What age groups does Zero Blunder Chess Academy accept?

We accept students from age 5 and above. Our programs are designed for kids, teens, and adults at all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced tournament players.

Do you offer online chess classes?

Yes, we offer comprehensive online chess coaching for students across India and the USA. Our online classes include live interactive sessions, personalized training plans, and regular assessments.

How is Zero Blunder different from other chess academies?

Zero Blunder Chess Academy stands out with its structured curriculum, certified coaches with titled player experience, personalized mentorship, and a proven track record of improving student ratings and tournament performance.

Do you prepare students for chess tournaments?

Absolutely. Tournament preparation is a core part of our advanced programs. We cover opening preparation, middlegame strategy, endgame technique, time management, and competitive psychology.

Can I book a free trial class?

Yes! We offer a free trial class for all new students. You can book your trial through our website or by contacting us directly via phone or WhatsApp.

About Zero Blunder — The Global Journey of Arun Manukonda

Arun Manukonda, FIDE Instructor (FI) & Founder of Kings Chess Academy (2009) and Zero Blunder — a 17-year journey of elite chess education and international competition across nearly 50 countries.

Matches & Tournaments

International Matches — Where I Played

Interactive map showing cities where Arun Manukonda competed. Click a pin for event details.

The Biography

I learned chess at age four and founded Kings Chess Academy in 2009. My international journey spans nearly 50 countries — competing alongside Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess Open and GRENKE Open (2024–2025). After 18 months studying with 2700-rated Super Grandmasters, I built a coaching methodology rooted in elite-level precision.

The Milestone Timeline

Childhood

The First Move

Learned Chess at Age 4

2009

The Foundation

Founded Kings Chess Academy

2013

International Debut

Sri Lanka

2019

Tournament Champion

1st Place Basel Open , Win vs GM in Seville

2020-21

The Elite Deep Dive

18 months study with 2700 & 2400 GMs

2022

The Stavanger Elite

Norway Chess Open (Shared venue with Magnus & Gukesh)

2023

Career Best Performance

6.5/10 Score at Sants Barcelona Open

2024-26

The GRENKE Streak

Karlsruhe, Germany (Shared venue with Magnus Carlsen)

2025-26

The Professional Peak

Tata Steel (Wijk aan Zee) & 40th European Club Cup

WhiteGM Harutjunyan, Gevorg

BlackArun Manukonda

PlaceSeville, Spain

DateJan 18, 2019

Chess moves animation — Zero Blunder Chess Academy

The Zero Blunder Elite Cadet Program

This is the ultimate mentorship for the next generation of champions. Designed for ambitious young players who want to reach the highest levels of competitive chess.

Legacy of Education: Using 17 years of academy leadership at Kings Chess Academy to craft the perfect competitive learning environment.
Atmosphere of Champions: Preparing students for the intensity of elite festivals like the GRENKE Open and Sants Barcelona .
Global Mentorship: Earn your FIDE rating while travelling and competing alongside a FIDE Instructor on the European circuit.
Personalised Training Plans: Every student receives a tailored roadmap — from opening repertoire to endgame technique — built around their strengths and weaknesses.
Tournament Exposure: Travel and compete at prestigious international events across Europe and Asia, gaining invaluable over-the-board experience.
Mental Toughness: Learn the psychological resilience and competitive discipline needed to perform at high-pressure festivals and championship events.

Learn More About the Cadet Program

Your Coach

Founder and head coach delivering personalised, international-standard training.

Arun Manukonda

Founder & CEO — International FIDE-Rated Player (FIDE ID: 5080789)

Arun is a dedicated competitor and educator. He founded Kings Chess Academy in 2009 and has since built a career spanning elite competition across nearly 50 countries. A certified FIDE Instructor (FI) and rated player, he has competed at the Norway Chess Open (shared venues with Magnus Carlsen and World Champion Gukesh D, 2022), the GRENKE Open in Karlsruhe (2024–2025), Tata Steel in Wijk aan Zee (2025 & 2026), the Sants Open in Barcelona , the Basel Open, Switzerland (1st Place, 2019), the Reykjavik Open , the Biel Chess Festival , and the 40th European Club Cup (2025). He also recorded a notable victory against GM Gevorg Harutjunyan in Seville (2019).

His coaching philosophy — “Master the Board. Erase the Mistakes.” — is built on precision, disciplined calculation, and 18 months of intensive study with 2700-rated Super Grandmasters. Arun combines nearly two decades of championship experience with a structured curriculum to help students eliminate blunders and improve consistently at all levels.

Join the Zero Blunder Family

Whether you're in Hyderabad or connecting from the USA, we're ready to help you reach your chess goals. Start with a free trial class.

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