Activities - HSC - Helsinki Street Chess
Find your perfect chess coach!
On this page, you'll find experienced chess coaches offering personalized instruction for players of all skill levels. Browse the profiles and choose the coach who best meets your needs—whether you're just starting out or already competing.
How does it work?
Choose a suitable coach from the candidates below and send us a message at helsinkistreetchess@gmail.com. In your message, please specify which coach you are interested in, and we'll get back to you with further details.
Prices for 60-minute private lessons. Contact us for more information about pair or group lesson options.
Niko Papula
The price of a private lesson: 100e / 60min
"Niko's students have won over 20 Finnish championship medals and have also competed in European and World Championships. He has over 20 years of coaching experience. Niko's methods are especially suitable for young, enthusiastic players who are beginning their competitive careers or are just starting to compete. Small-group coaching is also available. In the photo, Niko celebrates winning the Finnish Team Championship (SM-liiga) in 2024."
Sampsa Nyysti
Price of private lesson: 70e / 60 min
"Sampsa Nyysti is an International Master with five individual Finnish Championship medals in classical chess and seven team Finnish Championship gold medals. He offers goal-oriented chess coaching primarily for players rated above 1800."
Tommi Luukkonen
Price of private lesson: 50e / 60min
"I am a Jyväskylä-based FIDE Master (with achievements including three Finnish Rapid Chess Championships and nine International Master norms). In addition to my extensive competitive career, I have years of experience teaching chess through school clubs and private coaching. The core of my coaching is developing the student's own thinking skills, or "organic analysis." My lessons primarily utilize the Lichess analysis board, where we mainly review the student's own games, alongside studying classical masterpieces. I offer personalized, student-centered coaching that responds to individual needs. Players of all levels are warmly welcome!"
Oliver Wartiovaara
Price of private lesson: 50e / 60 min
"I am a 20-year-old chess player and a seven-time Finnish Youth and School Champion. I have also won bronze twice in the Finnish National Championship. My chess title is FIDE Master. I have coached both Finnish and international students, all of whom have actively participated in tournaments. I gladly train and spar with players of all levels. The photo is from a chess training camp in 2023 with World Champion Magnus Carlsen."
Joel Molander
Price of private lesson: 50e / 60min
”I am a 23-year-old chess coach with over three years of experience teaching children and young people, including one year of coaching chess at the primary school level. I study at Aalto University and aim to help children and young players improve their chess skills through fun and engaging lessons. My coaching style combines clear instructions, practical exercises, and a student-centered approach. I utilize modern tools such as Lichess and strive to make every lesson both educational and enjoyable. Whether the goal is learning the basics or enhancing tactical and strategic thinking, I'm happy to help players take the next step in their chess journey.”
Arttu Irjala
Price of private lesson: 50e / 60 min
"I'm a 19-year-old recent high school graduate who enjoys chess as well as diverse physical activities. Previously, I've been a scout leader in the Toimen Pojat troop, so leadership and coaching come naturally to me. My lessons primarily use Lichess as a platform, though face-to-face training sessions can also be arranged. I've improved the most by analyzing my own games, studying grandmaster games, and practicing endgames, as well as by developing a solid opening repertoire—methods which I will also employ effectively as your coach. Despite my young age, I've played around 500 tournament games, so lack of experience won't be an issue. Whether your (or your child's) goal is learning the basics, becoming a strong tournament player, or competing for Finnish championship medals, I have the tools to help you achieve your goals!
€50/hour is the base rate for individual lessons. Depending on your needs, we can also agree on monthly pricing or group sessions."
Sakari Pankkonen
Price of private lesson: 40e / 60 min
"I offer chess coaching for players of all ages, from beginners to competitive players rated up to 1800. I've been leading HSC's Nappulashakki since it began. During lessons, we cover various tactics, fundamental strategic concepts, endgames, and ideally, we also analyze the student's own games."
Akseli Mikkola
Price of private lesson: 30e / 60 min
"I am a full-time political science student and an active competitive chess player. My playing style is dynamic and initiative-driven—I don't shy away from complex positions, but I can also effectively teach positional and strategic concepts. Previously, I have coached in junior chess groups ("Nappulashakki") and at a university chess club, and I also have extensive experience working with children and young people. I offer both short-term and long-term coaching, emphasizing attentive listening and personalized instruction tailored to your individual needs."
Antti Reunanen
Price of private lesson: 30e / 60 min
"I am a long-time chess enthusiast and a data analyst by profession. In coaching, I especially enjoy identifying a player's weaknesses and creating personalized training plans to address them. My lessons primarily focus on developing positional understanding through game analysis and joint reflection; tactical exercises are intended to be solved independently between sessions."
Alex Airamaa
Price of private lesson: 30e / 60 min
”I'm a 19-year-old competitive chess player. I've been playing chess since childhood and have competed actively for many years. I prefer an active and dynamic playing style, especially various attacking ideas in the middlegame. My goal is to help players become confident chess players. My lessons are suitable for beginners as well as club-level players looking to improve their game.”
