, group sessions, and internal tournaments, I help students of all levels improve their game and build lasting confidence.
At ACC, we focus on more than just tactics and theory. We work on mindset, discipline, strategic thinking, and a love for lifelong learning. I tailor each session to the child’s strengths and learning pace. This personalized approach has already helped many of my students win district and state-level championships — and there’s so much more to come.
What’s Next?
My vision is clear: I want to mentor at least two titled players over the next five years. But more than titles, I want my students to experience what I did — the thrill of growth, the confidence to take on challenges, and the discipline that chess instills in every serious learner.
If you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to chess, or you have a young player ready to take their game to the next level, ACC is the place where champions are made — thoughtfully, patiently, and passionately.