Chennai teenager Sai Swaroop V. is using his free time to teach chess to children who cannot afford coaching. His effort highlights how young players can share their skills and make the game more accessible.
Sai Swaroop Offers Free Chess Classes in Chennai
Rather than limiting his interest in chess to tournaments and personal training, Sai Swaroop is also helping children learn the game. A report published on October 26, 2026, describes his work with youngsters who cannot afford lessons. By volunteering his time, he is addressing one of the hurdles facing new players: access to instruction. His initiative gives children an opportunity to encounter chess without the expense of regular coaching.
Chess Journey Began at an Early Age
Sai Swaroop began learning chess at around four years old, with his father, Varaprasad, introducing him to the rules. By 2022, he had won Tamil Nadu State Level Children's Chess Championship titles in 2019 and 2020, along with an All India Under-12 Scholastic Online Chess Championship in 2021. He also trained at Crownz & Brainz Academy and spent long hours improving his game. His early interest in chess eventually developed into an interest in teaching it to others.
Online and Offline Coaching for Children
Sai Swaroop's school magazine for 2025-26 says he has been conducting online and offline chess classes since the age of 10. It also highlights his free coaching for children with special needs. Earlier, during the pandemic, he created a YouTube channel to explain chess basics to other young people. These efforts show that his teaching has taken more than one form, from digital lessons to personal instruction. Details of the number of current students and the places where the free classes are held were not available in the reports reviewed.
Making Chess Learning More Accessible
Chess can introduce children to planning, concentration, patience and the importance of thinking before moving. Organised coaching, however, may be difficult to afford for some families. Sai Swaroop's volunteer effort offers a way for children to take their first steps in the game. His earlier interviews also described a wish to help develop more chess players in India. By sharing what he has learned, the Chennai teenager is linking his sporting ambition with an interest in community service.
