San Diego Chess Instructor

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

For beginners to players rated up to 1800. Ages 6 to 106. Call 619 508 2312

Young Students Chess Achievements

“…how fantastic you are as his first coach. You helped him build up a very solid foundation in chess play in two years time…You are very good at communicating and your teaching is well organized, I can’t imagine him reaches his level without your coaching in two years.” – from Zhenning, parent of an 11 year old, bullet rating: 2054; rapid rating: 1952, Nov 2020
13 year old is the 2018 S. Carolina Middle School Girls State Champ. Update: she finished top female South Carolina High Schools 2019 while still in Middle School, winning the GRIT (Girls with Respect, Integrity & Tenacity) Award and qualifying for All Girls National Invitational (link to Edgefield, SC newspaper story here).
9 year old tied for 3rd place among fourth graders, 2018 New Mexico Scholastic Championships. Update: after 5 wins at US Nationals in Nashville, TN, May 2019: “A great experience…A big thank you from her and all of us!”
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

From a parent, May 2019: “I am very pleased to tell you that he won 1st place. He had a rough start losing the first game, but I was so glad to see he could pull it off emotionally and continued on wining 4 straight games. He told me he learned a lot from your lesson so that he recognized all the techniques his opponents tried to use on him. I can see he’s built more confidence and interest in chess after today’s winning. It was a very good experience for both of us. I am very grateful for the teaching, guidance and help you have given…”

Young Students Academic Achievements & Feedback

From a parent: “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)
From a parent: “…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 moving to the east coast: “Thank you for being there for them.” -Oct 2018; “Thank you for all that you do!” -May 2019
From a parent in 2019: “You provided great opportunities for him. It is a lifetime experience to him.” -This student had weekly lessons with Mario from 2014-19; accepted to Northwestern U. in 2019.
From a parent of a 10 year old 2020: “I think you have been a fantastic coach for… The fact that he can stay focused in your lecture amazes me already. He is very picky in who he wants to pay attention to. He usually lost focus to me or my wife after 40 secs or so. He still has a lot to learn from you, not just chess strategy but also life experience. I think you are very good at teaching chess: sometimes … explains a bad move I made when playing against him… I can see it must have made crystal clear sense to him. In my opinion teaching skill is more important than personal achievement as a coach. I am very happy with the progress … has been making under your coaching. My wife and I are very grateful for the help you have given him. I have also recommended you to some of my friends who have kids interested in chess,”
Very first one-on-one student (1999-2001) graduated Yale class of 2014.
From a parent: “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.”-2017

Thoughts on Coaching and Learning:

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“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

San Diego Chess Instructor

Looking for a professional chess coach?

Young Students Chess Achievements

Young Students Academic Achievements & Feedback

Thoughts on Coaching and Learning:

Teaching Examples:

Students in Print:

Administrative Testimonials:

Contact Info:

call or text 619-508-2312

Six year olds and up learning from each other!