Hi! My name is Mario Amodeo and I am available for chess lessons in person to most of San Diego County or anywhere online. My guidance is appropriate for beginners to tournament players rated up to about 1900.           Link to a Union Tribune article on Mario:


Lesson Details and Objectives:

  • Appropriate for children and adults. Structured lessons emphasize understanding. For details see Teaching Methods.
  • Before each lesson I prepare a written outline of a personalized lesson, including assigned homework.
  • Children develop self-esteem, responsibility, tenacity, and sportsmanship. For Benjamin Franklin’s “Moral’s of Chess”, click on ‘Why I Teach‘.
  • Adults increase skills and enjoyment of the game.

My Qualifications:

  • Since 1997 I’ve taught over 800 lessons ‘one on one’ and to groups ages 5 to 84 at locations such as Bernardo Heights Middle School, Carmel Creek, Carmel Del Mar, Park Village, Painted Rock and Rice (Elementary schools) to name a few.
  • USCF Candidate Master title, id: 12523359, competing Wednesday’s at the San Diego Chess Club for over 20 years. click for rating history
  • Head Instructor, San Diego Chess Club Summer 2000 Chess Camp. Volunteer Tournament Director for many scholastic chess events.
  • State of California Substitute Teaching Permit (click for screenshot)

For Rates Click Here

    Contact Information: 619-508-2312 or email:

UCSF Candidate Master Mario Amodeo at the San Diego County Bonita Sunnyside Library

Examples of places I can drive to: Del Mar, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Fairbanks Ranch, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, National City, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, Santee, Tierra Santa, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Hills, Del Cerro, Casa De Oro, La Jolla, North Park, South Park, Kensington, Poway, Spring Valley, Normal Heights, East Lake, Paradise Hills, Coronado, Bonita.