About Us
Best Chess Trainer in Pune — Meet Rajesh Oza
In a remarkable twist of fate — one where we usually hear of sighted people guiding the blind — Rajesh Oza has flipped that story, guiding thousands of students through his extraordinary vision for the game. Recognized today as the best chess trainer in Pune, he lost his eyesight at just 15 due to complications from a cataract operation. Yet that loss never held back his brilliance on the chessboard.
Born on May 17, 1977, Rajesh turned to his lifelong passion, chess, after losing his vision. Guided by the mentorship of Mr. Joseph D’Souza, he trained with relentless dedication and went on to win the National ‘A’ Championship three times, becoming the first fully blind player in India’s history to achieve this milestone. He also became the first blind chess player in India to earn an official FIDE international rating. His historic win at the 2002 National Blind Title launched him onto the world stage, where he went on to represent India in tournaments across Turkey and Spain.
Rajesh’s achievements read like a highlight reel. He posted the highest-ever score by an Indian player at the World Individual Championship in Istanbul and has captained India’s blind chess team at the Chess Olympiads and World Championships. His career even includes wins over sighted opponents — most notably defeating Super Grandmaster Pendyala Harikrishna in a simultaneous exhibition in 2003. Over the years, he has gone on to represent India at multiple Olympiads, including in Greece, Spain, and Serbia, earning numerous national and international titles along the way — a track record that has made him the top chess trainer in Pune for families seeking serious, structured coaching.
Beyond his own competitive success, Rajesh Oza has built a reputation as a coach who has trained thousands of students, including national champions and international competitors. His dedication to the chess community has been recognized with honours such as the prestigious Chirag Award in the sports category, along with commendations from organizations like the Rotary and Lions Clubs. His work has been featured widely in the media, and he remains deeply grateful to the many parents and families across Pune who continue to trust him with their children’s chess journey.
Rajesh Oza’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle — and that true vision extends far beyond what the eyes alone can see.
Our Story
20 Years of Chess Coaching Classes in Pune
2024
Completed 20 Years
Celebrating two decades of nurturing chess talent and achieving excellence.
2004
Foundation
Rajesh Oza Chess Academy (ROCA) was founded in Rasta Peth, Pune, by Rajesh Oza, laying the foundation for structured chess education in the city and establishing what would soon become one of the most trusted names among chess coaching classes in Pune.
2006
First Expansion
ROCA opened its first branch in Salisbury Park, marking the beginning of the academy's growth across Pune.
2007-2009
Academy Expansions
New branches followed in Wanowrie (2007), Kalyani Nagar (2008), and Viman Nagar (2009), as demand for quality chess tutors in Pune continued to rise across the city's neighbourhoods.
2009
National Recognition
Rajesh Oza won the National 'A' Championship for the third time, bringing national recognition to both himself and the academy.
2015
Syllabus-Based Courses
ROCA introduced a structured, syllabus-driven curriculum, giving students of every level a clear, progressive path to improvement.
2019
International Outreach
The academy expanded beyond India, opening branches in the UAE, Dubai, and the APAC region.
2019-21
Online Tournament Integration
ROCA adapted to a hybrid model, introducing online tournaments and assignments so students could keep learning and competing without interruption.
2024
Celebrating 20 Years
ROCA marked two decades of nurturing chess talent, with students from across the world and a growing list of FIDE-rated players to its name.
Rajesh Oza Chess Academy (ROCA) has been a pioneer in chess education since 2004, nurturing young talent and helping produce FIDE-rated players who compete at national and international levels. As a professional chess academy in Pune, ROCA has successfully organized offline chess tournaments from 2000 to 2024, covering various levels from district to national competitions. Since 2019, the academy has also expanded into online chess tournaments, giving students greater opportunities to compete, learn, gain experience, and excel on a global platform. With structured training, expert guidance, and regular competitive exposure, ROCA remains committed to developing skilled players and fostering excellence in chess.
Chess Tutors in Pune — Areas We Serve
ROCA’s branches make it easy to find the best chess trainer in Pune close to home, with locations spread across the city’s key neighbourhoods.
Rasta Peth — Our Founding Branch
The original ROCA centre, established in 2004, where Rajesh Oza first began training students in structured, syllabus-based chess.
Salisbury Park — Chess Coaching Classes in Pune
Opened in 2006, this branch extended ROCA’s reach to families across central Pune.
Wanowrie, Kalyani Nagar & Viman Nagar
Established between 2007 and 2009, these branches brought our chess tutors in Pune closer to students in the eastern and northeastern parts of the city.
Online Chess Coaching Across Pune and Beyond
Since 2019, ROCA has offered live online classes, tournaments, and assignments — so students anywhere in Pune, India, or overseas can train with the top chess trainer in Pune without visiting a branch in person.
Vision
Our vision is to empower individuals through chess, building a global community of strategic thinkers who carry the confidence, creativity, and life skills learned on the board into everything they do.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver world-class chess education for learners of every age and level — the kind you'd expect from the best chess trainer in Pune — nurturing critical thinking, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game.
Core Values
Excellence, Integrity, Community, and Continuous Improvement guide everything we do at ROCA, shaping an inclusive, respectful environment where students grow both as players and as individuals.
Why ROCA Is the Best Chess Trainer in Pune
Choosing the right coach makes all the difference, and it’s why so many families search for the top chess trainer in Pune before enrolling their child. Here’s what sets ROCA apart from other chess coaching classes in Pune:
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.
What Makes ROCA the Best Chess Trainer in Pune
It’s this combination — structured teaching, individual attention, real competitive exposure, and a strong community — that has made ROCA the academy of choice for families searching for chess tutors in Pune. We don’t just teach the rules of chess; we shape the way our students think, plan, and problem-solve — skills that stay with them well beyond the chessboard.
Meet Our Chess Coaching Team in Pune
Team Members
Rajesh Oza
Head Coach
Bharti Oza
Head Coach
Suhas Date
Coach
Shivaji Jadhav
Coach
Laxman Khude
Coach
Prajwal Chorge
Coach
Tithi Mehta
Coach
Yash Thakur
Coach
Yugandhar Gangul
Coach
Backed by a team of experienced, dedicated coaches, Rajesh Oza Chess Academy continues to be recognized as the home of the best chess trainer in Pune — helping students of every age discover the strategy, discipline, and confidence that chess builds for life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pune's Best Chess Trainer
Rajesh Oza, founder and Head Coach of ROCA, is widely recognized as the best chess trainer in Pune. He is India's first fully blind National 'A' Champion and FIDE-rated player, with two decades of experience coaching students of all levels.
ROCA's chess tutors in Pune are available across Rasta Peth, Salisbury Park, Wanowrie, Kalyani Nagar, and Viman Nagar, along with live online classes for students anywhere in or outside the city.
Yes. Our syllabus-based curriculum is structured for every skill level, from first-time learners to competitive tournament players preparing for national and international events.
Yes. Since 2019, ROCA has run live online classes, assignments, and tournaments alongside its in-person branches, so students can train with the top chess trainer in Pune from anywhere.
Start Learning From the Best Chess Trainer in Pune Today
Whether you’re looking for a first chess class for your child or advanced coaching ahead of a tournament, ROCA’s team of experienced chess tutors in Pune is ready to help. Book a free demo and experience why families across the city choose ROCA for chess coaching classes in Pune.