Hear From Our Happy Students: Their Stories

I am Grand Master Arjun Kalyan from Chennai. I became India’s 68th Chess GM in 2021. I have been a part of T Nagar Chess Academy for 10 years.
My mother enrolled me in T Nagar Chess Academy on my 8th birthday and it has completely changed my life. What started out as a hobby quickly turned into a passion. I would visit the academy every day after school and spend 2 hours playing games with people of various ages. I feel this part is very important in building the interest in a child and it made me fall in love with the game. Over time, we also started focussing on other aspects of the game. I remember spending several full days at the academy over summers, solving positions and looking at instructive games.

Every time I played a local tournament, I could see that people were genuinely afraid of kids from T Nagar Chess Academy (we typically wore a t-shirt from the academy) due to their high level of preparation. The learning never felt like a chore because all the coaches made sure that we enjoyed the process. I had special classes with Kasi sir right from the age of 10-11 until the age of 16-17, when I became an International Master and finished all the norms for the Grandmaster title. I realised later how important it was that I had one coach throughout this process who knew me in and out. We would spend several days at his house looking at positions and games and he cultivated the habit of going as deep as I could. He would push me as hard as possible so that I was able to bring out the best in me (including having classes early in the morning before school).

In addition to this, both Kasi sir and Rangan sir accompanied me and other students on several trips both locally and internationally. He introduced me to several of my coaches on the way and arranged camps at the academy. There have been countless tournaments held in the academy with several strong invited players to help us increase our level.

I owe a great deal to T Nagar Chess Academy for my journey as a chess player. It would have been impossible without them. I can 100% say that you are in great hands with Kasi sir and his team at TCA if you want to pursue chess seriously.

Arjun Kalyan

Grand Master

I’m Kumaran B, a former student of T. Nagar Chess Academy.

TCA ignited my passion for chess and empowered me to achieve remarkable milestones. From 4-time Tamil Nadu State Champion to a National-Sub Junior Bronze Medalist, World Youth Chess Olympiad Gold Medalist and IM norm holder, the Academy’s exceptional coaching played a pivotal role in my chess journey for the past 20 years.

They go beyond moves, instilling life skills that have become invaluable assets. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a holistic learning experience!

Thank you, TCA, for an amazing journey. Special thanks to Kasi Sir, Rangan Sir and Bala Sir for being there for me as coaches and mentors.

Kumaran B

World Youth Olympiad Gold Medalist

Hello, I’m Akash Ganesan. I began playing chess at the age of 8, starting with a summer camp organized by Anand sir from Tnagar Chess Academy (TCA) at my school. He recognized my potential and encouraged me to join the academy. In my early years, Ravi Kumar sir was crucial in teaching me the fundamentals. As I progressed and started winning district events, Coaches Kasi sir, Rangan sir, and Bala sir dedicated lot of their time in training me, helping me secure multiple state championships. TCA has played a significant role in my journey to becoming a Grandmaster, providing me with countless memories and friendships. I wish the TCA team continued success on their journey.

Akash G

Grand Master

T.Nagar Chess Academy has been instrumental in shaping my chess journey. As a 2115 FIDE rated player, my foundation was laid here under the guidance of my coach, AL Kasi.

One of the most invaluable aspects of my training has been Coach Kasi’s support during tournaments. His strategic insights and game analysis have been crucial in helping me prepare for opponents. He has traveled with me to numerous domestic and international tournaments ensuring I was mentally and physically ready to compete.

In addition to tournament support, Coach Kasi conducted summer camps where renowned coaches were invited to teach and expand our chess skills Furthermore, weekly tournaments organized by Coach Kasi ensured we had regular game practice.

The academy’s rigorous training and supportive environment have not only enhanced my chess prowess but also instilled discipline and strategic thinking, benefiting my Computer Science studies at IIIT Bangalore. T.Nagar Chess Academy is truly a cornerstone of my achievements.

Sarvesh Kumar A

IIIT Bangalore

I attended coaching at TNagar Chess Academy for about 5 years, and it was an incredible journey! I will always cherish my time there. Not only did I get to meet amazing people, my chess playing abilities also leapfrogged. I nearly touched 2100 FIDE in 3 years from just 1400! Even today in my university at IIT Kharagpur, my chess skills make me stand apart from all batchmates. It has definitely helped me make a good image for myself.

The game of chess has played a pivotal role in who/where I am today, and I’m extremely grateful to TCA for making the experience absolutely unforgettable ♥️

Siddharth Sabhari Shankar

IIT Kharagpur

I am Rohit S, a FM with 2 IM norms. When I was 4.5 years old, I started learning chess at T. Nagar Chess Academy. I have solved numerous puzzles, attended classes from various coaches, and learned a lot while, at the same time, playing many training games in the form of team tournaments and internal friendly tournaments almost every other day! Being part of T. Nagar Chess Academy made me enjoy and love chess.

It has been an extremely fruitful and enjoyable journey! It is not just chess that I learned there, but also many values and principles that have helped me throughout my life. It has had an extremely positive effect on my studies, helping me grasp concepts easily and concentrate better. It has been a journey for which I’m forever indebted to the coaches (Kasi sir, Bala sir, Rangan sir, Jaikar sir) at the academy. They care so much for you and do not just want you to succeed in chess but in all areas of life as well. Being part of T. Nagar Chess Academy can make you not only a better chess player but also a better person overall!

Rohit S

International Master

As an international master in chess and a proud alumnus of T Nagar Chess Academy, it is a great honor to congratulate the academy on its remarkable 30-year milestone. Having been part of this prestigious institution for over a decade, I can confidently say that T Nagar Chess Academy has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous chess enthusiasts, including myself.

The academy’s commitment to excellence is exemplified by its dedicated coaches: Rangan sir, Bala sir, Kasi sir, and Jaikar sir. Each of these mentors has played a pivotal role in nurturing my skills, providing unwavering support, and instilling a deep passion for the game. Their expertise, combined with a nurturing and challenging environment, has enabled students to reach their fullest potential.

T Nagar Chess Academy is more than just a place to learn chess; it is a community that fosters growth, discipline, and a lifelong love for the game. The academy’s holistic approach to training, its emphasis on strategic thinking, and its support system have been crucial in my journey from a novice player to an international master.

Congratulations once again to T Nagar Chess Academy on turning 30. May the academy continue to inspire and produce champions for many more years to come.

Ajay Karthikeyan

International Master

My name is Hari Madhavan N.B, an International Master from Chennai. I have trained at T. Nagar Chess Academy for 10 years, and my experience here has been exceptional.

The academy is known for its excellent facilities and dedicated coaching staff. Under the guidance of Rangan Sir, Bala Sir, and Kasi Sir, I have been able to hone my skills and achieve significant milestones in my chess career. Their expertise and personalized coaching methods have been instrumental in my development as a player.

Throughout my training, I have participated in numerous tournaments and consistently achieved good results. The academy provides a supportive and competitive environment that encourages players to excel and reach their full potential.

I highly recommend T. Nagar Chess Academy to anyone looking to improve their chess skills. It is an excellent institution with a lot of facilities and a commitment to nurturing talent.

Hari Madhavan

International Master

I joined the T Nagar Chess Academy when I first learned to read, and it quickly became an important part of my life. I spent more time there than in school, attending classes in Anna Nagar, T Nagar, and KK Nagar. Going to classes was always something I loved. The coaches made the game incredibly enjoyable, and their passion for teaching chess was evident. We had tournaments with prizes and special classes where Grandmasters (GMs) and International Masters (IMs) were invited. We even got to play against them and solve chess problems. To prepare for state, national, and international competitions, we had special classes focused on those tournaments. Sometimes, one of our coaches would accompany us to the tournaments and support us during matches. The academy provided a great environment for learning and playing, allowing us to enjoy ourselves both in class and on the playground.

I am deeply grateful to all the coaches who guided me during my time at the academy: Ravi Kumar Sir, Rangan Sir, Bala Sir, Kasi Sir, Sanjay Sir, and Jakar Sir. Their dedication and support were instrumental in my development as a chess player. I attended the T Nagar Chess Academy for over five years, and those years were some of the most formative and enjoyable of my life.

Lakshmi C

National Champion

My name is Sai Vishwesh, I have been playing chess for about 20 years, even having the unique privilege of representing the country on multiple occasions. I also managed to get scholarship grants both in my schooling years as well as in my undergrad studies because of chess. Chess has pretty much always been a part of my life and I don’t think it would have had as much impact as it did if not for the coaches of Tnagar Chess Academy, especially Kasi sir, Rangan sir and Bala sir. Through their sincere efforts and dedication, I was able to grow not just in the game of chess but also managed to gain valuable experiences that molded me into the person that I am today. I sincerely believe that they are some of the best coaches to learn from and get better in this beautiful game.

Sai Vishwesh

National Champion

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional foundation and supportive environment provided during my formative years. Your expert guidance and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my chess career, culminating in numerous national titles in various age categories and prestigious medals in Asian and World Chess Championships, earning me international recognition.

As a beacon of excellence in chess education, your academy has been instrumental in fostering my growth, not only as a chess player but also as a determined and resilient individual. The values and skills imparted during my time at the academy have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this esteemed institution.

Thank you for believing in me and empowering me to reach new heights. I look forward to seeing many more chess champions emerge from your academy, and I wish you continued success in your mission to develop future generations of chess players.

G.K.Monnisha

Women International Master

I’m Neil Franclin, Senior Consultant at EY and a proud product of T.Nagar Chess Academy. I was introduced to the game here when I was a kid and grew to play it professionally for over a decade under the guidance of the exceptional coaches. Discipline, respect, and perseverance preached here transcended the 64 squares and contributed to my personality development. The camaraderie is second to none as I gained many close friends for life. TCA was instrumental in me being able to complete my engineering in a reputed college with a sports scholarship. Also, critical thinking and logical reasoning which are integral aspects of Chess helped me in cracking CAT and gaining an admit into an IIM. 30 years is no mean feat, and I extend my heartiest congratulations. I truly wish this continues for many years to come and more kids grow with Chess like I did. Thank you!

Neil Franclin

MBA IIMB

I am Sabhareesh. I learned Chess @ T Nagar Chess Academy
Chess tuned & helped me in my studies & career. Time devoted to chess in my childhood days helped me to develop concentration, patience and to accept success & failures equally. Very happy to note our Academy is celebrating its 30th year. Eagerly waiting to participate in the grand event

Sabhareesh

IIT Guwahati

My name is Manasa and I’m pursuing my doctorate in London. I was a student at T Nagar Chess Academy between the years 2005 and 2015. I have played hundreds of tournaments with the coaching of some of the brightest coaches in country. The academy emphasis learning chess through discipline, humility and respect for all. Kasi sir’s coaching transcended the corners of the board and has shaped me to be a knowledgeable and confident young woman. I did not continue to play chess after school but the way I pursue my goals now has roots at T Nagar Chess Academy. It is my honour to be associated with the academy all these years.

Manasa

Doctorate in London

I highly recommend T.Nagar Chess Academy, where I trained for nearly eight years from 2000 to 2008, joining them when I was just 6 years old, and ending up winning a couple of State tournaments and representing at the National/Asian championships. The academy’s dedicated coaches created an exceptional, nurturing environment that was key to my development as a chess player. Their expert guidance and engaging teaching methods made complex strategies accessible and ensured that every student could excel.

The academy offered a blend of theoretical and practical instruction that aligned with international standards, even when chess was still growing in Chennai. The patient coaching from Kasi Sir not only deepened my understanding of the game but also instilled a lasting passion for chess. The skills and love for the game I developed there continue to be valuable. Future students will undoubtedly benefit from the same high level of passion, coaching and support.

Malavigha V

MBA IIMB

I remember started playing chess at the age of 6 in the year 1998 and I used to visit T Nagar chess academy. They were one of the pioneers in chess coaching from those days. They have brought a lot of innovative ideas that can interest the kids to learn chess. They have organised numerous tournament and I got a lot of opportunity to play with strong players.

They had a local chess rating within the academy for winning games, solving puzzles. That was a huge motivation for the kids to perform.
They organized team tournaments between academies.
They arranged playing partners like GMs and IMs from outside for the kids to get exposure
They brought in specialized foreign trainer camps for the students.

All these were innovative and made the kids perform. I see a lot of kids who are GMs now have got trained here and the interest is all because of the culture at the academy. On the personal front, I have won TN State U17 once and TN State Junior (U19) twice. Got the opportunity to represent TN on 5 National championships, represented the Anna university in the All India University championship. Also, I got the scholarship for the engineering degree all because of the chess and the training I got here. Thanks to T Nagar Chess academy!

Muthu Alagappan

State Champion



Hear From Our Happy Parents: Their Stories

I am one of the lucky parent who got both my sons GM Arjun Kalyan and Rohit (2363) flourish in chess because of TCA. TCA was their second home and they spent most of their time there . Kasi Sir used to take class from 5 to 8 in the morning. And weekends they had class almost the whole day . All these gave them a very strong base to achieve great heights .

Many of the trips abroad for tournaments were made possible only because of the coaches as they accompanied them and gave all support and guidance.

Many foreign coaches were invited to take class and it was a great exposure for the kids. Rangan Sir, Ravi Sir , Bala Sir all gave a strong foundation with their dedicated and committed coaching for the kids .

TCA provided a great environment for the kids to learn chess in an enjoyable way and it was more like a family . Always grateful to the coaches and last but not least Meena kasi made the kids very comfortable to stay there the whole day and learn chess with her hospitality.

Thank you TCA for all your efforts and Best wishes for more and more success for all the kids in TCA !!

Vinu S

M/O GM Arjun & FM Rohit

We are blessed to have known a selfless person like Kasi Sir, he encourages talented kids, moulds and makes them successful. We had a very memorable year’s.. under his able coaching and guidance Pranav won his first National schools Under 9 Championship at Delhi where Kasi Sir accommodated us with him and also the National Under 9 Open Championship held at Ahmedabad.

He was more than a mentor to us and supported us throughout. I would also like to thank Meena Ma’am for her blessings and well wishes towards Pranav. In TCA he used to arrange weekend academy tournaments for players to practice and build on the strength and weaknesses.

Kasi Sir used to invite titled and strong players for these tournaments which helped students to learn alot. He always thinks on how he can make his students better and will leave no stone unturned for it. I wish Kasi Sir and his team for many more achievements and success ..Thank you🙏

Venkatesan

F/O GM Pranav

Dileep kumar and Mridulashree, have been training at T.Nagar Chess Academy, and the experience has been transformative for our kids . The academy’s well-structured programs (beginner to advanced) have played a pivotal role in enhancing their chess skills and cognitive abilities. Kasi Sir, the Chief Coach and Founder of T.Nagar Chess Academy, has been instrumental in establishing the academy as a premier chess institution. His vision and leadership has created a nurturing environment for all the students. Additionally, Kasi Sir’s wife(Meena mam) has played a crucial role in the academy’s success. She has taken care of the kids like a mother, ensuring they are comfortable and well-supported during their time at the academy. Her warmth and nurturing presence has created a family-like atmosphere, making the academy a welcoming and encouraging place for students of all ages . Coaches at T.Nagar Chess Academy—Rengan Sir , Bala sir and other coaches —deserve special thanks for their unwavering dedication and expertise. Their personalized attention and encouragement has significantly boosted my children’s confidence and performance in the game. The comprehensive training they provide has helped my children develop strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and concentration, which have also positively impacted their academic performance and personal growth. As we celebrate the academy’s 30th year, I am confident that under Kasi Sir’s leadership, it will continue to inspire and cultivate future generations of chess champions.

Charulatha

M/O Dileep & Mridula

T. Nagar Chess Academy is a wonderful place to learn and develop a passion for chess. The coaching by Kasi Sir and Kiruthiga Mam is top-notch, providing personalized attention that truly helps students improve. Our son feels at home here and eagerly looks forward to his lessons. Since joining the academy, he has made significant progress and gained a lot of confidence in his game. We highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to learn chess in a supportive and professional environment.

Kamal

F/O Prajit.K

My child, Jayapriyan, has been learning chess at T Nagar Chess Academy (KK Nagar branch) under the guidance of AL Kasi sir, and the experience has been truly outstanding. I highly recommend T Nagar Chess Academy and AL Kasi sir to anyone looking for professional chess training. It’s the perfect place for young talents to grow into confident, rated players.

Prakash

F/O P.Jayapriyan

I’m excited to share my daughter Anuradha’s amazing journey with Kasi Sir and the TCA Academy. Thanks to his dedicated coaching, Anuradha has made incredible strides in chess, and it’s been so rewarding to see her confidence flourish. Kasi Sir’s unwavering support and encouragement have played a key role in her impressive results across multiple tournaments. We are deeply grateful to Kasi Sir and his family for their constant guidance and motivation throughout this journey. If you’re a parent looking for a nurturing environment where your child can thrive in chess, I highly recommend TCA Academy. It’s been a fantastic experience for us!

Rajalakshmi Ramya

M/O Anuradha

As an international master in chess and a proud alumnus of T Nagar Chess Academy, it is a great honor to congratulate the academy on its remarkable 30-year milestone. Having been part of this prestigious institution for over a decade, I can confidently say that T Nagar Chess Academy has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous chess enthusiasts, including myself.

The academy’s commitment to excellence is exemplified by its dedicated coaches: Rangan sir, Bala sir, Kasi sir, and Jaikar sir. Each of these mentors has played a pivotal role in nurturing my skills, providing unwavering support, and instilling a deep passion for the game. Their expertise, combined with a nurturing and challenging environment, has enabled students to reach their fullest potential.

T Nagar Chess Academy is more than just a place to learn chess; it is a community that fosters growth, discipline, and a lifelong love for the game. The academy’s holistic approach to training, its emphasis on strategic thinking, and its support system have been crucial in my journey from a novice player to an international master.

Congratulations once again to T Nagar Chess Academy on turning 30. May the academy continue to inspire and produce champions for many more years to come

Vidya

M/O IM Ajay Karthikeyan

My daughters Alagusala and Thenammai are blessed to be part of the T Nagar chess academy to learn chess. The method of teaching chess here is systematic.The coaching at this academy has helped my daughters to become professionals and they are able to think strategically in their lives. They really enjoyed the coaching given at T nagar academy. All the coaches were like our extended family members. I too became a certified arbiter through this academy.

Wishing all the best for this academy and let it add many more GMs and IMs to the chess world.

Visalakshi

M/O Alagusala & Thenammai

My son has been a part of the TNagar Chess Academy family since 2006. Kasi sir and other coaches from the academy have helped my son go from strength to strength in the game of chess. Their interest towards the game is contagious and they ensure individual attention is provided to all of their students. Me being a parent without prior knowledge of chess, I was lucky to stumble upon this wonderful group of coaches and would wholeheartedly encourage people to join the academy

Raghuraman

F/O Bhuvan

My son, Shreyas has been learning chess under the tutelage of able masters of T Nagar Chess Academy for the last 3 years or so. It’s been a great learning experience and he thoroughly enjoys and looks forward to going for chess classes every week. We are indebted to the teachers – Kasi Sir and his able team, for having ignited his curiosity in chess. Highly recommended seat of chess pedagogy ! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Meera Gopalakrishnan

M/O Shreyas Mani

I highly recommend TCA for kids who are serious in learning chess. We enrolled our son for camp last year within a week I could see changes in his performance. Then we enrolled him for regular classes .He is attending online classes both morning and evening He is enjoying his class. Kasi sir is highly experienced in handling kids.. his classes are both enjoyable and at same time informative, he perfectly identify how kids make mistakes in chess and where they mistakes. He is skilled in handling even large group of students and make each and everyone learn. He is making the classes very lively so even if kids feel sleepy specially in morning classes they will wake up with his jokes and Start enjoying their classes. My son happily wakes up for his class. Not only with kids Kasi sir clearly reads mind of parents too like what parents expect from their child. special mention about Meena Mam wife of Kasi sir she take care of kids in our absence as if like a mother and kids enjoy being there even if we come late for pick. A parental care from Kasi sir, Meena Mam and krithiga Mam all nurture My son’s performance. within a year we could see tremendous changes in his performance in tournaments. And My son got selected as Chennai District champion for Under 9 category for year 2025 which is the most memorable success in our life.. My son is gifted to get such a Good experienced coach TCA is a second home for my son where he feel more secured. He happily attend camps where he enjoys the class as well as snack time.. kids will learn and at same time enjoy chess if they learn in TCA

Shanmugapriya

M/O Vikunth Krishna

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the positive learning experience my son has had at your chess academy over the past 13+ years. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about teaching the game. My son Albrain’s chess skills and strategic thinking have improved significantly since he joined the academy. I am particularly impressed with the academy’s supportive and encouraging environment, which has fostered a love for chess in my son. He always looks forward to his classes and enjoys the camaraderie with his fellow students. I would especially like to thank Kasi sir and Meena ma’am for their dedication and commitment to providing a high-quality chess education. I would highly recommend T.Nagar Chess Academy to any parent looking for a top-notch chess education for their child.

Antony Jose Vijay

F/O Albrain

As Chess is gaining more popularity in India and more parents are encouraging their kids to take up this sport. The best way a kid can learn chess professionally is by joining him or her in a chess academy rather than having individual training. For that T.Nagar Chess academy is the best place to learn chess. They train the students in a professional way and often conducts their own week end tournaments apart from sending them to various torunaments conducted by TNSCA.

As a chess parent I joined my daughter at the age of 5 years and by the age of 7 years slowly she started winning prizes in age category tournaments and she won under 8 chennai district title and she came 7th in under 9 tamilnadu state girls category. She got her rating at the age of 10 years and I really thank the entire T.Nagar chess coaches for my daughter’s achievement.

At present my daughter is working as a full time online chess coach in upstep chess academy. She got her B.com admission in Womens Christian College in sports quota just because of chess. On the whole T.Nagar chess academy is an excellent place to start chess with dedicated coaches.

My Name is Venkatanarayana and I thank T. Nagar Chess academy for what my daughter is today. My daughter’s name is S. Pooja and she is rated 1560 in classical. I am also a Chess player and my rating is 1558 in classical and 1546 in Rapid. In spite of being a chess player I thought that individual training will not be enough and hence from the beginning I joined her in T. Nagar chess academy.

Venkatnarayana

F/O Pooja

As a father of two sons who have been under the tutelage of T.Nagar Chess Academy (TCA) in Chennai, I can confidently say that this institution is the go to place for developing young chess talent. The coaches—Mr. Rangan, Mr. Kasi, and Mr. Balasubramanian—were instrumental in shaping the chess journeys of my sons, Arvind and Aditya, from their very first moves to their impressive milestones.

Both Arvind and Aditya achieved great successes in their chess careers. Arvind won the U-11 Tamil Nadu State Chess Championship in 2011 and 2012, while Aditya was the runner-up in the Tamil Nadu U9 State Chess Championship 2013. Additionally, both boys experienced a significant increase in their FIDE ratings. The environment at TCA encourages interaction and a healthy competition among students, creating a wonderful learning atmosphere. TCA fosters a love for the game while instilling values of discipline and perseverance.

For any parent looking to provide their child with top-notch chess training, T.Nagar Chess Academy is the perfect choice. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable role TCA played in Arvind and Aditya’s lives, and highly recommend it to anyone serious about learning and excelling in chess.

Murali

F/O Arvind & Aditya

T Nagar Chess Academy has been an exceptional experience for our family. We decided to join after seeing Tharun Rajasekhar from the academy perform consistently, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made for our child. The coaches Mr. A.L Kasi sir along with Ms. Krithiga ma’am are highly dedicated, offering personal attention and a deep understanding of each student’s learning style. Their focused and systematic approach has helped my child strengthen fundamentals while steadily progressing toward advanced strategies. A special mention to Meena ma’am, who nurtures every child with genuine care and patience. Her warmth, encouragement, and motherly approach create a positive environment where kids feel supported and confident. What truly sets the academy apart is the environment—kids genuinely enjoy the classes, and the supportive atmosphere makes it feel like a second home for my child. There’s a perfect blend of discipline, encouragement, and fun. For anyone looking to pursue chess seriously, this academy is a fantastic place for professional-level learning. I highly recommend T Nagar Chess Academy for both beginners and aspiring competitive players!

Venkatraghavan

F/O Arjun Perathur

My daughter studying here past 5 years . In starting time she is not well in chess. After the coach Kasi sir and other coaches are trained my daughter very well and friendly. She is now a rated player. Now she crossed 1800 rating . My sincere thank to all in Tnagar chess academy .

Premavardhini

M/O Theephigaa

T.Nagar Chess Academy is a great place to learn. My son is learning chess for the past 8 months and I have been seeing a tremendous improvement. He looks forward for his class every time he goes. The faculties are fabulous and every attempt they make to get the students to possible lims light are truly appreciable. Great place to learn and kudos to all the efforts the academy is investing in each child. I would certainly suggest this place to my friends and all of you reading this academy reviews. Welcome to shine your childrens great place to learn chess.

Satheesh

F/O Thrishva

TCA has been one of the pioneers in creating many chess champions in Chennai for decades together. They have been constantly evolving and trying their best to cater to all levels of players. May them keep growing and producing many chess rock stars and chess super stars. Wishing them the best of luck.

Anitha Rajagopal

M/O Akshaj



Hear From the Chess Prodigy/Enthusiasts

I am Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam from Erode, and I would like to share an outside perspective on the T. Nagar Chess Academy.

I have been playing chess since the age of five, and in my early years, I participated in numerous State, National and FIDE-rated tournaments. One thing that always stood out in those events was the presence of players in orange T-shirts representing the T. Nagar Chess Academy. Over time, it became more than just an academy—it became a brand. A brand that instills confidence in its players, discipline in its training, and a certain sense of caution among opponents.

As one of the top players in my age categories, facing a T. Nagar Chess Academy player was always a serious challenge. I still remember my first State Championship in the Under-7 category, which was won by my friend Dileep Kumar, a proud student of the academy.

Although I have never trained at the T. Nagar Chess Academy, I have always shared a cordial relationship with both its players and coaches. It is truly impressive to see the number of strong players they have produced over the years, including several Grandmasters and International Masters.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the academy and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors!

Iniyan PA

Grand Master – National Champion 2025-26

I am chess Grandmaster Laxman.R.R. I started my chess career way back in the year 1993 when the number of elite tournaments were scarce. I still cherish playing weekend chess events organised by the T.Nagar Chess Academy in the vicinity and premises of Valluvar Kottam . A lot of youngsters like me got their initial boost in chess in their formative years by playing chess almost every week at Valluvar Kottam owned by Shri AL.Kasi who also took me to chess tournaments in and out of Chennai all around India.

Lots of credit for my future acheivements goes to Shri A.L.Kasi for teaching me chess in.my formative years. As years rolled by the T.Nagar chess academy was relocated to the premises of Sister Subbulakshmi hall in T.Nagar where I regularly played hundreds of chess events organised by Kasi sir . Under the able guidance of Shri Kasi and Shri Srinivasa Rangan. I gained lots of valuable experience in chess by playing chess tournaments almost every week there. I have vivid memories of many of my erstwhile contemporaries who also competed in tournaments organised by T.Nagar Chess academy under the governance of Kasi sir.

In the year 2016 or so the T.Nagar chess academy redeployed its location to organising chess events at K.K.Nagar .I have played many events there in K.K.Nagar with many reputed and renowned players and felt a lot encouraged in the ambience of such a chess loving atmosphere. There are many players ( who are currently IMs and GMS ) who I am sure owe much credit to both Shri AL.Kasi and Shri Srinivasa Rangan.without whose continued and unparalleled selfless service to the cause of chess .it would not have been possible to see so many IMs and GMs today.

In fact I am very grateful to him for my own personal excellence in the field of chess. I am sure many players would feel the same too. I also encourage players who share similar experiences to please step forward and elicit their authentic and honest feedback regarding the same. Thank you.

Laxman.R.R

Grand Master

Congratulations for the achievement!
Running an academy successfully for so many years is truly a great feat! You and the academy have produced many talents!
I have been there once to play the One day rapid tournament.I had a great time playing with strong players back then.
I am sure you will keep producing more talents in the coming years as well:)
All the best and congratulations once again sir 👏🏻

Shyam Sundar

Grand Master

I know Mr AL Kasi personally since I was a kid and have taken personal training those times. Even from those times when T Nagar academy was started I have played numerous tournaments which helped me improve a lot as a player. I have also played in his academy much after I became Grandmaster too and have personally observed Grandmaster Arjun Kalyan who started chess and became a Grandmaster under guidance of this academy. It has contributed greatly to chess in Chennai which is no mean feat! All the very best to keep growing

Sundararajan Kidambi

Grand Master

T.Nagar Chess Academy has been hosting chess tournaments since I was a child. It’s a very common name to all the chess players in Chennai. The valuable tournament experience gained by their tournaments helped me to keep in constant touch with the game and climb up. Fast Forward 15 years, after becoming an IM, I have taken many classes for the kids in T.Nagar Chess Academy. This is one Academy where I definitely need to prepare to take classes as the students ask questions and show a keen interest in learning. Fast forward 5 more years and I see many IMs and GMs, from this Academy. It is one Academy I would definitely recommend to anyone who wishes to improve their Chess skills to the next level.

All the very best to T.Nagar Chess Academy to create many more Grandmasters and reach the top of the world 💐

R.Siddharth

International Master

I am RA.Pradeep kumar, a chess player with a fide rating of 2196.In my chess Journey T Nagar chess academy has played a significant role. This reputed chess academy has conducted several state selections, rating tournaments, Inter academy events for the benefit of the players. The best part of this academy is they bring all the best players around the city and conduct weekend events and lectures. Mr AL Kasi sir with all his experience and hunger to produce champions is the key to the success of this academyI was blessed to work with him at T Nagar chess academy as a teammate of Tamilnadu postal team. My heartful congratulations for the completion of 30 years and I wish this academy produce more and more grandmasters and world champions for our country

R.A.Pradeep Kumar

Chess Player

T Nagar Chess Academy is one of the pioneer Chess academies in Chennai. Many top players of the city have been associated with the academy at some point of their career. I have had the pleasure of participating in a couple of training sessions & many training tournaments at the academy. Hearty Congratulations to AL Kasi & his team at T Nagar Chess Academy for their achievements & Best Wishes for many more years of service to the Chess community.

Konguvel P

Grand Master (Elect)

T Nagar Chess Academy played an important role in Tamilnadu chess growth especially Chennai.TCA organised many chess events in Chennai which benefited many young talents.My son Grandmaster Sethuraman played many TCA selection tournaments in his early stages. Wish TCA all the success in future.

Panayapan

Kilpauk chess centre

Kasi and T Nagar Chess Academy are both distinct and identical. a top-tier chess academy located in Chennai. Kasi, I’ve known him for almost thirty years. He is an extremely committed and passionate teacher.

As a coach for toppers and tournament sponsor, he did a lot of good work for the Chennai District Chess Association.

He takes my economically disadvantaged students without charging me a dime.

Both Rangan and Bala are excellent coaches who provide support to Kasi.

Greetings to him and his crew from me. Kasi and his chess are here to stay.

Sakthi Prabhakar

Joint Secretary CDCA

The contribution of tnagar chess academy to the game of Chess and in nurturing talents is huge. They have produced a lot of wonderful players like GM Akash, IM Sai vishvesh. They have conducted many tournaments successfully.

When I was a kid I have participated in many of their chess events and in the last few years I have given lectures and simultaneous on numerous occasions.

I know Mr Kasi from my young age, he is always a jovial person and a nice human being.

Chess has taught me to be constantly vigil because a moment of slackness would cost you a game. I love playing, studying & enjoying the beauty of Chess. As they say “Chess isn’t always about winning sometimes it’s simply about learning and so is life”.

My best wishes and Congratulations for completing 30 years!!

M.R.Venkatesh

 Grand Master

Congrats to T Nagar Chess Academy for producing lots of chess champions. Academy deserves lot of praise for successfully running it successfully for close to three decades. Academy’s idea of conducting tournaments has benefited a lot of chess players. Kudos to A L Kasi, who is the founder of T Nagar Chess Academy, for setting up the chess centre when chess was not that popular and blossoming as a sport. Being a good chess player, Kasi’s idea of launching an academy at that point was a bold and positive one. As the academy celebrates their 30th year, wishing them more success in the future.
With best wishes

Srinivasa Raghavan

Chess Enthusiast

Congrats to you A.L.Kasi for developing T.Nagar Chess Academy , into a prominent Chess Academy , well known for its skill in producing many Chess Champions.

Seshadri

International Arbiter

Congrats on completing 30 years of yoeman service, wishing you many more years of producing Chess champions and successful wards under your able guidance.

Jaikar P

Chess Coach