Coach Lazar Vilotijevic

$90/hour

estimated price

Zip code

Student age

Responds within a day

Introduction

2600+ rating and top 800 worldwide on chess.com Earned Title At the World Open in 2014 (Age 13) 5 Time Suffern County Champion 4 Time Bergen County Champion Second Place at 6TH ANNUAL BOSTON CHESS CONGRESS Hundreds of First Place School District tournaments Rated 2175 at age 14 My aim as a mentor is for students to embark on a transformative journey where improvement is not limited to a single aspect of the game. From enhancing personal opening repertoires and mastering maneuvering positional middlegames to recognizing endgame patterns, my instruction covers the full spectrum of chess strategy and tactics. I look forward to seeing you elevate your chess potential and chess prowess to new heights. My name is Lazar, and I am a FIDE Candidate Master with an ELO rating of 2500 plus online. I’ve dedicated myself to the pursuit of the Grand Master title and have now returned to the game with renewed vigor. My passion for chess extends beyond personal achievement; I find immense joy in sharing my expertise through teaching. I am articulate in speaking my ideas across the board and am lucky to have gained this skill from reviewing my tournament games with my parents during my youth years. My educational portfolio spans from after school programs, to group adult lessons at local chess clubs. My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a deep love for the game, believing that an ELO rating of 2000 plus is easily within reach when students truly enjoy their chess journey. When I am not instructing, you’ll find me absorbed in the world of chess, constantly studying and enhancing my skills to inch closer to the coveted Grand Master title. My commitment to chess is unwavering. Additionally, I organize and host online match play, bringing together a community of chess players through my own team arena on lichess. Participation is open to all, and challenges amongst any members are encouraged. You can find the registration link in my nio by visiting the MatchPlay team mentioned above.

Overview

Hired 49 times

Serves San Antonio, TX

Background checked

1 employee

4 years in business

Business hours

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Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2023

2022

Featured Projects

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Exceptional 5.0

48 reviews

100%

Read reviews that mention:

Bonnie L.

Aug 28, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

I am thrilled to share our experience with Coach Lazar, who has been instrumental in my son’s chess journey over the past three months. When we first started lessons, my son was rated in the mid-1300s, and through Coach Lazar’s guidance, his rating has skyrocketed to the mid-1600s—an incredible increase of almost 300 points. From day one, Coach Lazar displayed remarkable patience and professionalism. He took the time to conduct a thorough assessment of my son’s strengths and weaknesses, tailoring each lesson to address specific areas for improvement. This personalized approach has made all the difference in my son’s development. What stands out the most is Coach Lazar’s ability to break down complex concepts into manageable parts. He encourages my son to think critically and independently. The lessons are engaging and challenging, yet always supportive, which has helped build my son’s confidence on and off the board. Additionally, Coach Lazar is always open to questions and provides constructive feedback that motivates my son to keep pushing his limits. It’s clear that Coach Lazar genuinely cares about his students’ progress and success. I cannot recommend him highly enough for anyone looking to improve their chess skills.

Details: 14 - 17 years old • Intermediate • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Chess Lessons

Jennifer B.

Oct 11, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

We feel very lucky to have Lazar as our coach. He is highly knowledgeable about the game, but, most importantly, his people skills allow him to break things down effectively, helping his students think better. It's easy to talk to him, and he makes the game less intimidating, encouraging you to develop your own greatness. I'm convinced that my son's game has improved drastically, and it's delightful to see how much he enjoys his lessons instead of suffering through the process at his own pace. Lazar is polite, well-educated, and a positive influence in this somewhat stigmatic sport. I'm positive we'll hear great things from him in the chess world in the future. He's one of the most talented players we've had the privilege to know.

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Intermediate • I don't have an Elo rating • As recommended by teacher • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Chess Lessons

Ryan U.

Apr 15, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Lazar is highly qualified and has the ability to meet you where you are in your chess development. Even before my first lesson, he reviewed my games and identified areas for growth. With his help, I hit new highs in my rank and learned many ideas in chess that I very likely would have otherwise overlooked. I am thankful to have him as a coach!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • Beginner • Once a week • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Chess Lessons

Mark N.

Oct 11, 2023

Lazar has been teaching my eight-year-old son for less than a year, and his progress is unbelievable. Not just in knowledge & ability (he's been winning tournaments and advances to a new level with each one) but more importantly, Lazar has fostered a love of the game, and a way of critical thinking that my son can use in many ways throughout his life. Best of all, Lazar makes it fun & age appropriate, with an enthusiasm that rubs off. He treats my son with respect, which builds confidence just as much as the chess. The enthusiasm is genuine - Lazar seems just as excited about my son's tournaments as we are! My son looks forward to the lessons each week. We're grateful we found Lazar as a coach.

Suresh K.

Aug 28, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Below is the feedback from my son who took class with Lazar My chess went to a whole another level when practicing with Lazar. As he always looked over my games and saw what we needed to work on. He also went out of his way to find the best games in the world and we did an analysis on them. He also has many areas where you can practice as he made many studies and lines for openings and he sends them to you so that’s at you can practice different openings and puzzles out of class. Overall I really enjoyed my experience with Lazar!

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Beginner • Once a week • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

Chess Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Lazar Vilotijevic