Welcome to JD Chess Academy – Building Chess Champions Since 1999 JD Chess Academy, founded in 1999 by the late Mr. Joseph D'Souza, is one of India's most respected chess training academies, dedicated to developing chess talent from the grassroots to the international level. With over 31 years of chess coaching experience across India and overseas, Mr. Joseph D'Souza inspired thousands of students, including Grandmasters, international players, arbiters, coaches, and tournament officials. Recognized for its structured coaching methodology, JD Chess Academy follows internationally acclaimed training principles inspired by the Russian Chess School, helping students build strong fundamentals, tactical skills, strategic thinking, and competitive confidence. The academy offers professionally designed chess coaching programs for children from 4.5 years of age, beginners, intermediate players, advanced competitors, and aspiring FIDE-rated players. Our experienced, certified, and FIDE-rated coaching team provides group classes, personal coaching, advanced tournament preparation, online coaching, and competitive chess training. Students are guided through progressive learning levels based on their skill development, ensuring continuous improvement and measurable growth. Over the past two decades, JD Chess Academy has produced numerous state, national, and international champions, including Grandmaster Akshayraj Kore and World Youth Chess Champion Akanksha Hagawane (U-16). Hundreds of academy students have successfully represented Maharashtra and India in prestigious chess championships worldwide. The legacy of Mr. Joseph D'Souza extends beyond coaching. He served as a FIDE Candidate Master, Chief Arbiter, Tournament Director, Organizer, and mentor, officiating over 300 chess tournaments and organizing more than 250 national and international chess events. He also represented India as an official coach and delegate at several international championships, including the World Junior Chess Championship for the Visually Impaired and the Chess Olympiad. JD Chess Academy has earned numerous prestigious recognitions, including the Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Margadarshak Puraskar, Chess Idol of Maharashtra Award, Rotary Award for Excellence in Chess Coaching, Maheshwaranand Saraswati Award, and MAEER's MIT Krida Acharya Puraskar. Today, JD Chess Academy continues its mission of nurturing future chess champions through ethical coaching, disciplined training, and a passion for excellence. Whether your goal is to learn chess, improve tournament performance, earn a FIDE rating, or compete internationally, JD Chess Academy provides the ideal environment to unlock your full potential. Why Choose JD Chess Academy? Established legacy of excellence since 1999 Founded by renowned chess coach Late Mr. Joseph D'Souza Over 31 years of professional coaching expertise Structured coaching based on internationally recognized training methods Certified and FIDE-rated coaching staff Coaching for beginners to advanced tournament players Individual and group chess coaching programs Online and offline chess classes Proven record of producing Grandmasters, champions, and FIDE-rated players Tournament preparation, chess camps, and performance-focused training Trusted by hundreds of students across Pune and India