Claim Your Free Online Trial Class
Free trial classes are available for new students only who have not previously enrolled in GMChessPrep programs.
Chess Mastery Levels & Advancement Path
- Monthly Plan Price: $199/month
- For: Ages 5-15 (USCF 0-1400)
Foundations– For Absolute Beginners
Includes:
✅ Weekly Small-Group Lesson (55 min)
✅ Bi-Weekly USCF Quick Rated Online Tournaments
✅ Weekly Chess Quizzes
✅ Free Online Chess Platform Account
✅ Access to GMChessPrep Library & Courses
- Perfect for kids who are just starting out and learning the basics of chess.
- Covers piece movements, check, checkmate, and the fundamental rules of the game.
Explorers– Learning the First Strategies.
Includes:
✅ Weekly Small-Group Lesson (55 min)
✅ Bi-Weekly USCF Quick Rated Online Tournaments
✅ Weekly Chess Quizzes
✅ Free Online Chess Platform Account
✅ Access to GMChessPrep Library & Courses
- Designed for kids who know how the pieces move but need guidance on basic strategy.
- Introduces early tactical ideas, piece coordination, and how to develop effectively.
Challengers– Tactics and Openings.
Includes:
✅ Weekly Small-Group Lesson (55 min)
✅ Bi-Weekly USCF Quick Rated Online Tournaments
✅ Weekly Chess Quizzes
✅ Free Online Chess Platform Account
✅ Access to GMChessPrep Library & Courses
- Players should be able to checkmate with a king and queen vs. a lone king.
- Covers opening principles, fundamental tactics like pins, forks, and discovered attacks.
- ChessKid rating should be 1000+.
Strategists– Advanced Tournament Prep
Includes:
✅ Weekly Small-Group Lesson (55 min)
✅ Bi-Weekly USCF Quick Rated Online Tournaments
✅ Weekly Chess Quizzes
✅ Free Online Chess Platform Account
✅ Access to GMChessPrep Library & Courses
- Players should have a ChessKid rating between 1300 and 1550.
- Focus on deeper positional play, advanced tactics, and midgame/endgame strategy.
Beginner Chess Program (Pilot) – Spring 2026
Beginner Level
USCF Rating: 0–700
Recommended Age: 6–12 years (or new tournament players)
Dates: February 14 – March 28, 2026
Duration: 7 weeks
Schedule: Saturdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Compass School, Herndon, VA
Full Program (7 classes): $280
Program Overview
This 7-week pilot beginner chess program is designed for students who are new to chess or early in their competitive journey. The program focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and enjoyment of the game in a structured and supportive learning environment.
This pilot session will help assess student interest and engagement before expanding into a long-term offering.
What Students Will Learn
Students will progress through a structured beginner curriculum covering all phases of the game:
- Chess fundamentals: board setup, piece movement, and rules
- Opening principles: development, center control, and king safety
- Beginner tactics: checks, captures, threats, forks, pins, and skewers
- Essential checkmate patterns and defensive awareness
- Basic strategy: piece value, smart trades, and simple planning
- Endgame fundamentals: king and pawn techniques
- Guided practice games with instructor feedback and Q&A
Learning Style
Each session combines clear instruction, interactive examples, and supervised practice games to help students immediately apply concepts and build confidence over the board.
Monday Online Group Classes – Winter 2026
Target Level: U-2000 (Advanced/Elite)
Dates: January 5 – April 6, 2026
Schedule: Mondays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Program: Elite Academy (14 Weeks)
Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
Tuition: $784 per semester
Trial Class: $35
Course Overview
- Transforming Pieces: How to Improve Your Coordination
- Exploiting Imbalances: Dynamic vs. Static Advantages
- Mastering Space Advantage & Restricting Opponent’s Pieces
- Positional Sacrifices: When to Give Material for Initiative
- Advanced King Safety Principles in Middlegames
- Pattern Recognition for Faster Decision-Making
- Modern Opening Systems for Practical Tournament Play
- Maneuvering Masterclass: Quiet Moves That Change Everything
- Attack Construction: Building Pressure Step by Step
- Converting Winning Positions with Grandmaster Technique
- Defense Under Fire: Staying Calm in Critical Positions
- Practical Calculation & Time Management in Rapid Games
- Post-Game Breakdown: Turning Mistakes into Improvement
- Final Performance Test: Applying All Skills Under Pressure
Flexibility Plan
- All sessions are recorded
- Class materials and assignments will be available through our online platform anytime
Value Addition
Spotlight Game of the Week: One student's game will be selected and analyzed each week during class
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Invite a new student and receive $100 once their enrollment is completed
- 10% Loyalty Discount: For current students who register by December 15 2025
- 20% New Student Offer: First-time students can request a special discount code via email- By December 31, 2025
Special Features
- Full Course Materials Provided: Weekly resources + Completion Certificate
- Online Platform Access: Dedicated student portal for lessons, assignments, and interaction
Ready to Join?
Enrollment is limited to 12 students to ensure personalized attention and high-quality instruction. Don’t miss your chance to take your game to the next level this winter!
Thursday Online Group Classes – Winter 2026
Target Level: USCF 1750-2100 (Advanced/Elite)
Dates: January 8 – April 2, 2026
Schedule: Thursdays | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Program: Elite Academy (13 Weeks)
Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
Tuition: $780 per semester
Trial Class: $40
Advanced Topics for USCF 1750–2100
- High-Level Calculation: Candidate Moves, Forcing Lines & Deep Visualization
- Advanced Pawn Structures:
- Champion Game Study: Kasparov, Anand
- Complex Endgames: R+B vs R, Winning Technical Rook Endgames, Fortress Building
- Initiative & Momentum: How to Maintain Pressure Against Strong Players
- Neutralizing Aggressive Opponents: Counterattack & Resourceful Defense
- High-Level Middlegame Planning: Transforming Advantages Step-by-Step
- Opening Depth: Practical Repertoires for 1800–2100 Tournament Success
- Dynamic Imbalances: King Safety, Space, Activity, and Material Considerations
- Final Master-Level Performance Test: Strategy, Calculation, and Practical Play
Flexibility Plan
- All sessions are recorded
- Class materials and assignments will be available through our online platform anytime
Value Addition
Spotlight Game of the Week: One student's game will be selected and analyzed each week during class
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Invite a new student and receive $100 once their enrollment is completed
- 10% Loyalty Discount: For current students who register by December 25, 2025
- 20% New Student Offer: First-time students can request a special discount code via email- by December 31, 2025
Special Features
- Full Course Materials Provided: Weekly resources + Completion Certificate
- Online Platform Access: Dedicated student portal for lessons, assignments, and interaction
Ready to Join?
Enrollment is limited to 8 students to ensure personalized attention and high-quality instruction.
Wednesday Online Group Classes – Winter 2026
Target Level: U-1650 (Intermediate)
Dates: January 7 – April 1, 2026
Schedule: Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Program: Live Online Classes (13 Weeks)
Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
Tuition: $728 per semester
Trial Class: $35
Location: Online (Zoom + GMChessPrep Platform)
Course Overview
Winter 2026 Topics Include:
- Strategic Concepts for Intermediate Players
- Mastering the Games of Anatoly Karpov & Magnus Carlsen
- Calculation Training & Advanced Tactics
- Key Endgames for U-1650 Players
- Pawn Structure Mastery
- Middlegame Planning from Model Games
- Opening Development: Building Your 2025 Repertoire
- Defensive Skills & Holding Difficult Positions
- Attacking Patterns & Initiative
- Practical Tournament Preparation
- Final Assessment: Applying Knowledge Under Pressure
Value Addition
Spotlight Game of the Week: One student's game will be selected and analyzed each week during class
Loyalty & Referral Program
$100 Referral Bonus: Refer a new student who enrolls in this group, and you’ll receive a $100 reward after their payment is completed
Discount Offers
- 10% Off for current students who register by December 15 2025
- 20% Off for new students (email us to receive your discount code) by December 31
Ready to Join?
Spots are limited — early registration is strongly recommended.
Monday Online Group Classes – Spring 2026
Target Level: U-2000 (Advanced/Elite)
Dates: April 13 – June 22, 2026
Schedule: Mondays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Program: Elite Academy (12 Weeks)
Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
Tuition: $660 per semester
Trial Class: $35
Course Overview
Spring 2026 Topics Include
Advanced Piece Coordination
Improving piece harmony and activating poorly placed pieces
Dynamic vs Positional Advantages
Understanding when activity outweighs material or structure
Space Control & Board Domination
Using space advantage to restrict the opponent’s counterplay
Strategic Exchange Decisions
When trading pieces improves your position—and when it doesn’t
King Safety & Attacking Balance
Evaluating king exposure and launching precise attacks
Advanced Pattern Recognition
Learning to identify critical tactical and strategic motifs quickly
Modern Opening Strategy
Understanding typical middlegame structures arising from current tournament openings
Deep Maneuvering in Closed Positions
Long-term planning and piece rerouting in strategic battles
Pressure Building Techniques
Gradually increasing tension and forcing mistakes from strong opponents
Endgame Transition Strategy
Choosing the right moment to simplify into favorable endings
Defensive Resourcefulness
Finding hidden defensive ideas in difficult positions
Tournament Calculation Skills
Balancing accuracy and time management in competitive play
Advanced Game Analysis
Learning how strong players review games and extract practical lessons
Flexibility Plan
- All sessions are recorded
- Class materials and assignments will be available through our online platform anytime
Value Addition
Spotlight Game of the Week: One student's game will be selected and analyzed each week during class
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Invite a new student and receive $100 once their enrollment is completed
- 10% Loyalty Discount: For current students who register by April 1 2026
- 20% New Student Offer: First-time students can request a special discount code via email- By April 1, 2026
Special Features
- Full Course Materials Provided: Weekly resources + Completion Certificate
- Online Platform Access: Dedicated student portal for lessons, assignments, and interaction
Ready to Join?
Enrollment is limited to 12 students to ensure personalized attention and high-quality instruction. Don’t miss your chance to take your game to the next level this spring!
Wednesday Online Group Classes – Spring 2026
Target Level: U-1650 (Intermediate)
Dates: April 8 – June 24, 2026
Schedule: Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Program: Live Online Classes (12 Weeks)
Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
Tuition: $660 per semester
Trial Class: $35
Location: Online (Zoom + GMChessPrep Platform)
Course Overview
Spring 2026 Topics Include
Advanced Tactical Themes
Intermediate-level combinations including deflection, clearance sacrifices, and multi-move tactics
Model Games from Modern Champions
Strategic lessons from the games of Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and other elite players
Calculation & Visualization Training
Learning how to organize candidate moves and calculate variations more accurately
Practical Endgames for Tournament Players
Key rook endings, active king play, and converting small advantages
Understanding Pawn Structures
Recognizing strong and weak pawn formations and planning around them
Middlegame Decision-Making
Learning how to choose plans based on piece activity and positional factors
Opening Understanding Beyond Memorization
Developing solid opening habits and avoiding common early mistakes
Defensive Techniques
How to survive difficult positions and find resources under pressure
Attacking the King
Recognizing attacking signals and coordinating pieces for effective attacks
Tournament Thinking Process
Improving time management, evaluation, and decision-making during competitive games
Final Assessment: Practical Application
Students solve positions and analyze games to demonstrate their improvement
Value Addition
Spotlight Game of the Week: One student's game will be selected and analyzed each week during class
Loyalty & Referral Program
$100 Referral Bonus: Refer a new student who enrolls in this group, and you’ll receive a $100 reward after their payment is completed
Discount Offers
- 10% Off for current students who register by April 1, 2026
- 20% Off for new students (email us to receive your discount code) by December 31
Ready to Join?
Spots are limited — early registration is strongly recommended.
Thursday Online Group Classes – Spring 2026
Target Level: USCF 1650–2100 (Advanced / Elite)
Dates: April 9 – June 25, 2026
Schedule: Thursdays | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Program: Elite Academy (12 Weeks)
Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
Tuition: $720 per semester
Trial Class: $40
Advanced Topics for USCF 1650–2100
Advanced Positional Transformation:
How strong players convert small advantages into long-term winning chances
Elite Calculation Training:
Building accurate calculation trees, evaluating forcing sequences, and avoiding hidden defensive resources
Modern Pawn Structure Mastery:
Understanding central tension, dynamic pawn breaks, and structural transformations in practical play
Grandmaster Model Games:
Deep strategic lessons from elite players such as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura
Technical Endgame Precision:
Advanced rook endgames, conversion techniques, and defensive resources in practical tournament endings
Initiative vs Material:
When to sacrifice material for long-term activity and attacking chances
Advanced Middlegame Maneuvering:
Piece coordination, improving worst-placed pieces, and building pressure in quiet positions
Opening Preparation for Strong Competition:
Refining practical tournament repertoires and handling critical theoretical positions
Imbalance-Based Decision Making:
Evaluating positions through activity, pawn structure, king safety, and piece dynamics
Final Performance Challenge:
Advanced tactical and strategic exercises to evaluate improvement and practical understanding
Flexibility Plan
- All sessions are recorded
- Class materials and assignments will be available through our online platform anytime
Value Addition
Spotlight Game of the Week: One student's game will be selected and analyzed each week during class
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Invite a new student and receive $100 once their enrollment is completed
- 10% Loyalty Discount: For current students who register by April 1, 2026
- 20% New Student Offer: First-time students can request a special discount code via email by April 1, 2026
Special Features
- Full Course Materials Provided: Weekly resources + Completion Certificate
- Online Platform Access: Dedicated student portal for lessons, assignments, and interaction
Ready to Join?
Enrollment is limited to 8 students to ensure personalized attention and high-quality instruction.
Monday Online Group Classes – Summer 2026
- Dates: July 6 – September 7, 2026 (10 Classes)
- Schedule: Mondays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
- Format: Online Interactive Training
- Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
- Tuition: $570 / Summer Session
- Trial Class: $35
Course Overview
Summer 2026 Topics Include
Advanced Positional Transformation: Learning how strong players gradually improve positions and convert small advantages
Dynamic Imbalances in Tournament Play: Understanding initiative, compensation, activity, and practical decision-making
Mastering Piece Activity: Improving coordination, active piece placement, and domination of key squares
Strategic Pawn Structure Play: Working with isolated pawns, hanging pawns, weak squares, and long-term plans
Calculation Under Pressure: Improving visualization, candidate moves, and disciplined thinking process
Attacking Against Strong Defense: Creating practical attacking chances against accurate opponents
Counterplay & Defensive Resistance: Learning how to defend difficult positions actively and create practical chances
Advanced Middlegame Planning: Building long-term strategic plans in complex tournament positions
Modern Opening Understanding: Studying important opening structures and typical strategic themes
Technical Endgame Improvement: Converting advantages cleanly and defending difficult endings accurately
Practical Tournament Psychology: Managing emotions, confidence, time pressure, and decision-making during competition
Grandmaster Game Breakdown: Deep analysis of instructive classical and modern grandmaster games
Tournament Preparation Methods: How strong players prepare openings, review games, and improve efficiently
Final Competitive Training Session: Applying strategic, tactical, and practical skills in advanced training positions
Flexibility Plan
- All sessions are recorded
- Class materials and assignments will be available through our online platform anytime
Value Addition
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Invite a new student and receive $100 once their enrollment is completed
- 10% Loyalty Discount: For current students who register by June 15 2026
- 20% New Student Offer: First-time students can request a special discount code via email- By June 15, 2026
Special Features
- Full Course Materials Provided: Weekly resources + Completion Certificate
- Online Platform Access: Dedicated student portal for lessons, assignments, and interaction
Ready to Join?
Thursday Online Group Classes – Summer 2026
- Dates: July 2 – September 3, 2026 (10 Classes)
- Schedule: Thursdays | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
- Format: Live Online Training
- Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
- Tuition: $600 / Summer Session
- Trial Class: $40
- Early Registration Discount: 10% off until June 18
Course Overview
Summer 2026 Topics Include
Dynamic Positional Play
Advanced Calculation Discipline
Practical Imbalances in Chess
Advanced Piece Coordination
Strategic Pawn Breaks & Structures
Attacking Against Accurate Defense
Defensive Counterplay Techniques
Advanced Middlegame Planning
Opening Preparation for Tournament Play
Technical Endgame Training
Flexibility Plan
- All sessions are recorded
- Class materials and assignments will be available through our online platform anytime
Value Addition
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Invite a new student and receive $100 once their enrollment is completed
- 10% Loyalty Discount: For current students who register by June 18, 2026
- 20% New Student Offer: First-time students can request a special discount code via email by June 18, 2026
Special Features
- Full Course Materials Provided: Weekly resources + Completion Certificate
- Online Platform Access: Dedicated student portal for lessons, assignments, and interaction
Ready to Join?
Wednesday Online Group Classes – Summer 2026
- Dates: July 1 – September 2, 2026 (10 Classes)
- Schedule: Wednesdays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
- Format: Live Online Classes
- Instructor: GMChessPrep Team, led by GM Rashad Babaev
- Tuition: $570 / Summer Session
- Trial Class: $35
- Early Registration Discount: 10% off until June 17
- Location: Online (Zoom + GMChessPrep Platform)
Course Overview
Summer 2026 Topics Include
Intermediate Tactical Training:
Improving tactical vision through practical combinations and calculation exercises
Piece Activity & Coordination:
Learning how active pieces create stronger attacking and defensive opportunities
Planning in the Middlegame:
Understanding how to build plans based on position, pawn structure, and king safety
Strategic Pawn Play:
Learning how pawn weaknesses, passed pawns, and pawn breaks influence the game
Tournament Calculation Habits:
Developing organized thinking process and accurate candidate move selection
Positional Decision-Making:
Learning when to attack, simplify, defend, or improve the position patiently
Practical Opening Understanding:
Improving opening play through understanding common ideas and structures
Attacking Fundamentals:
Recognizing attacking opportunities and coordinating pieces toward the enemy king
Defensive Improvement:
Finding resources in difficult positions and avoiding common practical mistakes
Essential Tournament Endgames:
Important king and pawn endings, rook activity, and converting advantages
Time Management & Competitive Focus:
Improving practical tournament discipline and confidence under pressure
Master Game Analysis:
Studying instructive games from strong players to improve positional understanding
Interactive Position Training:
Solving practical tournament positions together during live class sessions
Final Training Challenge:
Applying tactical, positional, and practical skills in competitive exercises
Value Addition
Loyalty & Referral Program
- $100 Referral Bonus: Refer a new student who enrolls in this group, and you’ll receive a $100 reward after their payment is completed
Discount Offers
- 10% Off for current students who register by June 17 2026
- 20% Off for new students (email us to receive your discount code) by December 31
Ready to Join?
