Yaryna Ozhaiska

My grandfather taught me chess. He used to play with my older sister and my father, while I was considered too young to join in - so for years, I could only watch. The real turning point came at school, right after Maria Muzychuk won the Women's World Chess Championship. That wave of excitement inspired me to take my first chess lessons, and I have never stopped playing since.

By the age of 12, I placed 2nd in Lviv among U20 players and 3rd among women - an early sign that this was not just a childhood hobby, but something I was serious about.

Today, I pass that same passion on to others as a volunteer chess coach at the Ukraine Center in Vilnius. I work with players of different ages and experience levels - from complete beginners learning the rules to more advanced students preparing for their first tournaments. Seeing a student's progress, from their first confident moves to their first wins, is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching for me.

My approach to teaching is based on patience, encouragement, and making chess enjoyable. I believe that everybody learns differently, so I adapt my lessons to each student's level, goals, interests, and personality. In my classes, I focus not only on understanding the rules and basic strategies, but also on developing practical thinking habits - how to plan ahead, stay calm under pressure, and learn from mistakes without fear.

My goal is not simply to teach students how to play better, but to help them become more confident and independent thinkers. Whether you are learning the basics, looking to improve your tournament results, or simply want to enjoy chess more deeply, I want my lessons to give you both practical progress and a genuine love for the game.