Maria Manelidou is a Woman FIDE Master (WFM) with a peak rating of 2112. As a junior Maria was an 8-time Greek National Champion. She also had multiple international tournament successes, including winning the World School Team Championships in 2007, but in recent years has focused more on teaching than pursuing her tournament career.

Maria is a licenced FIDE Instructor and National Arbiter and a level 3 registered English Chess Federation coach. Her students’ competitive accomplishments include county champion titles in multiple age categories and top 10 finishes at the UK Chess Challenge Gigafinals and London Junior Chess Championships.

Maria founded the Chess Rising Stars London Academy in 2017 to share her passion for the game with chess enthusiasts in London and further afield. She teaches students of all ages and abilities and her students are delighted with the progress they have made.

Testimonials

“Each day my daughter is more confident and happy to participate. I am so proud of her. Thank you Maria, you are her inspiration. She likes you so much and is very pleased that you are her 1st chess teacher!” Maria S., London

“Having tried different qualified chess masters, we think Maria offers not only high personal qualifications but an engaging teaching approach which makes every lesson enjoyable and stimulating. My son is now in the chess team of his school.” Federica G., London

“Maria has been teaching my two daughters for over one year now and always manages to keep them engaged and looking forward to their lessons.” Susie A., London