Find out about chess coaching in Rohtak, chess camps for children, tournament opportunities and the expanding chess ecosystem supported by Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA), Vidya Shree School and the local Haryana chess community.
Rohtak has a special place in the story of chess in Haryana. The city has fostered talent to the highest competitive chess level, and it could inspire many more young players. The next step is to develop more effective and secure routes for children to access the game, to be given structured coaching, to play in competitions and to take their dreams forward.
At Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA), we feel that creating a chess culture entails something more than just teaching the moves and preparing children for competitions. It needs accessible learning opportunities, committed coaches, involved parents, school connections and community encouragement to continue learning.
In Rohtak, we hope to be part of that growing ecosystem and help bring chess a bit more to the forefront and into the lives of children.
Rohtak's contribution to Indian chess
The name that is most inspiring in connection with Rohtak is that of the Grandmaster Himanshu Sharma, who became India's 47th Grandmaster in 2017 and the first Grandmaster of Haryana. Through his effort, he showed the power of determination, hard work and the desire to improve what is possible for a player from the state.
His journey serves as a testament that with hard work and dedication one can reach the highest levels of chess in Rohtak.
But a solid base at the grassroots is necessary to grow future champions. Children require experiences to learn early, practise frequently, compete against various opponents and receive feedback as they develop skills.
The broader chess community is also important. The game environment for chess development is defined by all chess administrators, tournament organisers, coaches, schools, parents and community institutions.
The efforts of the Haryana chess administration and its leadership, including Naresh Sharma, have played a role in developing the machinery to organise tournaments and help players build their competitive experience and understanding of the chess world.
These are contributions that need to be recognised as the growth of chess is a collective effort. Success of the established players inspires the next generation, and grassroots initiatives provide a starting point for the next generation.
SRCA's vision for chess coaching in Rohtak
Started by Women FIDE Master (WFM) Shivika Rohilla, Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy aims to provide structured learning and competitive environments for aspiring players.
The goal of SRCA is to establish a nurturing learning space for aspiring young chess enthusiasts and children seeking to enhance their competitive prowess, with the backing of Vidya Shree School in Rohtak.
Our approach focuses on:
- Structured chess coaching: supporting children in the understanding of the rules, the development of a good chess habit and enhanced decision-making.
Small batches and individual attention: Providing an environment where students can be guided according to their learning needs.
Practical playing experience: Providing opportunities for students to be able to practice what they have learned in games and tournaments.
- A progression pathway: Helping players to move from beginner to higher level of training and rated competition as they are ready.
- Parent-friendly communication: Understanding the need for clarity on coaching, progress, fees, time demands, and competitive opportunities.
We think that chess should be difficult and the learning process should be encouraging. All children are unique, and it is important to ensure that each child makes progress.
Chess camp in Rohtak with Sahil Behron
To promote more children in structured chess training, SRCA is conducting a dedicated chess camp under the guidance of an active chess player, Sahil Behron, with a peak FIDE rating of more than 1900.
The camp aims to provide a chance for young players to develop their knowledge of the game, practise and reinforce their understanding in a focused manner.
Chess camp details
- Dates: 31 October–1 November 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
- Fee: ₹800
- Participants: Vidya Shree SR Chess Academy, Rohtak
The camp is designed to offer a hands-on learning experience in targeted chess training and build player skills and confidence.
It can be a great way for children who have never played chess to learn it in a structured environment, like a camp. If you are already a player, it can be used to practice, self-assess and get ready for competitions.
Rapid chess tournament in Rohtak on 1 November 2026
Learning chess is not the only aspect of a player's development. It's important to put that learning into practice as well.
To support this, SRCA will be hosting a Rapid Chess Tournament on 1st November 2026, where they will be able to get to know competitive chess within a supportive setting.
The tournament will be conducted under the 20+5 time control, which means that each player will be given 20 minutes, plus 5 seconds per move.
Through the tournament experience, children learn time management, decision-making under pressure, how to accept their losses and celebrate their victories and how to analyse their games at the end of the tournament.
These events are also a great way for parents to see the development of their child, outside of the classroom environment.
VidyaShree Masters: A larger chess experience in Rohtak
Our next important event on the calendar is VidyaShree Masters on 28-29 November 2026.
The event is designed to provide more than just a chess tournament; it will be a forum for chess learning, competitive play, and experiences that help develop the overall player.
Planned highlights include:
- A special masterclass
- Sports Psychology Sessions
- Sports nutrition
- Simultaneous chess (SIMUL)
- A musical evening
- Chess and community experiences
For younger gamers, there is the chance to gain from the knowledge of different chess masters, as well as to delve into the psychological and physical aspects of play.
While chess is considered a mind game, these are the qualities that affect a player's experience: concentration, emotional control, confidence, preparation, and reacting positively to failures.
VidyaShree Masters seeks to inspire the general public to have a broader understanding of what is required for a chess player to develop.
Why chess matters beyond trophies and ratings
Chess is a competitive game, but it's not just about winning.
Playing chess regularly allows children to use their skills of patience, logical thinking, planning, pattern recognition and decision-making. They also develop the ability to analyse errors, face up to a new challenge when faced with setbacks, and go back to a challenge after making a mistake.
These are not skills that are acquired in a day, nor is chess a replacement to academic study or other pursuits. But it can be a good component of children's wider learning.
At SRCA, we think that having a high level of ambition should be accompanied by enjoyment. It is important to have competitive objectives, but curiosity and confidence, along with a desire to continue learning, are equally important.
We want to make it a safe place for kids to find out what they can do, rather than a place where they have to win at all games.
Building a stronger chess ecosystem in Haryana
The long-term growth of chess in Rohtak depends on collaboration.
Chess academies can provide training and playing opportunities. Schools can help get more children into the game of chess! Parents can encourage regular participation. Platforms for competition can be developed by tournament organisers and chess administrators. Inspectors noted that experienced players can encourage and inspire new talent by sharing their experiences and involvement in the community.
SRCA's work in Rohtak is a part of this endeavour.
We have also worked in other places to look at innovative ways to make chess a part of daily life in the community, such as a Halloween Chess Event in Noida and Chess in the Park in Delhi. We feel that chess can thrive when it is delivered to individuals in friendly, inviting and accessible environments.
We want to evoke this spirit in Rohtak and further expand on the efforts of the city's players, coaches, educators, organisers and chess supporters.
The purpose is not just to expand the rollout of chess classes, but to see children engaged in learning. The objective is not just to grow the reach of chess classes but to observe children learning. It's to provide them with an environment in which they can learn and practise, compete and learn what possibilities may be available to them if they are interested in chess for the future.
Join SRCA in growing chess in Rohtak
If your child is new to the rules or has already learned them and enjoys competitive play, practice and structured coaching can help your child move on.
Coaches, educational institutions, schools, and parents are invited to join SRCA in order to contribute to the chess development in Rohtak.
We also understand the importance of engaging with the people who are in the culture in order to create a more robust culture for chess. Knowing the local needs, gaps in access and how to work together to close the gap will be key to the journey forward.
If we are missing windows of opportunities, there are challenges that need to be addressed or ideas that could help more children access chess in Rohtak; let's connect!
We will work together to provide more opportunities for young players to learn, compete and grow.
The Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA) — strengthening the chess community, one move at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for the children to learn chess in which place in Rohtak?
Children have the opportunity to learn structured chess coaching at Vidya Shree SR Chess Academy, affiliated to Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA) and Vidya Shree School.
2: Do you have a chess camp in Rohtak during October November 2026?
Yes. For more information please reach out to SRCA for the chess camp with Sahil Behron on 31st October – 01st November 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the cost of ₹800.
3. Does there exist a chess tournament in Rohtak on the 1st November 2026?
Yes. SRCA is arranging a Rapid Chess Tournament on 1st November 2026 with a 20+5 time control.
4. What is VidyaShree Masters?
The VidyaShree Masters is a chess event, which is planned to feature a masterclass, sports psychology, sports nutrition, SIMUL, musical evening and other activities on 28-29 November 2026.
5. Why should children learn chess?
Chess provides opportunities for the children to practise strategic thinking, patience, planning, concentration and decision making. It also provides them an opportunity to compete and to experience failures and failures in a controlled environment.
6. How do parents/schools reach out to SRCA?
Want to know more about coaching or the next chess events in Rohtak? Please visit srchessacademy.com or call 7042854007 / 8076689078.
