Rushi Shah, founder and head coach
A FIDE-rated player with more than fifteen years over the board, including national-level tournaments for Gujarat. He founded Surat Chess Club in Vesu in 2016 and still personally leads the Knight, Rook and Queen batches.
Fifteen years at the board, ten years teaching
Rushi has been playing competitive chess for over fifteen years, including national-level tournaments representing Gujarat, with a positional style built on structure rather than tricks. Since 2016 he has guided more than five hundred students through the club in Vesu.
He is in the classroom for every Knight, Rook and Queen session — teaching at the demonstration board, then moving between the tables while students work the idea on their own boards. Parents deal with him directly, from the free trial to the monthly progress note.
How he teaches
Analytical and story-based, on a level-by-level system used by leading chess schools worldwide. A new idea is introduced only once the one before it is secure.
One idea at a time
Ten progressive levels, each with its own exercise workbook. A student moves up when the material is genuinely understood, not when the term ends.
Explained, not drilled
Positions are taught as stories with a reason behind every move, so a student can find the idea again in their own game rather than recalling a pattern.
Reading chosen per student
Chess literature is picked for the individual level rather than handed out uniformly, and workbooks and puzzle sheets are included in the fees.
Small batches, real boards
All coaching is offline and over the board in Vesu. Boards, pieces, clocks and workbooks are provided.
See the full ten-level path on the curriculum page.
Which batches he leads
Rushi personally teaches the Knight, Rook and Queen class, the large majority of students at the club. Knight, Rook and Queen are the same class with the same coach. You only choose how often. The King Plan is taught by FIDE Master Jeet Jain.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rushi Shah?
Rushi Shah is the founder and head coach of Surat Chess Club in Vesu, Surat. He is a FIDE-rated player with more than 15 years at the board, including national-level tournaments representing Gujarat, and has guided over 500 students since founding the club in 2016.
Which classes does the head coach teach?
Rushi personally leads the Knight, Rook and Queen class, which is one class at every level: the plans differ only in how often a student comes. That covers the large majority of students at the club. The King Plan, a separate Monday masterclass, is taught by FIDE Master Jeet Jain.
How does he teach?
Analytically and through stories. Every student works through a level-by-level system with its own exercise workbook, so a new idea is only introduced once the one before it is secure. Reading is chosen for each student's level rather than handed out uniformly.
Does my child need any experience to start?
No. Most students arrive knowing little or nothing about chess. The Foundation levels begin with the board and the pieces themselves, and every level is taught in small batches so nobody is carried along without understanding.
Where does he coach?
At Surat Chess Club, 1st Floor, UG 13, Canal Walkk Shoppers, VIP Road, opposite L.P. Savani School, Vesu, Surat. All coaching is offline and over the board.
Come and sit in on a real class
One session, sixty minutes, no cost and no obligation. You will meet Rushi, see the room and the boards, and get an honest read on where your child should start.