CM Juan Carlos Mesa Cruz

My name is Juan Carlos Mesa, a 21-year-old chess player and coach from the Dominican Republic. I hold a degree in Software Engineering and work professionally in the tech field. I’m passionate about teaching chess, not for profit, but because I genuinely enjoy helping others grow through the game. Chess is a powerful tool to develop critical thinking, focus, and strategic decision-making. With a personalized and structured approach, I help students of all levels build strong fundamentals and grow confidently in their game, one move at a time.

With years of competitive playing experience at various levels, I've played important tournaments like The Americas Continental Chess Championship, Zonal chess Tournament, and a lot of other great international tournaments. I have faced a wide range of title players and styles, with good results with GMs and IMs players, which has sharpened my understanding of the game’s complexities. My tournament participation has taught me not only practical techniques but also the mental resilience and strategic thinking needed to succeed. This firsthand experience allows me to relate to my students’ challenges and guide them effectively through their own chess journeys.

During my time as a chess teacher at American School of Santo Domingo (ASSD), I had the opportunity to work with students of varying ages and skill levels, guiding them through the fundamentals of chess and fostering a love for the game. I developed tailored lesson plans that balanced theory, practice, and game analysis to ensure steady progress. Seeing my students grow in critical thinking and confidence was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my passion for teaching chess.

I focus on a personalized, step-by-step approach that builds strong fundamentals first—tactics, openings, and endgames—while tailoring lessons to each student’s goals and level. Through regular practice, game analysis, and targeted puzzles, I teach critical thinking over memorization, helping students understand the “why” behind every move. Progress is tracked with realistic milestones, and I emphasize a growth mindset to keep learning enjoyable and effective.