About Us

At Pioneers Chess Academy, we don’t just teach chess — we shape thinkers, dreamers, and future champions.

Founded with passion and purpose, our academy was born from the vision of Ms. Praneeta Lahoti, a seasoned chess player and a dynamic professional who left behind a thriving corporate career to pursue her true calling — nurturing young minds through chess.

Meet the Mind Behind the Mission

Praneeta started playing chess in 4th standard, and the 64 squares quickly became her playground of possibilities. Her journey — from school-level tournaments to becoming a FIDE-rated player — has been defined by discipline, strategy, and a deep love for the game.

After earning her MBA and spending 3 years in the corporate world, she realized her greatest joy came not from boardrooms, but from chessboards — guiding children, watching their minds spark with creativity, and helping them build confidence move by move.

With a strong will and unwavering dedication, she founded Pioneers Chess Academy to create a space where every child can discover their hidden strengths and master the art of decision-making — on and off the board.