Private online lessons · kids & juniors
Chess coaching for kids
Patient, structured, one-on-one chess lessons that build skill while keeping the game fun, taught online worldwide by Slaven Pastar, an International Master and FIDE Instructor.
International Master · FIDE Instructor
Why chess for kids
More than a game
Chess gives children a fun way to build skills that last, and the progress is real, not just praise.
Focus and patience
Chess rewards thinking before acting. Choosing carefully and sitting with a position helps children practise concentration and patience that carry well beyond the board.
Problem-solving and planning
Every move is a small decision. Children learn to weigh up their options, look ahead and make a plan, then watch their own thinking play out in the game.
Confidence from real progress
Improvement in chess is concrete: sharper moves, games won, a first rating. That visible progress builds genuine confidence.
Good habits from the start
Learning the game properly early means real understanding instead of bad patterns to unlearn later. Beginners are welcome and taught from the very first moves.
Imagination and creativity
Chess rewards original thinking. Children learn to imagine possibilities, find their own ideas and enjoy the creative side of the game, not just the rules.
Thinking that helps at school
The logical reasoning, concentration and planning chess builds are the same habits that help with schoolwork, so the benefits reach well past the board.
How Slaven coaches kids
Coaching built around your child
Every child is different. At Knight Jump, we tailor the pace, focus, and material to match your child’s age, unique level, and goals. We have successfully coached students ranging from complete beginners to state cadet champions and national medalists. Read our student testimonials here.
Patient, one step at a time
Lessons move at your child's pace. Slaven explains clearly, checks understanding and builds new ideas on what your child already knows, so nothing feels rushed or over their head.
Structured, not random
Each lesson follows a plan. Slaven works through openings, tactics and the endgame in a sensible order and previews your child's games, so the time goes to what will actually help.
Fun kept in the game
Children learn best when they enjoy it. Lessons stay engaging, with puzzles, real games and small challenges, so your child looks forward to the next one.
Parents kept in the loop
Lessons are generally one on one, and you are welcome to sit in at any time. We believe open communication with parents is a vital step toward a child's progress, meaning you will always know exactly what your child is working on, and Slaven will provide clear practice goals to focus on between sessions.
Lessons are live and one-on-one over Microsoft Teams or Zoom, with the board on |Chess.com or Lichess and ChessBase for analysis. All your child needs is a computer and an internet connection.
In the community
Slaven with young players
These photos are from a community chess event, where Slaven coached and played with local juniors over the board.
How it works
Starting is simple
Getting your child started takes one short call. Here is exactly how it goes.
Book a free 15-minute intro call
As the parent, you make the booking. It takes a minute and there is no cost or obligation.
Talk it through with Slaven
Slaven gets to know where your child is and what they would like to work on, and answers any questions you have.
Agree a schedule
Together you settle on a lesson length and frequency that fits your child and your family.
Lessons begin
Your child starts learning, live online, and you stay in the loop on their progress between lessons.
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 personalised lesson built around your child's own games, with a clear plan for what to work on next.
- Study plan tailored to your games
- Focused work on what holds you back
- Homework to work on after each session
Training game
$30/ hour
A full-length training game against Slaven at your child's level, then a deep 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
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child start chess lessons?
There is no fixed minimum. Most children are ready once they can sit and follow the rules, which is often around age six or seven, but it varies from child to child. Slaven coaches children and juniors at every level, from absolute beginners to competitive players, and a free 15-minute intro call is the easiest way to see whether the time is right.
Does my child need to know how to play already?
No. Slaven teaches the game properly from the very first moves, so complete beginners are welcome. He also works with children who already play and want to improve, meeting each child at their level rather than following a fixed syllabus.
How do online chess lessons for kids work?
Lessons are one-on-one and delivered live over Microsoft Teams or Zoom, with the board shown on chess.com or Lichess and ChessBase used for analysis. All your child needs is a computer and an internet connection. Lessons are paced for a child and kept engaging, and for younger children a parent is welcome to sit in.
How long are lessons, and how often?
You choose a schedule that works for your family. Lesson length and frequency are agreed with you on the free intro call and adapted to the age and attention span of your child, so the time stays focused and enjoyable rather than a fixed slot that runs too long.
How much do chess lessons for kids cost?
One-on-one lessons with Slaven are $45 per hour and training games are $30 per hour, in US dollars. Lesson packages over a block of lessons are available on enquiry. Just ask on the free intro call.
How do we get started?
Book a free 15-minute intro call. As the parent, you make the booking. Slaven will talk through where your child is and what they want to work on, answer your questions and see if it is a good fit, with no obligation. After that, you choose a schedule and the lessons begin.
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.