Slaven is a great teacher because he is serious, strict, and caring. He spends time making plans on what will be covered in each of the classes, and he previews the games I play so that he can give me his best ideas on what I could do better. This way, he can always optimize the time we take learning and he is always prepared during the classes. I have changed a lot over the years, but he is able to adapt to how I play and what I need to work on. He covers every part of the game in great detail, from opening theory to endgame ideas, and I have gotten better in every part thanks to him. Also, whenever I’m not at my best, he always finds ways to keep the class fun and interesting, such as doing puzzle battles and using his sense of humor. Slaven is an excellent coach, and you should definitely give him a chance.
Online chess lessons with International Master Slaven Pastar
Private, one-on-one chess lessons taught live online, built around your own games and a clear plan for what to work on next. Slaven is an International Master and FIDE Instructor who coaches every level, from first moves to competitive play. Start with a free 15-minute intro call.
What online chess lessons with Slaven are
Each lesson is a live, one-on-one video call built entirely around your chess. Slaven reviews the games you have played, uncovers the underlying patterns behind your results, and turns them into a clear training plan with homework to work on between sessions
Lessons run on Microsoft Teams, with ChessBase for analysis and opening preparation, alongside Chess.com or Lichess depending on what suits you. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and you can learn from anywhere in the world.
Nothing is off the shelf. The plan, the positions you study and the games you are asked to play are all chosen for where you are now and where you want to get to.
Who the lessons are for
Slaven coaches level up to 2200 FIDE and every age. Pick the path that sounds like you to see how lessons are tailored.
Kids and juniors
Patient, structured lessons that build good habits early and keep a young player enjoying the game while they improve.
Coaching for kidsBeginners
Learn the game the right way from the start, from the rules and basic tactics to your first real plans.
Coaching for beginnersAdults
Make the most of limited study time with lessons focused on exactly what will move your game forward.
Coaching for adultsCompetitive players
Sharpen your openings, calculation, and endgames, and prepare for tournaments with a coach who has walked that path
Coaching for competitive players
Why learn with Knight Jump
A strong player and a good teacher are not the same thing. Knight Jump gives you both.
Our programs are led by an International Master with a peak FIDE rating of 2401, a FIDE Instructor, and a Kasparov Chess Foundation certified trainer. This ensures your coaching comes directly from real playing strength, backed by formal training in how to teach it and over eight years of experience.
Across more than 50 students, this method has taken complete beginners up past 2100 FIDE and produced several junior champions. The structure is what makes the improvement stick: A custom plan for every single lesson. In-depth reviews of your personal games. Targeted homework that builds on each session.
Pricing
Online chess rates
One-on-one lessons and training games, priced per hour. Packages are available upon enquiry, just ask during your free introductory call. For more on what shapes the price, see what online chess lessons cost.
One-on-one lesson
Most start here$45/ hour
A personalized lesson built around your own games, where we tailor the training to meet you and your specific needs.
- Study plan tailored to your games
- Focused work on what holds you back
- Homework to work on after each session
Training game
$30/ hour
Training games against Slaven, then a analysis together afterwards.
- Choose the tempo and number of games
- Pick up an opening
- Move-by-move analysis after
Lesson packages
Available Upon Enquiry
Secure a block of lessons at a tailored rate, designed for real continuity from one session to the next. Let's discuss options during your free introductory call.
- Discounted per-hour rate
- Continuity across every session
- Priority on the schedule
Book a free intro call15 minutes, no cost, no card. Just a chat about your chess.
Testimonials
What students say
Beginners, improvers, and parents of juniors, on what it is like to train with Slaven over months and years.
I had the pleasure of being a student to Slaven for the last four years. He is an extremely versatile teacher, who can easily adapt to a pupil’s individual needs and can teach beginners as well as aspiring amateurs and club players. He has a structured approach, a clear way of explaining and great flexibility in his lessons, so even at days where I just was not able to give my 100%, he always came up with creative ways to make the lesson nevertheless worthwhile. We spent lots of time on in-depth opening studies, general chess principles and important endgame ideas, and I am happy to say that I significantly improved in all these areas thanks to Slaven. He speaks excellent English and has a great sense of humor — you should definitely give him a try.
50+
students coached
4 yrs
longest coaching relationship so far
Who trains with Slaven
- Beginners finding their footing
- Improvers pushing toward club level
- Slaven’s teaching has already guided several junior champions in their chase for titles, helping young talents elevate their game to the next level.
- Competitive players preparing for tournaments
- Adults returning after a break
My son was a student of Slaven’s for the past year. As a beginner’s parent, I made numerous requests, some of which may have been unreasonable. However, Slaven was always patient and did his best to accommodate my requests by tailoring his lessons. He was also very flexible with scheduling. It is no surprise that he has a good reputation in the DFW area of the United States, despite being from across the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the year, what impressed me most was not just his deep understanding of chess but also his genuine love for the game. His enthusiasm for chess is evident in our communications. If you really love chess, I highly recommend giving him a chance. You will not only improve your skills but also make a great friend to discuss chess with. In fact, I am planning to become his student myself.
Common questions about lessons
How long is a chess lesson?
Lessons are one hour by default, taught one-on-one over a live video call. That is long enough to review your games, work through a focused topic, and set homework for the week, without losing concentration. If a different length suits you better, you can talk it through on the free intro call.
How often should I take lessons?
Most students take one lesson a week, which keeps a clear plan going while you play and practise between sessions. More frequent lessons can speed things up before a tournament, and less frequent still works if you study consistently on your own. Slaven will suggest a rhythm that fits your goal and the time you have.
What do I need for an online lesson?
Just a computer and a stable internet connection. Lessons run on Microsoft Teams with ChessBase for analysis, alongside chess.com or Lichess, and Slaven sets everything up so you can simply join the call. A second screen helps but is not required, and you can take lessons from anywhere in the world.
How do I start lessons with Slaven?
Start with a free 15-minute intro call to talk through your goals and make sure it is a good fit. There is no obligation. After that you book your first lesson from the website and choose a time that works for you, then settle into a schedule together.
Still deciding?
It is a fair thing to weigh up. These pages give straight answers on whether a chess coach is worth it, how to choose the right one, and what lessons cost, and the FAQ covers the rest. When you are ready, a free intro call is the easiest next step.
Ready to improve your chess?
Book a free 15-minute intro call. Tell Slaven your goals, ask anything, and see if it's a good fit, no obligation.