FM ISMAEL KHADOUR

My name is Ismael Khadour
27 years old, from Syria

officially a titled from the international chess federation as:
FIDE Master (FM)
FIDE School Instructor (SI)
National Arbiter (NI)

I have been a dedicated chess player since 2007. Over the years, I have built a strong competitive record both nationally and internationally. I am a multiple-time Syrian National Champion, and I proudly won 1st place at the 2008 Arab Championship held in Abu Dhabi in the Under-10 category.

I have represented Syria in numerous international events, including the World Youth Chess Championship, and participated in many prestigious tournaments outside the country. I was a member of the Syrian National Main Team for four consecutive years, competing at the highest level on behalf of my country.

In recognition of my achievements, I was awarded the FIDE Master (FM) title. I currently hold FIDE ratings above 2000 in classical, rapid, and blitz formats, and continue to train and compete actively while sharing my experience with the next generation of players.

Coaching Experience Summary:
I am FIDE School Instructor with over 5 years of professional chess coaching experience. I am currently based in Dubai, where I work with top-tier academies including Chess Knowledge Academy, and I provide private coaching to students of all levels.

Throughout my career, I have coached in some of the most prestigious schools in Dubai and helped many students achieve their first FIDE ratings and titles. I specialize in guiding intermediate players towards becoming competitive and tournament-ready. I also offer a structured and engaging training program, complete with gold ChessKid memberships, tournament preparation, and FIDE ID creation for official event participation.

My approach is tailored, practical, and motivating — with a focus on deep understanding, critical thinking, and long-term improvement.

In addition to my chess coaching career, I have gained experience in administrative and client-facing roles, including working in schools and academies where I handled communication with parents, scheduling, and organizing events. I have also taken steps toward transitioning into the real estate sector in Dubai, building skills in customer service, communication, and sales support.

I am passionate about building communities and have launched my own business — EmirChess, a creative chess platform that hosts events, tournaments, online content, and a merchandise line. I manage the brand’s social media presence, website content, and business outreach, including sponsorship proposals and school programs. This entrepreneurial journey has strengthened my skills in marketing, branding, and project management.

I’m not just a chess coach — I’m a passion-builder, confidence-booster, and talent-developer.

With over 5 years of coaching experience, I’ve developed a unique style that combines clarity, energy, and personalized growth plans for every student. Here are some of my strongest skills as a teacher:

Explaining complex ideas in a simple, fun way that students enjoy and remember.

Creating personalized training plans based on each student's goals, strengths, and weaknesses.

Preparing students for real tournaments, including mental focus, time management, and practical play.

Tracking progress and giving continuous feedback to motivate improvement.

Making learning fun and interactive, using platforms like ChessKid and Lichess with puzzles, games, and live analysis.

Building discipline, confidence, and competitive spirit in young players.

I don’t just teach chess moves — I help students understand the why behind every move and grow into strong, smart, and confident chess players.

I follow a personalized and practical approach. First, I assess the student’s level, then build a custom training plan focused on their goals. I teach through clear explanations, interactive exercises, real game analysis, and regular progress tracking. My lessons are simple, engaging, and always connected to real tournament play.