San Diego Chess Instructor

Looking for a professional chess coach?

Mario Amodeo is a full-time chess mentor and trainer. UCSF Candidate Master title, ID: 12523359 

For beginners to players rated up to 1800. Ages 6 to adult. Call 619 508 2312

Young Students Chess Accomplishments

  • 9 year old taking private lessons weekly with Mario for 10 months tied for 3rd place among fourth graders, 2018 New Mexico Scholastic Championships (she is pictured far left).
  • 13 year old taking lessons weekly with Mario for 3 years is the 2018 S. Carolina Middle School Girls State Champ.
  • 9 year old taking lessons with Mario for 4 years is ranked 11th in U.S. for his age, 2017.
  • “Not plateauing is a reflection of your teaching method. Instead of quick fixes to win games, you focused on teaching fundamentals.” Jerry, a parent -Jan, 2012

Young Students Academic Accomplishments & Feedback

  • “Hi, Mario…You are a great coach: very patient, encouraging and responsible. Her chess has improved a lot. She has also learned something beyond chess, such as general attitude toward things, from you. Thanks and congratulations!” -2009; Seven years later she wrote: “Benefit from her chess experience and also your help over the years, she has got into Princeton early action.” -Jan. 2017 (note: she eventually chose Harvard)
  • “…truly encouraging!…(they) can’t stop smiling.” -March 2016″; It was a desperate decision for me to consider chess when they were bringing home failing grades… It’s as if I’d hit the jackpot. Their grades are improving and they are way more confident. Thank you for what you do.” -May 2016; A year after switching to online lessons due to moving out of state: “Thank you for being there for them.” -Oct 2018
  • Very first one-on-one student (1999) took Mario to lunch a week after graduated Yale 2014.
  • “He has been admitted to Northwestern University. Thank you so much for writing recommendations for him.” -Dec 2018 (early decision)
  • “Thank you again for the recommendation you wrote for my internship (UCSD). I believe it played a large role in my acceptance.” -2018

    • Life Benefits

      “Mario…Thanks again for all you do for her – above and beyond pure chess.  You have a great balance of encouraging her, letting her be a little kid (to a degree), but also pushing her, treating her like an adult, teaching her very profound concepts that will help her in all aspects of life in the future.” -a parent, 2017
      Chess develops self-esteem and tenacity. Other benefits include development of observational, evaluative, and planning skills. See also Benjamin Franklin’s “Moral’s of Chess” on the links page.

    Structured lessons emphasize understanding, skills and fun.

    Adult Student Feedback

    • “Hi Mario, I want to thank you so very much for the lessons and the training modules that provide the structure that has lead to my progression of understanding of how this game is played.” -Bruce Nov 2015, after climbing 329 rating point to 1771 by scoring 6-0 in a USCF rated tournament.
    • “Hi Mario,…I’m just writing to say thank you for your lessons and all your help. You sent me additional resources twice, even after we were done with the lessons…The things I have learned have even changed the way I see the world.Thank you, Mario. You are a great instructor and what you do is wonderful. Wishing you every success, Antonio.” -August 2016
    • “The new mindset I acquired from chess, and especially from your lessons, has made a big difference. It helps me explore problems from all different angles, in ways I would not have previously considered. It’s amazing the value that chess holds for everyday life.” -July 20, 2012; “Before I met you I was walking in the dark in terms of chess and I did not even know it.” Sept 14, 2010; “It means a lot that you care so much about your students…” Dan -Sept 4, 2010

    Published Students, and Teaching Example Links:

    icon Ankit
    Student Featured in 92128 Magazine
    Student Featured in Chess Life Magazine

    Administrative Testimonials:

    “Mario Amodeo is a first-rate Chess Instructor of very long standing in San Diego.”
    David Saponara
    MBA (UCLA). David is current and many time San Diego Chess Club President since 1982, former United States Chess Federation Board Member, former U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot, and parent.
    "...beating a Master couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Congratulations, Mario! We salute you for your excellent play and even more importantly, your friendly style and easy going nature."
    Chuck Ensey
    Longtime San Diego Chess Club Volunteer and Board Member

    Contact Info:

     

    call or text 619-508-2312

     

    Six year olds and up learning from each other!