Origin story

ChessLeap was born from a simple belief: chess coaching should be more than individual lessons—it should be a fully integrated and uniquely tailored journey.

For over a decade, I've worked as an educator, helping people build confidence, develop new skills and achieve long-term goals. When I discovered chess in my early twenties, I started exactly where many students do: as a complete beginner. Through consistent study, coaching and thousands of hours of practice, I progressed to a rapid rating of over 2150. That journey gave me something invaluable—not just an understanding of the game, but a genuine appreciation of the challenges every improving player faces.

Over the past four years, I've coached students through an established online coaching platform, working with players of all ages and abilities. Alongside this, I was proud to serve as an ambassador for FourCorner Club in London, helping to grow one of the UK's most vibrant outdoor chess communities. It was there that I saw first-hand how chess brings people together, welcoming everyone from complete beginners to internationally recognised players such as Anna Cramling and David Howell.

Throughout my coaching experience, one idea kept returning: improvement shouldn't rely on random lessons or guesswork. Students deserve a clear pathway that builds confidence, develops understanding and provides measurable progress over time.

That vision became ChessLeap.

Built around three core principles—Coaching, Courses and Community—ChessLeap is designed to provide far more than weekly lessons. It is a place where personalised coaching, structured learning resources and a supportive community come together to help every student realise their potential.

Whether you're learning the rules for the very first time, aiming to improve your online rating, or preparing for tournament play, ChessLeap exists to help you take the next step with confidence.

Sharpening minds. Shaping players.

- Andrew Buzzeo, ChessLeap founder.