Chess Coach · Fairfield County, CT

Your Personal Chess Coach — Elevate Your Game

I'm Matthew Olson, a patient chess coach teaching beginner to intermediate players looking to improve their chess skills. I offer both one-on-one sessions tailored to your chess goals and interactive group classes. Schedule online worldwide or in-person across Fairfield County, CT.

2000
Rapid Elo Rating
Top .3%
Global Rapid Players
5+
Years of Playing Experience
Chess Knight
Available Now
♟ Chess Coach

Matthew Olson

Chess Coach — Professional Portrait
2000 Rapid Elo
Chess Coach · Fairfield County

Ranked in the top 0.3% of online rapid players globally with a 2000 Rapid Elo on chess.com and 5 years of deep experience as a player, I bring fresh enthusiasm, a genuine love for the game, and a patient, encouraging approach to coaching — especially with younger students.

⭐️
2000 Rapid Elo — Top 0.3% Worldwide Elite competitive experience across openings, middlegame tactics, and endgame technique
🎓
5 Years of Chess Experience Passionate player bringing fresh energy, enthusiasm, and a clear teaching style to every session
👦
Specializes in Teaching Kids Patient, encouraging, and experienced in making chess fun and engaging for young learners
📚
Complete Curriculum Deep knowledge of openings theory, tactical patterns, strategic planning, and endgame mastery

Choose Your Session Type

💻
Available Worldwide

Virtual Coaching

High-quality online sessions via video call with screen sharing, real-time analysis, and interactive board tools. Learn from anywhere in the world.

  • Live game analysis & review
  • Opening repertoire building
  • Tactics training & puzzles
  • Post-game lesson recordings
  • Flexible scheduling
Starting from
$25 / hour
🏆
Fairfield County Only

In-Person Coaching

Face-to-face sessions in Fairfield County, CT (New Canaan, Westport, Darien, Wilton, Greenwich, Stamford, Fairfield, Ridgefield, Weston, and Redding). All in-person lessons use the ChessUp Smart Board — an AI-powered physical board with LED move guidance and real-time analysis for a highly interactive, hands-on experience.

  • ChessUp Smart Board included
  • AI-powered real-time analysis
  • Tournament preparation
  • Study material provided
  • Kid-friendly environment
Starting from
$35 / hour
👥
Group Sessions

Group Coaching Sessions

Interactive group classes for multiple students. A fun and engaging way to learn chess together, with shared lessons, games, and team-based exercises.

  • Collaborative learning environment
  • Group tactics & puzzles
  • Live Game Analysis
  • Great for schools & clubs
  • Flexible group sizes
Inquire for pricing

Client Testimonials

★★★★★
"Matt turned real tournament experiences into fantastic teaching opportunities — already making a huge difference in both confidence and improvement. We couldn't recommend Precision Chess Coaching more highly!"
— Lindsay LaRusso
Parent
★★★★★
"My 4 and 6 year old were fully engaged the entire time. Matt has a natural ability to connect with kids and make chess fun, and by the end they were already asking to play again."
— Justin Jackson
Parent

Book Your First Session

Ready to Elevate Your Game?

📍 In-Person: Fairfield County, CT
💻 Virtual

Whether you're a complete beginner or advanced intermediate, I'll meet you where you are and build a personalized curriculum to reach your goals.

Send me a message and I'll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your goals, current level, and schedule your first lesson!

🗓
Availability
Mon–Sun, Flexible Hours

Request a Session

✅ Your session request has been sent! Matt will get back to you within 24 hours.
⚠️ Something went wrong. Please try again or email matt@precision-chess.com directly.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online chess coaching effective for kids and beginners? +

Absolutely. Virtual sessions via video call with shared screen analysis and interactive board tools are highly effective for beginners and younger students. Many students progress faster online due to flexible scheduling and the ability to review session recordings. Virtual coaching is available worldwide at $25/hour.

What age is a good time to start chess lessons? +

Most children can begin learning chess as early as age 5–6. I have experience teaching young kids in a fun, engaging way that builds focus, problem-solving, and patience — skills that extend well beyond the board. There's truly no age that's too early (or too late) to start.

How much does chess coaching cost? +

Sessions start at $25/hour for virtual coaching and $35/hour for in-person coaching in Fairfield County (which includes the ChessUp Smart Board). Group coaching is also available — contact me for group pricing.

What is a good chess rating for a beginner? +

New players on chess.com typically start around 400–600 rapid rating. With consistent practice and coaching, reaching 800–1000 is very achievable within a few months. I work with students at every level and build personalized curriculums to help you reach your specific goals.

What is the ChessUp Smart Board and how is it used in lessons? +

The ChessUp Smart Board is an AI-powered physical chess board with LED move guidance, real-time analysis, and built-in difficulty levels. I use it in all in-person lessons — making learning highly interactive and visual, and ideal for younger students or anyone who learns best with hands-on technology.

How do I improve from a 1000 to 1500 chess rating? +

Breaking through common rating plateaus requires focused work on tactics, opening principles, and endgame fundamentals. Coaching sessions with me include live game analysis, tactics training, and opening repertoire building — the three pillars of consistent improvement for intermediate players.

Do you offer group chess classes for schools or clubs? +

Yes! Group coaching sessions are available for schools, after-school programs, and chess clubs throughout Fairfield County. Group classes are a fun, collaborative way for students to learn together. Reach out via the booking form for group pricing and availability.