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Read the privacy and storage detailsUSA National MasterAsk a question
World-class chess academy
Online chess coaching under the guidance of USA National Master Dilshad Mohammed. Small-group classes for kids and one-to-one lessons, from your first move to competitive play. Serving families across all US time zones and worldwide.
30 minutes · Free · No card or obligation
The experience behind Signa
From the tournament board to the classroom, a life shaped by chess. Discover the story of NM Dilshad Mohammed, whose experience guides the learning at Signa.
How Signa works
Start with a conversation, find a class that suits the player, and understand the learning path before making a commitment.
Before joining
A free 30-minute conversation and chess assessment helps us understand a student’s experience and discuss a suitable starting level.
How the assessment worksIn the class
Live 60-minute classes bring together 4–6 students at a similar stage for explanation, practice, and guided discussion.
Explore group classesA clear route
Four curriculum levels give families a practical way to talk about progress, class fit, and the next skills to work on.
View the curriculumThe academy’s teaching is guided by USA National Master and FIDE Instructor Dilshad Mohammed. The instructor for a specific class is confirmed when discussing placement.
Programs
Four learning levels make it easier to find the right next step. Start with a free assessment, then choose group classes, private coaching, or focused tournament preparation.
4–6 students per group 60-minute lessons Groups from $20 USD per student, per session
Level 01 Beginners
Movement, checks, mates, and basic tactics.
View curriculumLevel 02 Post-Beginners
Patterns, calculation habits, and simple endings.
View curriculumLevel 03 Intermediates
Deeper calculation, strategy, and openings.
View curriculumLevel 04 Advanced
Repertoire, tournament preparation, and game analysis.
View curriculumSpecialist programs
Chess for your community
Beyond individual enrolment, we help schools and workplaces plan a chess experience around their group.
Make chess part of the school week. A live online club with structured learning, guided games, and room for every student to participate.
School timetable · Suitable learning groups · Clear curriculumExplore after-school chessBring colleagues together around a different kind of challenge. Explore positions, exchange ideas, and enjoy friendly play with a coach at the board.
Beginners welcome · Team sessions · Formats agreed with youExplore corporate classesFind your next event. Explore upcoming USA tournaments, entry details, and official calendars.
Browse the tournament guideMore than a chess lesson
Good coaching makes room for curiosity. Discover a thoughtful way to learn, with expert guidance and a community at the board.
Experienced leadership
Coaching under the guidance of NM Dilshad Mohammed, USA National Master and FIDE Instructor. Meet your assigned instructor before classes begin.
Meet the founderLearn. Discuss. Play.
Just 4–6 students at a similar level. Share your thinking, ask questions, and put new ideas into practice with a coach at the board.
Explore group classesA path of your own
Begin with a free assessment, a written level recommendation, and a learning path shaped around your experience and goals.
Find your starting pointFrom your home to the board
Live online coaching for students across the USA and internationally. Share your time zone and we’ll help you find a suitable class.
Talk to the academyGroup classes from $20 USD per student, per session.
Compare tuitionFind a starting point
Tell us what feels familiar at the board. Four quick questions suggest a learning level to discuss with an academy coach.
Inside a Signa lesson
A typical lesson blends review, a focused idea, and practice. The balance is tailored to the student’s level, recent games, and goals.
Revisit a recent game, homework, or one important decision.
Warm up with tactical motifs connected to current learning goals.
Explore a strategy, calculation, or endgame idea in depth.
Test the idea together on positions and the interactive board.
Take away one clear lesson and a practical assignment.
The session rhythm can shift with the student’s level and the position being studied.
See how lessons workA position to explore together
Both sides have developed pieces. What would you consider next?
Your first weeks at Signa
After the assessment, we agree the programme and timetable. Your coach adapts this starting plan and its pace to the student.
Before classes
A free 30-minute assessment explores experience and how the student approaches a position. You leave with a written recommendation.
Week 1
Choose a suitable group or private format, confirm the timetable, and begin with a clear learning focus.
Weeks 2–3
Join 60-minute live lessons. Explore puzzles, discuss ideas, and try manageable practice between sessions.
Week 4 & beyond
Talk through the ideas you can use in games, revisit what needs practice, and adjust the next focus with your coach.
The Signa chess journey
From understanding the pieces to analysing your own games, six stages connect each new idea with purposeful practice. Explore what that journey can look like.
Choose a stage to see what learning looks like.
Six stages · Your own paceStage 01 / 06
An inviting first step into the world of chess. Discover the board, meet the pieces, and enjoy playing.
A milestone to work towardsYour first checkmate
Stage 02 / 06
Replace guesswork with good habits. Learn to spot threats, keep pieces safe, and make purposeful moves.
A milestone to work towardsSpotting your first tactical opportunity
Stage 03 / 06
See possibilities, compare candidate moves, and connect tactics with a plan. Thinking becomes part of every move.
A milestone to work towardsExplaining a plan in your own words
Stage 04 / 06
Take your learning into a timed game. Prepare thoughtfully, manage the clock, and learn from every result.
A milestone to work towardsYour first tournament experience
Stage 05 / 06
Explore complex positions with more clarity. Connect opening preparation, deeper calculation, and endgame technique.
A milestone to work towardsBuilding your own opening preparation
Stage 06 / 06
Become a more independent player. Understand your strengths, set meaningful goals, and keep growing on your own terms.
A milestone to work towardsCreating your own study plan
Every student starts somewhere different and develops at their own pace. Your coach helps you choose the right work for your next step.
For parents
Understand your child’s starting level, what they are learning, and how to support their practice. A written assessment and a roadmap make the next step easier to see.
Read the parent’s guideExample progress note
Post-Beginners · Sample learning focus
Coach feedback
In this example, the learner finds a knight fork with a prompt. We then check the opponent’s threat and discuss why move order matters.
Post-Beginners · Sample learning focus
Coach feedback
The practice note turns the lesson into a few manageable tasks. The learner can bring a puzzle or game position back to the next class for discussion.
Post-Beginners · Sample learning focus
Coach feedback
The next focus connects recognising a pattern with using it during play. Coach feedback helps decide whether to revisit the idea or introduce a new one.
Illustrative content showing how lesson feedback, practice, and the next focus can be organised.
Position of the week
A free playable exercise with a hint and an explanation. Explore the chess idea at your own pace.
Try this week’s positionFor schools
A practical guide to student groups, the online setup, supervision and the questions to ask before booking.
Open the free school planning guideTell us your timezone and preferred days. We confirm a suitable class, its instructor and the price before you join.
A new chapter at the board
Meet your coach, find your level, and discover a way to learn that suits you.
Prefer a conversation? Message us on WhatsApp
