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About Kings Indian Chess

Named for one of chess's great fighting openings, we've taught the royal game in the Chantilly, Virginia area since 2014.

Our Philosophy

Chess as a framework for thinking

Our curriculum emphasizes problem-solving activities that require strong analytical ability and critical-thinking skills. Chess helps students concentrate, reason under pressure, and improve their logic — abilities that translate directly into academic and life success.

Every student progresses through a structured path, challenged at exactly the right level, while learning the discipline and sportsmanship that competition teaches.

From Our Classes

Moments from the board

Our Story

A decade of growing chess players

Founded in 2014, Kings Indian Chess has trained approximately 50 students every year since 2014 — more than 500 young players and counting. From first moves to rated tournament play, we meet students where they are and take them further. Kings Indian Chess is run by Pragathi USA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit of compassionate, self-driven volunteers — so giving back is part of who we are. Proceeds from our programs support Pragathi USA's work, including local charities and orphanages in India that serve socially and economically challenged children. Our shared goal is simple: to inspire individuals to achieve their full potential.

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Since 2014

Established in the Chantilly area

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~50 / year

Students trained since 2014

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500+

Young players coached

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5

DC Champions coached

Our Chess Coaches

Meet your coaches

David Bennett, US National Master and lead chess instructor

David Bennett

US National Master · International Candidate Master

David Bennett is a US National Master and International Candidate Master with a track record of developing champions — he has trained five DC Champions. His coaching blends rigorous instruction with a genuine love of the game, helping students build the calculation, planning, and composure that strong chess demands.

Whether a student is learning how the knight moves or preparing for a rated event, David's structured approach turns curiosity into real skill over the board.

Greg Acholonu, FIDE Master and chess coach, teaching a young student

Greg Acholonu

FIDE Master · USCF Life Master · VCF Chess Coach of the Year

Greg Acholonu is a FIDE Master and USCF Life Master who has been among the strongest players in the DC–Maryland–Virginia region for four decades. He earned the National Master title in 1982, rose to Senior Master, and holds the FIDE Master title. A four-time U.S. Chess Center Champion and the 1992 Maryland Closed Champion, Greg was honored by the Virginia Chess Federation as its Chess Coach of the Year.

Greg’s patient, question-driven teaching helps students at every level think for themselves at the board. FIDE rating 2251 — view his official FIDE profile →

Powered by Volunteers

The team behind the board

Kings Indian Chess is a 100% volunteer-run chess club, run by Pragathi USA. A dedicated group of parent and community volunteers organizes our classes, tournaments, and events — donating their time so every child in the area can learn the royal game.

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Ramakanth Dasaradi

Community Volunteer

A passionate advocate for youth chess who volunteers across club events, weekend sessions, and our Pragathi USA partnership.

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CS

Cecil Mony Soman

Community Volunteer

Supports program operations, events, and season-long coordination.

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BR

Bakia Raj

Community Volunteer

Volunteers across club logistics, registration, and tournament-day support.

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SK

Siva Kasi

Community Volunteer

Lends time to events, outreach, and keeping chess accessible for every child.

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SB

Shiny Balakrishnan

Community Volunteer

Helps run communications, family coordination, and weekly club activities.

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Join our team

Community Volunteer

We’re always growing — this spot is reserved for a future volunteer.

Get involved →

Where Your Support Goes

Chess for kids — service for the community

Kings Indian Chess is a chess club run by Pragathi USA. We're more than a chess club — the proceeds from our programs, donations, and swag help fund Pragathi USA's social-service work both here in the United States and in India.

Pragathi USA is "a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that comprises of compassionate and self-driven individuals who strive to make a positive impact in the lives of socially, economically and physically challenged individuals." Funds raised through our activities go toward causes such as:

  • 🍲 Food drives & pantry support (such as the Dulles Pantry)
  • 📚 Education programs like Pragathi Vidyalaya
  • 🤝 Community workshops, sponsorships & relief efforts in India and the US
  • 🎭 Cultural & youth-enrichment events (Pragathi Utsav)
Visit Pragathi USA → Facebook
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Play chess. Change lives.

Every registration, donation, and swag purchase helps a child learn chess — and helps a family in need through Pragathi USA's service work in the US and India.

Pragathi USA · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
EIN 47-4069454
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate or get involved →

Vision

A journey together towards achieving the overall development of our society through enrichment of the lives of individuals.

Mission

Shaping the future of individuals by contributing to their personal, social and economic development — inspiring individuals to achieve their full potential as part of their journey towards development.

Our Goal

To inspire individuals to achieve their full potential — and to make high-quality chess accessible to every child while giving back to the community here and in India.

Chess Curriculum

A clear path, level by level

Four levels carry students from their very first game to competitive tournament play.

Pawn (Beginner)

The rules, first principles and basic tactics.

Rook (Intermediate)

Using your pieces, endgames and combinations.

Queen (Advanced)

Openings, strategy, attack and deep endgames.

Tournament

Rated-play prep, time management, and competition coaching.

See Programs & Calendar →