About Us
In a remarkable twist of fate, where we often hear of sighted individuals guiding the blind. Rajesh Oza has reversed the roles, leading others through his extraordinary chess vision. Though he lost his eyesight at 15 due to complications from a cataract operation, Rajesh’s brilliance on the chessboard has overshadowed the challenges he faced.
Born on May 17, 1977, Rajesh Oza turned to his favorite pastime, chess, after losing his vision. Under the mentorship of Mr. Joseph D’Souza, he worked tirelessly and went on to win the National ‘A’ Championship three times, making history as the first completely blind player to achieve this feat in India. Rajesh also became the first blind chess player in India to earn a FIDE international rating. His historic victory in the 2002 National Blind Title catapulted him into the international chess scene, representing India in tournaments across the world, including Turkey and Spain.
Rajesh’s achievements are numerous. He scored the highest-ever for an Indian at the World Individual Championship in Istanbul and has captained India’s blind team at the Chess Olympiads and World Championships. His remarkable career includes victories over sighted players, including defeating Super Grandmaster Pendyala Harikrishna in a simultaneous exhibition in 2003. Over the years, he has represented India in multiple Olympiads, including in Greece, Spain, and Serbia, and has won numerous national and international titles.
Beyond his competitive success, Rajesh Oza is a respected coach who has trained thousands of students, including national champions and international competitors. His dedication to the chess community has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chirag Award in the sports category and recognition from organizations like the Rotary and Lions Clubs. His contributions to the field of chess have been widely featured in media, and he is deeply grateful to the many parents and families who trust him to guide their children on the path to chess mastery.
Rajesh Oza’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, proving that true vision extends far beyond what the eyes can see.
Celebrating two decades of nurturing chess talent and achieving excellence.
Rajesh Oza Chess Academy was established in Rasta Peth, Pune, India, by Mr. Rajesh Oza, pioneering chess education in the region.
ROCA opens its first branch in Salisbury Park, expanding its reach across Pune.
ROCA expands its presence by opening new branches in Wanowrie (2007), Kalyani Nagar (2008), and Viman Nagar (2009) to meet growing demand for chess education.
Rajesh Oza wins the National 'A' Championship for the third time, gaining national prominence for both himself and the academy.
A structured, syllabus-driven approach was introduced, enhancing the learning process for players of all levels.
The academy establishes global branches, including in UAE, Dubai and APAC, further extending its international presence.
ROCA adapts to a hybrid learning model, introducing online tournaments and assignments to enhance learning flexibility.
ROCA continues to nurture talent globally, with international students and numerous FIDE-rated players emerging from the academy.
Rajesh Oza Chess Academy (ROCA) has been a pioneer in chess education since 2004, nurturing talent and producing FIDE-rated players worldwide. From 2000 to 2024, our academy has successfully organized offline chess tournaments at various levels, ranging from district to national competitions. Starting in 2019, we expanded to hosting online tournaments, providing students with greater opportunities to compete, learn, and excel on a global platform. ROCA remains dedicated to fostering excellence in chess through structured training and competitive experiences.
Vision
Our vision is to empower individuals through chess, fostering a global community of strategic thinkers, creativity, and personal growth while inspiring confidence and life skills beyond the board.
Mission
Our mission is to offer top-notch chess education for all, fostering critical thinking, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for chess, helping students reach their full potential in chess and life.
Core Values
Excellence, Integrity, Community, and Continuous Improvement define us—delivering top chess education, fostering inclusivity, respect, and lifelong learning for personal growth and mastery.
Structured Curriculum
At ROCA, we offer a comprehensive, syllabus-based program tailored to students of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, our curriculum ensures a step-by-step approach to mastering chess, led by highly qualified and experienced instructors.
Personalized Learning
Our teachers provide personalized attention, adapting their coaching to meet the individual needs of each student. This ensures that every learner receives guidance specific to their strengths and areas for improvement.
Practical Experience
We emphasize practical learning through regular monthly practice tournaments, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real competitive environments. This hands-on experience helps sharpen their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Progress Monitoring and Feedback
Exams at the end of each course help assess students' progress, providing valuable feedback on their understanding of the game. This system ensures consistent improvement and mastery of chess principles.
Parent-Teacher Partnership
We foster collaboration between parents and instructors with regular meetings to discuss each student’s development. This partnership ensures that students receive support both inside and outside the academy.
Resources and Tools
Our students benefit from carefully prepared study notes that enhance their understanding and retention of chess concepts. Weekly assignments and ready-made materials further reinforce learning outcomes.
Competitive and Friendly Environment
ROCA offers a dynamic learning environment with both online and offline intraclass tournaments, encouraging friendly competition. These events help build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of camaraderie among students.
Motivational Rewards
We celebrate our students' achievements by awarding motivational prizes, encouraging a spirit of continuous improvement and instilling a sense of accomplishment.
What Sets ROCA Apart?
At ROCA, our structured approach, combined with personalized attention, real-world experience, and strong community support, makes learning chess both enriching and enjoyable. We don’t just teach chess—we shape minds, fostering critical thinking and creativity that lasts a lifetime.
