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Katsiaryna Z.'s Photo

Chess Coach | Candidate Master | Kids & Adults | 20+ Years Experience
Katsiaryna Z.

558 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 3 hours

About Katsiaryna


Bio

With 6 years of coaching experience, I teach kids and adults in a clear and supportive way, shaping each lesson around the student’s needs. I began playing chess at age 5 and competed in national and international junior tournaments before earning the title of Candidate Master. Later I also played in major open events such as the World Open, US Open, and Chicago Open.

In my teaching, I focus on all stages of the game, from simple opening principles to building strong middlegame plans and...

With 6 years of coaching experience, I teach kids and adults in a clear and supportive way, shaping each lesson around the student’s needs. I began playing chess at age 5 and competed in national and international junior tournaments before earning the title of Candidate Master. Later I also played in major open events such as the World Open, US Open, and Chicago Open.

In my teaching, I focus on all stages of the game, from simple opening principles to building strong middlegame plans and understanding practical endgame ideas. Many students feel unsure once the opening ends, so I show them how to make plans, improve pieces, and think more independently in the middlegame.

Alongside teaching, I stay connected to high-level chess every day since my husband is an active Grandmaster, and this environment helps me grow and bring fresh insight to my lessons. Overall, my goal is to make chess both understandable and rewarding for each student.

Best regards,
Kate


Education

Belarusian National Technical University
Other

Additional Languages

Russian

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $60
  • Rate details: Christmas gift options: • 3-lesson package — $160 • 6-lesson package — $300
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Chess

Chess

- Candidate Master with over 20 years of experience in chess, starting at age 5 - Played in major tournaments including the World Open, US Open, and various national and international events - Earned top places in several U.S. tournaments earlier in my adult career, including section events at the Marshall Chess Club and the NY International (U1900 section) - 6+ years of teaching experience, working comfortably with both kids and adults - Trained with a classical approach, shaped by regular study with a Grandmaster
Katsiaryna Z.'s Photo

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Response time: 3 hours

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (195 ratings)
5 star
(195)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Great for all levels

Kate is a great teacher, kind and knowledgeable. She is patient and able to teach beginners to more advanced players. I appreciate that she is very organized with a clear plan for the lessons.

Stacey, 49 lessons with Katsiaryna

Great tutoring for my 9 year old

Katsiaryna is fantastic with my 9-year-old. She keeps him fully engaged and interested, all while teaching him fun new tricks he’s excited to share with his friends.

Olga, 4 lessons with Katsiaryna
Tutor responded:

Thank you! Truly grateful for your thoughtful feedback.

Knowledgeable, sharp and patient !

Kate has been coaching my son for over a year now, and it’s been a great experience. She goes through his games, figures out what he needs to work on, and then tailors each lesson to help him improve. She’s super patient and really knows how to teach kids in a way that keeps them engaged. Thanks to her, my son has picked up advanced strategies in certain openings and has been able to use them to win games. She also sends targeted puzzles to help sharpen his skills. Highly recommend!

Subash, 90 lessons with Katsiaryna

Wonderful with kids!

My 7yo daughter loved learning from Kat! She was super excited after her lesson and said it was the best experience with any chess tutor she has had so far. As a mom I am so happy!

Rebecca, 2 lessons with Katsiaryna
Tutor responded:

Thank you for your feedback, Rebecca. I appreciate it and I am glad to hear that!

Very good chess tutor

Kate is excellent as a chess coach / tutor and she has the subject matter expertise as well as communication skills to guide her students in a fun and very skilled way

Ashwin, 2 lessons with Katsiaryna
Tutor responded:

Thank you very much, Ashwin!

Knowledgeable and kind chess tutor

Katsiaryna is a wonderful teacher. She patiently walks my 9-year-old through a progression at pace where he is retaining what she's teaching. He's excited to tell me about it, and demonstrate it, afterwards. He's learning, most importantly smiling and laughing, and looking forward to his next lesson.

Jason, 15 lessons with Katsiaryna
Tutor responded:

Thanks for the awesome review, Jason! I'm very glad to hear that.

proactive and consistent

Kate is able to gauge the current level and work on gaps effective and proactively. We are happy to see our daughter get better and gain confidence.

Kamlika, 97 lessons with Katsiaryna

patient & knowledgeable

Kate is very patient and guides in a way that encourages thinking and resolving by the student. She asks questions and probes in a way that urges quick and strategic thinking.

Kamlika, 97 lessons with Katsiaryna
Tutor responded:

Thank you, Kamlika, for the great review. I really appreciate it! Best regards, Kate

great chess coach

Kate has been a great coach for my 8 year old son- kind, considerate, challenging, and direct. My son loves his lessons with her and his love for chess is growing with a lot of that contributed to Kate.

Debbie, 47 lessons with Katsiaryna

Very knowledgeable and patient

It was my first lesson and I loved her manner of teaching and her patience with me. I had a fun time learning and will be having more lessons with her in the future. The next one is already set up!

Bina, 2 lessons with Katsiaryna
Tutor responded:

Bina, thank you very much for your nice review! :) Best regards, Kate

Hourly Rate: $60
Response time: 3 hours
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