Private lessons are only for advanced chess students who have a strong commitment to improving their game. Although we hate to put a hard figure to what constitutes an 'advanced student' as a general guideline I will define it as a person who already has at least a 1200 USCF rating and is regularly competing in chess competitions. Other factors such as age would affect the final decision.
We maintain a limited number of private students. We want to be certain that the quality of my lessons are not diluted by spreading my time or interests too thin. This is to assure that we are very attentive and that we have enough extra time to complete any study in progress. We will also be at most of the major scholastic tournaments to support our students.
Our students should be taking chess lessons because they want the lessons, not just because a parent believes that it would be a valuable experience. We expect our students to do some prescribed self study between lessons and to play in tournaments. The use of a computer and chess software is highly recommended. Membership in the Internet Chess Club is required.
Presently, we coach many of the top young players in the state. we believe that we can use the dynamics of the group to produce better performance for all of the people in it. We are seeking strong players that believe in being supportive of others, that see cooperation as being more valuable than competition between the players in our group.
1.5 hour lesson (minimum lesson length if more than 1 lesson per month) = $50
2 hour lesson (minimum lesson time if only 1 lesson per month) = $65
2.5 hour lesson = $75
siblings can combine lessons into one of the above categories additional charge for away lessons
We recycle at CCL and when our students become as strong as our over the board coaches (currently defined as having a USCF rating of over 2100) then they can become a coach at CCL. These young superstars bring something special to coaching with an energy and a perspective that can only exist in a young prodigy. They are also well entrenched in all of CCL's successful methods. Our current young coaches are John Hughes and Walker Griggs. I believe that they bring as much to the table as the older coaches but at a reduced price.
1.5 hour lesson = $40
Any private student can supplement their private lessons with 1 hour Internet lessons with Goran's Group. Goran's Group includes IM Goran Vojinovic, IM Atanas Kizov, and WGM Jovana Vojinovic.
Private Monthly lessons:
The restrictions on the monthly lessons are the same as the weekly lessons. The only differences are that the lessons are at a minimum of two hours each and meet only once per month.
2 hour lesson (minimum lesson time if only 1 lesson per month) = $65
2.5 hour lesson = $75 additional charge for away lessons
International Program:
In this program, there is one monthly 2 or 2.5 hour lesson with one of the over-the-board coaches followed by any number of 1 hour weekly Internet lessons with Goran's Group. The Internet lessons are usually done on the Internet Chess Server, with the free Skype service being used for the voice. This is a great service for all chess players but it is especially attractive to out of town students.
