About me

International Master, chess coach and a certified school teacher. Highest Live Fide was 2421, and I’m currently 30 years old. I’ve lived in Toronto, Canada since 2004, and have been teaching chess for 16 years now. In the past couple of years I focused on playing and improving, and now that those goals are accomplished I want to teach more, especially focusing on strong, motivated students. Rates are flexible, and discounts for those who can do 3PM Toronto time or earlier on weekdays.

Sadly my schedule is currently completely full for private lessons. If you’re interested, please write a note to mishivanov@gmail.com and you’ll be on the waitlist.

Cheers!

Playing experience

Top Accomplishments:

-IM Title in 2024

~Drew Nakamura in a classical game :)

-2nd place in San Christobal De La Laguna Open (2024)

-1st place in Olomouc International (2024)

-2nd place at Ostravskiy Konik International (2023)

-Top U2400 at Foxwoods Open (2022)

-2nd place in Bruges Open (2021)

-3rd place in Innsbruck International (2021)

-FM Title in 2016

-Two time Toronto Champion (2016,2017)

-1st place in Biel International in 2015 (u2200)

-1st place at Ontario Chess Challenge (2013)

-Ontario High School Champion (2012,2013)

-Tied first at Canadian Chess Challenge (2012)

-Played for team Canada at the 2010 Youth Chess Olympiad

Teaching experience

-Completed Masters of Teaching at University of Toronto (2017)

-In 2016 I co-founded Canada Chess Youth Club which is today the biggest chess school in Canada.

-Coached Team Canada at the World Youth Chess Championships (2015)

-Students include 7 Canadian Champions, 8 Ontario Champions, National Masters Alex Doraszelski, Max Chen, and Samuel Martin.

-Taught in dozens of schools, after-school programs, camps, and in-school classes at Private Century School.

Other experiences

-Organized Tournaments for kids and adults such as 2018 Markham Open

-Taught public speaking and history to kids ranging from 7-14 years of age

-Acted as a second to National Masters, preparing for important events.

-Held Seminars for the Canadian Youth Team to prepare for World Youth Chess Championships.

-Created Chess Courses on Udemy which you can find here: https://www.udemy.com/user/mike-ivanov-4/

-Check out my free Youtube channel with games and opening analysis: https://www.youtube.com/@MasterChessCanada

Teaching Methodology

1. In-depth game analysis, using the critical decisions to choose which themes need the most work.
Based on those themes, puzzles are picked which we work on together.
2. Lectures on specific topics which are lacking in student's game;
I will pick model games and exercises which demonstrate the right ways of handling positions you have trouble handling.
3. Opening files that complement a repertoire suitable to you, that we can construct together.
Researching and finding novelties/improvements has long been my favourite part of chess.
4. Providing feedback on your thinking process, and your knowledge as a whole.
We often don't know what we don't know and a coach can illuminate any gaps in understanding.
5. Endgame analysis based on mutual analysis, similar examples, classics, and studies.

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