Best Chess Instructor Bridgeport Near Me

4worldlovers:
Welcome to Jim Virtual Chess Lessons! I provide live online chess lessons to students ages 6-14. I’m James Santorelli and my passion has been teaching chess to children for over 30 years. I love teaching chess, introducing new players to the game and helping current players improve their game.


Jim Santorelli, is a nationally renowned authority on chess in education with over 30 years chess instruction experience whose passion for chess continues to help players to improve their skills and ability. Jim has successfully guided his students to 13 National Championships!


It has long been my greatest passion to bring students together to enjoy the world’s oldest and best game. My life has been dedicated to helping players improve their chess skills and I’m excited that students can schedule online chess lessons, from anywhere, to easily fit in their busy schedule. ZOOM makes you feel like you’re in the same room. Children of all ages can learn to play chess in a safe, online, interactive learning space led by chess instructor, Jim Santorelli.


At JVCL, we love teaching chess, introducing new players to the game, and helping current players continue to improve. Small group classes are organized based upon ability and combine lectures, interactive play and fun homework assignments. Combined, you will see a tremendous improvement in your chess ability.

Please note: private “in person” lessons are still available at our Southbury location.

Class placement is determined by age and chess experience. There’s an option for the absolute beginner (at least age 6) all the way to the tournament player. Review the class descriptions below to find out which level best suits your child or teen. If you need help with registration, reach out.

“With chess, children can practice deductive reasoning and use it in day to day situations. The idea with increasing the number of curricular programs is to improve children’s critical thinking skills and analytical abilities.”

A USCF Expert, Jim emphasizes strategy and planning in his chess and in his well-prepared classroom lectures.

A key benefit of playing chess is that it improves focus which helps students in every area of study. Adding chess to the curriculum improves academic success. Each day, teachers look for new ways to get students excited about learning and new ways to help them retain the information they learn. In addition to educational advantages, students experience social growth and learn patience and sportsmanship.

Jim is truly an exemplary figure in the field of chess in education and has passionately devoted himself to spreading his knowledge and love for chess to children for the past 30 years. I had the pleasure of working with Jim for over 10 years as a fellow chess instructor/coach. Through his mentorship, I can honestly say I learned to be a better teacher, motivator, and player. I highly recommend Jim if you are looking to improve your chess knowledge and work with one of the most experienced and sought after chess coaches out there!

Some people spend years at school learning the art of teaching, some people are just born with an innate gift to be able to connect with people ....especially young people. Jim Santorelli has proven to be the latter. My son was under performing in school and was being pulled into the world of gaming. It was interfering with his ability to function and reason correctly. We tried to go the route of studying chess. At first it was a difficult transition but as time went on interest became stronger and skills were developed. Jim brought a passion and insight to the game. He also had a sense of humor and a grounded sensibility. The game really seemed to improve some of my son's cognitive skills and we noticed an improvement in math and reasoning abilities. He went from being online and wasting time to developing positive, productive learning. I chalked a good deal of it up to the change and experience he had online with Mr. Santorelli. Sincerely