NM Pete Karagianis

Professional trainer with over 15+ years teaching experience with students of all ages and skill levels.

Notable Accomplishments:
Coach of the United States gold medal winning Pan-American team, 2019.
Awarded 'Coach of the Year' by Illinois State Chess Association.

I currently have several former or current students who have crossed 2200 rating barrier and achieved NM status. My scholastic students have won both state and national titles, and my adult students tend to show immediate and significant rating improvement. Apart from lessons, I also offer access to my private studies which include opening preparation, positional studies, and endgame training. Along with teaching, I also write regularly for several chess publications and online media outlets, host a podcast, and work professionally for the US Chess Federation.

Contact: Karagianis@gmail.com

Achieved NM title 2005, Original Life Master title 2010
5-time Iowa Champion
3-time Illinois Chess Tour Winner - Master division

Have won numerous local and regional events, including the following events multiple times:
Peoria Open
Iowa Open
Bradley Tornado
Ames Chess Festival
Colias Memorial Master Invitational
Ames Futurity
MN FIDE Invitational

Began playing rated chess in 1988. Regular competitor on US Circuit.

National Coach for the 2019 Gold Medal USA Pan American Team.

Have coached or administered upwards of 20 schools as well as worked with two extra-curricular learning centers to create exclusive chess programs.

Developed a chess curriculum for three school districts.

Have several students who achieved a top-100 rating for their age group.

I have been a professional chess coach for over a decade and have helped several students also achieve the NM title.

Contributor to Chess Life Magazine, En Passant Magazine, Illinois Chess Bulletin, and Chess.com
Received Chess Journalists of America Award for best story, 2016. Also for best Personal Narrative, 2021.
CJA Runner Up, best analysis, 2008. Runner up, best podcast, 2022.
Official Commentator: US - Ireland match, 2020. US - Romania Youth Match 2020. US Open 2018. Chessdom.com, 2009.
Guest Commentator: 2018 K-12 Championship. 2019 National Elementary Championship.

I enjoy commentary work and am available and interested in match, event, or other commentary gigs. See YT vids below for examples of my work.

One of my strongest skills is communication. Prior to working in the chess industry, I was a journalist and writer - two passions I still maintain with regular contributions to chess journals. Communication between student and coach is critical and can make the difference between improvement and stagnation in your chess game. As every teacher knows, the ability to relate the material to your student is paramount.

"No fantasy, however rich, no technique, however masterly, no penetration into the psychology of the opponent, however deep, can make a chess game a work of art, if these qualities do not lead to the main goal - the search for truth." -Vasily Smyslov

I view my role as a guide. I will help you best navigate the chess world in an efficient and effective manner, introduce you to tools to help accelerate your learning, and create a plan for your weekly studies.