Chess — a globally acclaimed game that demands intelligence, memory, and foresight — is more than just a game. Learning chess from a young age significantly helps develop strategic thinking, concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Originating thousands of years ago, chess continues to connect cultures and generations, standing the test of time as a universal language of intellect. Beyond being a pastime, chess teaches essential life skills like patience and decision-making. In fact, Chaturanga, believed to be the earliest form of chess, was once the favorite game of kings in India.
With the aim of introducing today’s generation to the depth and significance of chess, six friends — Athul, Krishna, Manu M, Adheesh Joshi, Abhijith M, Chandraraju, and Arjith M — from Kochi and Kozhikode came together to form 8 Times 8, an online chess academy.
Their journey began in 2005 when these six chess enthusiasts met at an under-9 chess tournament. From different parts of Kerala, they were introduced to chess by their parents to cultivate discipline, attention, and self-control. Little did anyone know then that the friendship kindled among these young minds would eventually change the course of their lives.
Over the years, they progressed from school-level competitions to winning district, state, and national titles — and eventually represented India on international platforms. While they celebrated their victories on the chessboard, their bond remained unshaken off the board as well. Even when higher studies took them to different corners of the country, their yearly reunions kept their love for chess — and their friendship — alive.
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, a casual Zoom meeting turned into something much bigger. A friend mentioned how his cousin’s mother was concerned about her 9-year-old son’s poor concentration and memory, and his addiction to short videos like Reels and YouTube Shorts. That conversation sparked a realization: chess, which had transformed their own lives, could be the answer to such problems.
Science has shown that chess enhances focus, memory, and problem-solving skills in children. With that insight, the six friends began offering online classes to a small group. The response within just three months was overwhelming. Stories emerged of children moving away from mobile games like PUBG to chess boards, from endless reels to solving chess puzzles. It was clear — their mission was working.
They promoted the program without spending money on ads — using only WhatsApp statuses and friends-and-family groups to reach children. What began as a small initiative soon turned into a mission. In 2022, after completing college, the six founders launched a full-time venture, registering 8 Times 8 as a private limited company. They appointed Grandmaster S.L. Narayanan, former India #4 and Commonwealth medalist, as their brand ambassador.
Today, 8 Times 8 has grown into a thriving team with:
- 1000+ active students
- 45+ teachers
- Students from over 30 countries
- Classes available in English, Malayalam, and Hindi
Their students have excelled in both online and offline tournaments across India and abroad.
Achievements:
- Crossed ₹1 crore in annual revenue within just 3 years
- Trained over 5000 children
- Featured in HolonIQ South Asia Top 100 EdTech Startups
- Produced national champions and FIDE-rated players
- Expanded services to 30+ countries, bringing foreign investment into Kerala
8 Times 8 is not just a chess academy — it is a symbol of hope and transformation built through the perseverance of six friends. Today, the academy trains over 3000 children, and with its new offline expansion in Kakkanad, it is stepping into the physical world of learning too. It is registered under the Kerala Startup Mission and has its own mobile app — marking its growth and progress.
Understanding that every child is different, the academy tailors its classes accordingly. Students with prior experience and complete beginners are placed in separate, skill-specific groups. With limited students in each session, they ensure top-quality training.
Looking ahead, the team aims to introduce AI-powered solutions focused on enhancing children’s focus, memory, and attention.
More than just teaching chess, this is a dedicated journey toward shaping the future of children — a purposeful mission far beyond the 64 squares of a chessboard.
