From "Oops" moments to intentional play—I help young players stop blunders and start thinking like strategists.
In chess, a "hanging piece" is one left unprotected and liable to be captured for free. For a beginner, it’s the most common mistake; for an advancing player, it’s the first hurdle to overcome. To fix this, I teach a specific mental habit called the Tactical Pause. It’s a deliberate three-second scan that happens after you find a move but before you touch the piece. By training this habit, we replace reactive play with intentional strategy.
Every student’s path is different. Whether you are looking for a community-based club or intensive private training, I provide the environment to help them reach the next level.
School Programs: Engaging group environments at Parkview Elementary and Evangel Church.
Individual Coaching: Tailored 1-on-1 sessions focused on the board vision and the thought process.
Intensive Mentorship: A deep-dive for students ready to make chess their primary pursuit.
Parkview Elementary Chess Club
I lead the charge at Parkview, where my main goal is to make sure the kids stay engaged and actually enjoy the process of getting better. We focus on building a fun, competitive culture where students learn the fundamentals and sportsmanship of the game.
Evangel Church Chess Club (Milwaukee)
I work with the chess community at Evangel Church to provide structured lessons for a diverse group of young players. I specialize in breaking down the game for those just starting their journey, ensuring they build a solid foundation and learn the tactical awareness needed for tournament play.
"It’s hard to find an activity that keeps a group of elementary-aged kids focused, but the Parkview Chess Club manages to do it every week. The lessons are practical and fun, and my daughter is finally moving past the 'random moves' phase and actually building a real strategy."
"The one-on-one sessions have been a game-changer. My son isn't just memorizing moves; he’s learning how to think through a position. He actually looks forward to his lessons and has stayed more engaged with chess than any other activity we've tried."
I provide flexible coaching options designed to meet students where they are:
• School & Church Programs: Group-based instruction focusing on foundational tactics and sportsmanship.
• Private 1-on-1 Mentorship: Personalized deep dives into a student's specific games to identify and fix recurring patterns.
• Tournament Preparation: Specialized sessions to help students handle the clock, the notation, and the nerves of competitive play.
The first session is really just about me getting to know the student's game. We’ll play a casual game and talk through a few positions so I can see their natural habits. There’s no pressure—I just want to see how they approach the board and where we can start making improvements. By the end of the lesson, we’ll have a simple, practical starting point for our next session.
How do I know if you’re the right coach for my child?
The best way to know is simply to try a lesson. Every student learns differently, and the first session gives us a chance to see how your child responds to my teaching style. There’s no pressure and no commitment—I want you to feel confident that this is a good fit.
What if my child doesn’t enjoy the first lesson?
That’s completely okay. Not every coach is the right match for every student. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable or engaged, there’s no obligation to continue. My goal is always to support your child’s growth, whether that’s with me or someone else.
I am a long-time club player with a Chess.com Rapid rating over 2000, placing me in the top 1% of players worldwide. This means I understand the deep strategic patterns of the game, but more importantly, I remember exactly how I learned them. I don't just teach abstract theory; I teach from the experience of leading programs at Parkview Elementary and Evangel Assembly of God. My goal is to help students master the fundamental thinking process that eliminates blunders and turns chess into a game of clear, intentional strategy.
Are you a Grandmaster? (And why that isn't the only thing that matters.)
I'm not. High-titled players often forget what it’s like to struggle with the basics. I’ve spent years in the trenches of club chess; I know the common pitfalls because I’ve fallen into them myself. I don't just teach the "best" move; I teach how to find a good move when the board gets messy.
Do you review my child’s games?
Yes. Reviewing games is one of the most valuable parts of improvement. When a student shares their games with me—whether they’re from tournaments, online play, or casual matches—I look for the patterns behind their decisions. We talk through what they were trying to do, what they missed, and how to spot those ideas more clearly next time.
It’s not about pointing out mistakes; it’s about helping them understand why things happened on the board so they can make stronger choices going forward.
Do you give homework or practice assignments?
I can, if it’s helpful for your child. Some students love having a small, focused task between lessons—like a short tactics set, a simple endgame to practice, or a position to think about. Others improve best by just playing a few games and bringing them to our next session.
I tailor practice to the student’s personality and schedule. The goal is to keep things light, doable, and confidence‑building.
Do you offer progress updates?
Yes. I regularly share what I’m seeing—new strengths, habits we’re building, and areas we’re working on. Parents never have to guess how things are going. You’ll always know what we’re focusing on and why.
How long is each session?
Most lessons are one hour. That gives us plenty of time to settle in, look at a few positions, play through ideas, and make sure the student leaves with something clear to practice. For younger students or brand‑new beginners, we can shorten sessions if needed. For tournament players preparing for events, we can go longer when it makes sense.
The goal is always the same: a focused, productive lesson that builds confidence.
I want to make sure your child genuinely enjoys our sessions and that I’m the right fit for their learning style. Because of that, your first lesson is always free.
Beyond the first session, I let parents decide what they pay.
I use a 'Pay What You Want' model. There are no invoices or set fees—you simply choose a rate that fits your family’s budget and reflects the progress you see in your child. Whether it’s the cost of a casual afternoon activity or a specialized tutor, I leave that entirely up to your judgment.
See if it's a good fit — Send me a message
Can parents sit in on lessons?
Absolutely. Some parents like to observe quietly, others prefer to check in afterward. Either way works. My only goal is to create a calm, focused environment where your child feels supported.
How Can I Get in Touch With You?
You can reach out via my Contact Me page or email me directly at Shamus@HangingPieces.com.