“ Andrew has been teaching chess to my 8 year old for a year now and it’s been an amazing experience for him and us parents. My son looks forward to Andrew’s lessons every week because Andrew makes learning chess so much fun. He is very good at teaching younger students at the speed they can learn and by keeping them interested in the game by using different formats of chess. We really like the combination of in-person and virtual lessons he offers and appreciate his flexibility in accommodating our scheduling needs. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone who wants to learn chess. Whatever age group you belong to, I know Andrew will make this a fun experience for you! “

“ I've been a student of Andrew's for a few months now, and I can't believe how much my chess skills have developed! Andrew is an amazing teacher who explains concepts in a way that's easy to understand. His knowledge of the game is impressive, and he always provides material that's easy to digest. Not only is he a skilled coach, but he's also super kind and friendly. Plus, his prices are great for the value he provides. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone looking to improve their chess game! “

“ Andrew has been an incredible chess tutor for our 10-year-old, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his patience and dedication. Our son is very energetic and sometimes struggles to focus, but Andrew has a wonderful way of keeping him engaged and motivated. He explains concepts clearly and takes the time to make sure our son really understands each lesson, never showing frustration or impatience. His calm and encouraging approach has helped build not only chess skills but also our son’s confidence and concentration. Our son always looks forward to his sessions and is excited to share what he’s learned afterward. We’ve seen such great progress, and it’s clear that Andrew’s thoughtful and skillful teaching is making a big impact. “

“ As my son’s interest in the game of chess grew, he cruised through the basics and I found that I did not have much left to teach him. To learn the game and the techniques properly, having a coach was necessary. Andrew is a perfect match for what we needed. Not just a chess coach, Andrew has become a friend, a mentor and a buddy for my 8 yr old. He teaches chess skills using many fun methods and makes sure to maintain his interest and having fun while learning. From openings, midgame and endgame techniques to tournament prep - Andrew has been giving all around training, while making sure it never becomes stressful or boring. He s got the perfect skillset to work with kids teenagers and adults. Andrew offers virtual as well as in person classes and works with the students schedule. We appreciate having coach Andrew. ”

“ My son has been working with Coach Andrew for the past 7 months and our experience has been exceptional. As my son began participating in chess tournaments Andrew provided not only strong instruction but also the encouragement and confidence he needed to compete.

He has a wonderful ability to teach in a way that’s fun, challenging, and supportive. He has helped my son grow in strategy, focus, and sportsmanship. Andrew genuinely cares about his students’ development, both on and off the board. We’re grateful for the impact he has had on our son’s chess journey and look forward to continuing under his guidance. “

“ Coach Andrew has been a huge help in my chess development. I've been making steady progress since starting weekly lessons and gaining confidence in my play.

His organized approach in explaining each phase of the game has resulted in gaining hundreds of rating points quickly. I highly recommend him if you want to rapidly improve your chess knowledge and rating. “

“ I have been learning from Andrew for a little over a month, and already experienced a marked improvement in the level of chess I am able to play. Andrew uses a wonderfully structured format that is simple, effective, and most importantly of all, fun. He reinforces foundational principles, building on them via puzzles, drills, and lessons, all in a comfortable environment with an inviting attitude. Andrew has a talent for taking complex chess tactics and masterfully making them relatable, which in turn makes them easy to remember and fun to employ. Whether you’re just starting on your chess journey or some distance down the path, I highly recommend letting Andrew be your guide. He will not only speed your improvement, but keep you loving the game more and more. “

“ We can’t say enough good things about coach Andrew. He is a positive and knowledgeable chess coach. He shares his passion for the game and makes every session fun and informative. Andrew has been there every step of the way as we discover the world of competitive chess.
We highly recommend him as a chess coach for kids. “

“ If you are looking to drastically improve your Chess game, look no further than Chess Coaching with Andrew Rakestraw. I have been studying with Andrew for about 9 months and my game has vastly improved. Andrew is an amazing teacher who really takes the time to explain a principled Chess game as well as tactics. He is very patient and lets you take the time to think through answers to the thoughtful tactics questions he poses to you, rather than rushing you through to the answer. I always learn something new during our lessons and am looking forward to learning even more! “