What does a lesson cost?

A one-hour private lesson is $125. Packages of five and ten lessons bring the hourly rate down, and kids under ten can take 30-minute lessons. The intro call is free.

Is John a good fit for beginners?

Yes. Beginners are taught the same way strong players are: clear ideas, real games and a little homework. A titled coach helps beginners avoid habits that are hard to unlearn later.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before a lesson at no charge. Lesson packages do not expire for twelve months.

What age do you teach?

Kids from about six years old through adults of any age. Lessons for kids are shorter and more playful; adult lessons go as deep as you want.

ChessChuck · online chess coach FM John Litvinchuk

Learn chess from a U.S. Junior Champion

Private online chess lessons with a FIDE Master coach and tutor for kids and adults, from first moves to tournament play. Clear explanations, your own games and a plan that fits your week.

Book a free intro call See lessons & pricing

FIDE Master
Kids and adults
$125 per hour

1986

U.S. Junior Chess Champion, and a FIDE Master today

FM

FIDE Master title

1986

U.S. Junior Champion

1982

National High School co-champion

1986

World Junior Championship, U.S. team

Why “ChessChuck”?

Litvinchuk, meet ChessChuck

ChessChuck is John’s longtime nickname, a play on his last name, Litvinchuk. It stuck, and now it’s the name of his lessons.

Lessons

One coach, every level

Every lesson is private and built around the student: their games, their goals and how they like to learn. Hover or tap a card to see more.

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Kids

Ages 6–12First moves to first tournaments.See details

Playful, patient, real chess

Short, lively lessons with puzzles and mini-games, plus small weekly homework. Parents are welcome to sit in.

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Teens & scholastic players

Ages 13–18School teams, ratings and tournaments.See details

Ready for the next section

Openings that suit your style, calculation training and reviews of every tournament game.

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Adult beginners

New to chessNever too late to learn properly.See details

Strong foundations

The rules, the principles and the first plans, explained clearly. No jargon and no rushing.

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Club & online improvers

Rated up to 1600Break through your plateau.See details

From 1000 to 1600 and beyond

We find the habits that cost you games and fix them, one at a time, using your own games.

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Tournament players

Rated 1600+Serious preparation for serious players.See details

Master-level coaching

Repertoire building, deep game analysis, endgame technique and preparation for specific events.

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Game reviews

Any levelYour games, explained by a master.See details

Learn from every loss

Send your games before a lesson and we go through the turning points together, move by move.

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How it works

From hello to checkmate

Simple to start, and you can stop anytime.

Free intro call
15 minutes to talk about the student, their level and their goals.
First lesson
A game, a look at how the student thinks and a clear first plan.
Weekly lessons
Same time each week on Zoom with a shared board. Easy to reschedule.
Homework & progress
Short practice between lessons and an honest check-in every month.

Meet ChessChuck

Learn from a champion

John won the U.S. Junior Championship in 1986, was a National High School co-champion in 1982 and represented the United States at the World Junior Championship. Today he coaches students online from New Jersey.

FIDE Master: one of the international titles awarded by FIDE
Trained by Jack Collins, mentor to Bobby Fischer
1984 Amateur Team winner with future U.S. Champion Stuart Rachels
Patient with beginners, demanding with tournament players

About John Book a free intro call

Who it’s for

Lessons for kids and adults

For kids & teens

Chess builds focus, patience and confidence. Lessons are short, fun and structured, with progress parents can see.

Ages 6 and up
30- or 60-minute lessons
Scholastic tournament prep

Lessons for kids

For adults

Beginners, returning players and serious competitors. We work on your games, your openings and your thinking.

Any level, any age
Your own games reviewed
Openings, middlegames and endgames

Lessons for adults

Free video lessons

Learn with ChessChuck on YouTube

Short lessons from John’s YouTube channel: watch one now, then bring your questions to a free intro call.

All videos

Different checkmate techniques

▶ Watch · 6:56

From novice to advanced in 10 minutes

▶ Watch · 12:56

Chess endgames: king and pawn

▶ Watch · 3:06

Simple pricing

$125 per hour, first call free

Single lessons or packages of five and ten. Reschedule up to 24 hours ahead at no charge.

See all prices Book a free intro call

Questions

Good to know before you book

We meet on Zoom with a shared board on Chess.com or Lichess. You see John, he sees your moves, and you both draw arrows and set up positions. All you need is a computer or tablet with a camera.