What Is Mindful Chess
Mindful Chess has been helping learners of all ages and skill levels enjoy and improve at chess since 2015. Founded by Jake Fishman, it runs after school clubs and in-school programmes, and arranges private online lessons with independent coaches. Over 500 students take part every week across Greater London, and online lessons reach learners worldwide.
Lessons are matched to your strengths, learning style and interests. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, each lesson adapts to the student. Whether you're just starting to play or working to improve, personalised teaching helps you progress faster.
Jake Fishman, Founder of Mindful chess
How It All Started
1. A Passion for Chess
Jake Fishman, the founder of Mindful Chess, fell in love with the game as a kid, fascinated by its mix of strategy and endless possibilities. His coaching journey began while living in Hong Kong in 2014, where he worked with Scholastic Chess, the region’s top chess school. During his time there, Jake refined his approach to teaching and saw how chess can help students think critically, solve problems creatively, and build resilience — skills that go far beyond the chessboard.
2. The Birth of Mindful Chess
When Jake returned to the UK, he set out to create a chess program that broke away from the rigid, traditional methods. He wanted a program that focused on each student’s unique strengths and learning style. Starting with just 12 students in an after-school club, Jake launched Mindful Chess with a simple idea: to make chess fun, personal and empowering for every learner.
3. Growth and Success
What started as a small after-school club has grown into a vibrant program, fueled by the enthusiasm of students, parents, and schools. To meet this growing demand, Mindful Chess has brought together skilled coaches who give lessons tailored to challenge learners of all ages. Online private lessons have reached students on three continents, from beginners aged 5 to lifelong enthusiasts aged 94
Success is measured not only in numbers but in students' growing confidence, problem-solving skills and enjoyment of chess.
What Is Our Mission?
At Mindful Chess, our mission is to create a supportive and engaging environment where everyone, whether young or old, beginner or advanced, can discover the joy and benefits of chess. We aim to:
Help students develop not just their chess skills, but also critical life skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and patience.
Build a global community of chess enthusiasts who learn from and inspire one another.
Make high-quality chess education accessible by offering personalised coaching that meets the needs of every learner, regardless of their experience level.
Ultimately, we’re driven by a belief that chess is more than just a game; it’s a tool for growth, connection, and lifelong learning.
How Chess Coaches Are Selected
Mindful Chess brings together a selective community of independent coaches, each chosen through an application and interview process. More than 1,200 coaches have applied over the past 5 years, and hundreds have been interviewed. Coaches are selected for these qualities:
01
Adaptability
Coaches must be able to adapt their teaching methods to suit each student’s individual needs, whether working with a beginner or an advanced player.
02
Patience and empathy
Coaches are kind, patient and skilled at creating a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to grow.
03
Engagement and creativity
Coaches bring energy and creativity to their lessons, making chess both fun and intellectually stimulating.
04
Commitment to lifelong learning
Just as students are encouraged to improve, coaches keep developing their own skills.
05
Mentorship and Motivational Abilities
Beyond teaching skills, a great coach mentors students in building confidence, discipline, and resilience both on and off the chessboard.
Meet the Chess Coaches
Chess coach
Hannah Beach
"I visited a prison to coach chess and realised how fulfilling it was, not just to play with people as keen on chess as me, but to play against people so in need of any kind of social interaction. It made me realise the beauty in sitting with someone, having something shared to concentrate on."
Chess coach
Krysia Forbes
"Coaching chess is a recent venture for me, as I’ve been playing for the last seven years. With a background in primary education and a passion for both chess and working with children, I was inspired to start coaching as a way to blend my teaching skills with my love for the game."
