The Jedi
Chess Academy
Our Approach
At The Jedi Chess Academy, we are passionate about teaching chess in a unique way that goes beyond just the game. Our approach is to use storytelling as a tool to engage young minds, fostering empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. We believe in developing periphery skills such as language and logic through the game of chess. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment where kids can learn and grow through the power of chess.
Meet Our Team
Coach jed
Founder
Hi! I'm Coach Jed. I'm a FIDE-certified School Instructor, have over 10 years of teaching experience in government and private institutions, have designed curriculum for one of Singapore's largest chess schools, and trained over 20 tutors. I belive that Chess is an opportunity for people to practice essential life skills like empathy, planning, critical thinking, and (especially) emotional regulation. I ensure that all my classes are fun, exciting, and a journey of discovery.
Teaching Philosophy:
- Coach Jed believes that stories can change the world. It can reshape the way we view difficult tasks, the people around us, and most importantly, ourselves. By integrating professional storytelling techniques and the latest pedagogical research, Coach Jed empowers every student to see themselves of the hero of their own lives. Through which, he instills valuable chess (and life) skills such as focus, emotional regulation, and strategic thinking.
- He has a proven track record of developing complete beginners into passionate chess enthusiasts and even into confident and skilled players, both on and off the board.
Certifications:
FIDE School Instructor
Coach akhmet
Senior Chess Instructor
Hi! I'm Coach NM Akhmet. I'm a FIDE-certifed senior instructor and a National Master of the USA. I was a member of the Kazakhstan National Junior Team and has represented Kazakhstan at the World Youth Chess Championship (Spain, 1996), World Chess Olympiad (Turkey, 2003), among other many international tournaments.
I specialise in coaching competitive kids, including a previous U8 Singapore Champion. I am also an NUS MBA alumnus, a Teaching Professor at a
University in Kazakhstan, and excellent in cross-cultural communications. All these skills help me to conduct high-level complex chess lessons in interactive and engaging ways.
Teaching Philosophy:
- Coach Akhmet is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment to ensure that every student of his reaches their full competitive potential.
- He believes that strong Chess skills are strong life skills. Hence, he believes in building his students up by imparting the essential attitudes and thought habits of Chess.
Certifications:
FIDE Senior School Instructor
Coach JAX
Senior Chess Instructor
Hi! I'm Coach Jax. I'm a Women’s Candidate Master from Canada, a title I achieved at 9 years old after winning the North American Youth Chess Championships (2009)! As one of the youngest female players to have ever received the title, I understand very deeply how important it is for young people to feel supported to achieve their full potential. Despite winning many national and international tournaments, my greatest accomplishment in chess would always be all the students I've helped ever since I began coaching a decade ago. Beyond just helping kids as young as 5 compete and win in various national competitions, it is watching all my students build a sense of agency and self-confidence in Chess and in life that motivates me to continue coaching.
Teaching Philosophy:
- Coach Jax believes that every student is unique in their learning ability and progression. Thus, she adapts to each child’s specific needs in helping them reach their full potential in chess.
- She believes that chess, while rigorous and intellectually stimulating, should be fundamentally fun. Therefore, she dedicates both time and thoughtfulness in curating lessons that are engaging and effective.
Certifications:
Women's Candidate Master