IM Josiah Stearman

Hello! I am Josiah Stearman. I am a 20-year old Grandmaster-Elect with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics from the prestigious UC Berkeley and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Missouri- Columbia. I love watching and playing sports, but I love chess even more!

I started playing chess when I was 5 years old and found my way into the top 3 for my age in the US when I was 7. I have won multiple California Grade level championships as well as the 2nd grade National Championships. I have been an All-American designee for many years which is awarded to the top junior US players. I made NM at 10, FM at 12, and while studying at UC Berkeley, made IM at 17.

In 2023, I earned all 3 GM norms, qualified for the World Cup in Baku, and secured the wildcard for US Junior Closed Championships! I know from experience what it takes to climb the ranks as a young ambitious player, so if you think that's you I know I have much to offer you.

My dad has been a chess and math teacher for over 20 years. He was the one who taught me chess and is the one who inspired me to teach people this beautiful game we play. I started teaching several years back when I discovered my own passion for helping students learn and love the game. I currently give private lessons, as well as group classes under Berkeley Chess School, a non profit chess organization based in the Bay Area.

My best student made the insane jump from 1200 to 2000 in a matter of 5 months! He recently scored a huge upset win over a 2400 FIDE player in a tournament!

No guarantee you will make an amazing jump like his, but if you put in the work I can surely help you make leaps and bounds in your chess improvement!

I am an incredibly resilient and resourceful player. I have a very aggressive and energetic style of play, and will certainly bring that same level of energy to our lessons! I am very good at pinpointing strengths and weaknesses, breaking down the psychology of planning in chess, and helping you improve on calculation and decision making.

We will work through different modules of training, depending on your needs. This includes but is not limited to... reviewing your games (both online and over the board), in depth analysis of GM games and how top players think, positionally and tactically focused puzzles, and much much more! On our off days, I will typically provide you with homework and resources so you will be able to train as efficiently and effectively as possible!