♟️ About Sajjan Academy

Sajjan Academy is a chess training and tournament organization based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Founded in 2018, the academy provides structured chess education for children, school students, and developing competitive players. Its programs combine coaching, practical training, and regular tournament participation to help students progress from their first chess lessons to organized competition. The academy operates through several training centers in Bengaluru while also offering online chess instruction to students outside the city. According to its official website, Sajjan Academy has more than 300 active students, works with FIDE-rated coaches, and has delivered training to thousands of learners worldwide. Its educational approach emphasizes tactical understanding, strategic thinking, concentration, and the practical application of chess knowledge. Beyond coaching, Sajjan Academy is an active chess tournament organizer in Karnataka. Its activities include open and age-category rapid tournaments, school competitions, online blitz events, and FIDE-rated competitions. Through these programs, the academy creates opportunities for young players to gain tournament experience while connecting the wider Bengaluru chess community.

📜 History & Development

Sajjan Academy began in 2018 with the objective of making chess education accessible, engaging, and useful for young learners. Over the following years, it expanded its activities from coaching into the regular organization of online and over-the-board tournaments. According to its published organizational history, the academy has conducted more than 250 online tournaments and 25 over-the-board events, reaching over 5,000 tournament participants. Its first monthly chess tournament reportedly attracted approximately 360 players, demonstrating demand for accessible competitive chess events in Bengaluru. The academy has continued to develop its training services and tournament operations. Today, it combines coaching at multiple Bengaluru locations with online instruction and competitions involving participants from different regions. Its tournament program has also expanded to include FIDE-rated events and larger competitions offering substantial prize funds.

🎓 Chess Coaching & Player Development

Chess education remains central to Sajjan Academy's activities. The academy offers structured courses for beginners, intermediate students, and players preparing for competitive tournaments. Children can join from approximately five years of age, while more experienced students receive training appropriate to their playing strength. Beginner instruction introduces the rules of chess, piece movement, checkmate patterns, notation, and essential tactical concepts. As students progress, the curriculum covers calculation, opening principles, positional understanding, middlegame planning, and endgame techniques. Lessons also address tournament regulations and common practical mistakes. For players seeking stronger competitive results, the academy offers dedicated tournament preparation. These programs combine theoretical instruction with game analysis, tactical exercises, and practical experience against different opponents. The academy also emphasizes individual attention and structured progression rather than relying exclusively on group practice. Sajjan Academy provides both online and in-person coaching. This combination allows students to maintain regular training while participating in competitions and other educational activities. Moreover, online lessons make its coaching services accessible to players beyond Bengaluru.

🏫 Training Centers & School Chess Programs

Sajjan Academy operates several training locations across Bengaluru. Its principal branch is located in Nagarbhavi, while its official branch directory also identifies centers in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Jakkur, Ullal, and Banaswadi. The academy's network allows families from different parts of Bengaluru to access chess instruction closer to home. In addition, its online coaching programs provide an alternative for students who cannot regularly attend a physical training center. School partnerships represent another important area of activity. Sajjan Academy collaborates with educational institutions to introduce structured chess coaching, organize competitions, and provide opportunities for students to participate in competitive events. The academy also offers programs for schools, sports days, and other group activities. Through these partnerships, it aims to encourage chess participation among children who may not yet be involved in formal chess clubs or tournaments.

🏆 Tournament Programme & Major Events

Sajjan Academy organizes a range of chess competitions, from introductory age-category events to open rapid tournaments involving experienced players. Its tournaments frequently include separate categories for younger participants, allowing children to compete against players of comparable ages. A notable recurring event is the Sajjan Academy Open & Age Category Rapid Chess Tournament series. The fifth edition took place on August 9, 2026, at Royal Meenakshi Mall on Bannerghatta Road in Bengaluru. The published competition program included an open section alongside Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories. The fifth edition advertised a prize fund of ₹55,000, with cash awards in the open section and trophies and medals for young competitors. Special recognition for schools and chess academies formed part of the event's broader competitive program. Earlier in 2026, the academy organized the 4th Sajjan Academy Makara Sankranti Open & Age Category Rapid Chess Tournament on January 15 at Nexus Mall in Koramangala. The event combined open competition with youth age groups and advertised prizes and awards worth approximately ₹100,000. The academy was also listed as the organizer of the Bengaluru Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament, scheduled for August 16, 2026. This event formed part of its involvement in internationally rated rapid chess competitions. Together, these tournaments demonstrate the academy's dual focus on youth development and opportunities for players participating in the wider competitive chess circuit.

🌍 South Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament 2026

One of Sajjan Academy's major announced competitions is the South Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament 2026, scheduled for November 28, 2026, in Bengaluru. The tournament is registered with the international chess rating system and appears in the official records of the Karnataka State Chess Association. It offers a published total prize fund of ₹400,000 (₹4 lakh), making it a significant event within the academy's 2026 tournament program. The competition is scheduled to feature nine Swiss-system rounds, with a time control of 10 minutes plus a five-second increment per move. International Arbiter K. Murugasundaram is listed as Chief Arbiter, while Punith K is identified as Tournament Director. Participation requires the applicable national and state chess registrations. In addition, the tournament provides an opportunity for players to compete for international rapid rating results in an organized and officially registered event. Sajjan Academy has also promoted online blitz competitions under the Road to South Open 2026 program. These events allow players to participate in short online competitions ahead of the main over-the-board tournament. Tournament information: South Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament 2026 — Chess-Results South Open 2026 — Karnataka State Chess Association

🌱 Youth Chess, Special Events & Community Engagement

Sajjan Academy promotes chess participation through activities beyond its regular coaching program. These include school competitions, online tournaments, youth development events, and opportunities to learn from accomplished players. In June 2026, the academy announced Grandmaster Gateway 2, a special chess program featuring Woman Grandmaster Priyanka Nutakki. The event was designed to combine a workshop, simultaneous exhibition, and practice tournament for young players. Its program offered participants the opportunity to learn directly from an experienced international competitor. The academy has also supported initiatives intended to make competitive chess accessible to children from different financial backgrounds. In 2025, it announced a free chess tournament in cooperation with Children Chess Academy, with prizes and participation opportunities for young players. Regular online competitions provide another route into tournament chess. By organizing accessible blitz events and other practice competitions, Sajjan Academy gives students opportunities to improve time management, test opening ideas, and become more comfortable with competitive play. These activities complement the academy's coaching programs while helping connect students, parents, schools, coaches, and tournament organizers throughout Bengaluru.

👤 Leadership & Contact Details

Punith K is the Founder and Director of Sajjan Academy. He is actively involved in the organization's chess programs and tournament operations, including major competitions organized under the Sajjan Academy name. His public professional profile documents the academy's educational activities, school partnerships, youth tournaments, and special chess events. He is also identified in tournament records as the director of the South Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament 2026. For training enquiries, tournament information, and potential institutional partnerships, interested players, parents, and schools can contact the academy through its official communication channels.