Back-to-School Special · through Sept 13 10 private lessons for $500, and the 11th is free.
Claim it →
New · Fridays 5:00 PM Rated chess at Bricks & Minifigs, Metairie. LEGO prizes.
Details →
Chess coaching · Metairie & New Orleans · Zoom

Think brighter.

Private chess lessons at your home or on Zoom, and rated tournaments three nights a week. Taught by a 1900-rated coach who went from his first serious game to state champion in four years.

Claim the back-to-school special → This week's events
1900FIDE rating
100+Rated events directed
300+Students coached
Back-to-School Special

Ten lessons. The eleventh is on me.

School's back in session, which is the best time of year to build a chess habit before tournament season picks up. Book the 10-lesson package by Saturday, September 13 and I'll add an eleventh lesson free. In person on the Southshore, or on Zoom from anywhere.

Text Thomas to book → Or send a message
Ends Sept 13
Package10 private lessons one hour each · $500
Bonus+1 lesson free a $65 value, added when you book by Sept 13
Per lesson$65$45.45 vs. $65 booked one at a time
WhereIn person or on Zoom your home, school, or library on the Southshore
WhoK–12 and adults beginner through tournament player
USCF Rated · Every Week

Weekly Tournaments

Three rated nights a week, all skill levels, all ages. Show up, register on site, play. Directed by Coach Thomas.

Every MondayNorthshore

Monday Night Chess

Panera Bread, Covington · 70411 LA-21
Time
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Sign-in
6:00 – 6:15 PM
Entry
$5 · cash or Venmo @knight-light
Format
3-round Swiss · USCF rated
Prizes: 1st gets a Panera gift card · 2nd & 3rd get a Panera bakery treat
Bring a board & clock if you have oneQuestions →
Every ThursdaySouthshore

Thursday Night Chess

Panera Bread, Metairie · 4848 Veterans Blvd
Time
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Sign-in
6:00 – 6:15 PM
Entry
$10 · cash or Venmo @knight-light
Format
3-round Swiss · USCF rated
Prizes: 1st gets a Panera gift card · 2nd & 3rd get a Panera bakery treat
Bring a board & clock if you have oneQuestions →
Every FridayNew

Friday Chess at Bricks & Minifigs

Bricks & Minifigs, Old Metairie · 701 Metairie Rd
Time
5:00 – 6:45 PM
Sign-in
On site at 5:00 PM
Entry
$10 · cash or Venmo @knight-light
Format
Swiss · USCF rated
Prizes: LEGO sets and minifigs for the winners
Great first tournament for kidsQuestions →
USCF membership required to play rated. Sign up at uschess.org or ask on site Parents welcome to stay and watch
Coach Thomas at a demonstration board, teaching a room of kids with their hands up
1900FIDE rated
Coach Thomas

A coach who's actually been through the journey.

2020 Louisiana Denker Champion · USCF Tournament Director · Founder, KnightLight Chess

I started playing seriously in high school with almost no experience. Four years later I was Louisiana's Denker champion, representing the state at the national Tournament of Champions. I started teaching at 16, and built KnightLight from scratch because I think every kid deserves a coach who remembers what it's like to be the weakest player in the room.

Oldest of nine, so I'm used to a full house. Lessons are patient, structured, and built around your player's actual games rather than a curriculum off a shelf.

  • 1900 FIDE · certified USCF Tournament Director
  • 300+ students coached in Louisiana and Texas
  • 100+ USCF-rated tournaments directed
  • Lessons at your home, school, or library, or on Zoom
Work with Coach Thomas →
From Parents

What changes at home.

You made chess fun and interesting for him. He doesn't easily get interested in an activity to the point of sticking with it. After every session he'd ask if you could come back. He started asking his dad to play, and now they play before bed.”

Devanshi, parent

As a result of Thomas' excellent tutelage, our eight-year-old went from recreational playing to being internationally rated and winning regional championships. It's a huge confidence booster, and the discipline has helped him do better in school, too.”

Parent of a student

Improved confidence, more self-discipline, better concentration, and less screen time. Thanks to Coach Thomas, our son has found an activity he has fun with that helps him in school. It is perfect.”

Nicholas, parent
Private Lessons

Private lessons, in person or on Zoom.

Each student gets a personalized lesson plan based on their level and goals, with clear steps toward rating improvement. Beginners learn the fundamentals. Tournament players learn openings, endgames, and how to prepare for rated play.

  • 1.Personalized lesson plan. Built for your player's level and goals, and adjusted as they improve.
  • 2.I come to you, or we meet on Zoom. Your home, school, or a nearby library on the Southshore. Online lessons available anywhere.
  • 3.Rating improvement you can track. Game review, targeted puzzles, and a plan for the next rated event.
  • 4.Play rated when they're ready. Three weekly events to try it out, with me directing.
10-Lesson Package
$500$50 per lesson · save $150
Ten one-hour private lessons, in person or on Zoom, scheduled around you.
Back to School Book by Sept 13 → 11th lesson free
Text to book Send a message
Single Lesson
$65per hour · in person or Zoom
A good first step if you want to try one before committing to the package.
Text to book Send a message
Get in Touch

Ready to start? Let's talk.

Text is fastest. Tell me your player's age and where they are with chess, and I'll get back to you the same day.

Text / Call(504) 669-7886
Emailknightlightchess@gmail.com
Instagram@knightlightchess
FacebookKnightLight Chess
Venmo@knight-light
In personMetairie, New Orleans & Kenner
OnlineZoom lessons, anywhere

Or skip the form and text (504) 669-7886.