Reviews

Please note: Each of the messages below was shared voluntarily, which makes them all the more meaningful. We never asked for reviews—so a heartfelt thank you to all the parents who took the time to share their kind words and feedback. 

From Manisha Yadav (Gautam's mom): 

Sanjay,

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the incredible impact you’ve had on Gautam’s chess journey. After spending a few months exploring the game on his own, he felt a bit stuck in game but your 1:1 lessons have truly shaped and changed his thought process. He has grown into this in a positive way and as parent with no chess experience, I did not know how to help him. You’ve not only helped him grow as a player and thinker, but also given him a clear sense of direction by introducing him to the strategic foundations of the game and discipline he has built through these lessons. 

Your patience, encouragement, and consistent positivity have meant the world to him. He always looked forward to your sessions, and today, it was very emotional for him knowing it was his last lesson and that he wouldn’t be seeing you every week. That alone speaks volumes about the bond you’ve built and the influence you’ve had on his development, both on and off the board.

Thank you for being such a supportive and inspiring mentor. We’re deeply grateful for the time, care, and knowledge you’ve shared with him🙏

From Mahalaksmi & Lokesh Muddagowda (parents of Bhuvanesh & Trimbakesh): 

Hi Sanjay,

I wanted to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for the impact you’ve had on Bhuvanesh and Trimbakesh through their 1:1 and group sessions. They have truly enjoyed every class, and I’ve already seen meaningful growth in their personalities.

Your guidance has not only helped them become stronger chess players, but it has also nurtured their individual strengths. In particular, I’ve noticed how your support has helped build their confidence and encouraged them to stand up for themselves when faced with challenges. This has been a significant step in their character development.

The positive influence these sessions have had on them is clear — they’ve genuinely thrived under your mentorship. Thank you for your patience, enthusiasm, and the care you bring to each session. We are truly grateful for the valuable contributions you are providing to whole community Portland.

Warm regards,

Lokesh , Mahalakshmi

From Swetha Bhendigeri (Mom of Syon & Smayan):

Thank you Sanjay for all the hard work you do to improve our kids. Every tournament you and your family take most of the burden to setup and run the event successfully and making each kid to enjoy, learn and win. This community is so fortunate to have such a selfless person and family like yours🙏

From Dilip Zalavadiya (Om Zalavadiya & Riya Zalavadiya's Dad): 

Hey Sanjay, 

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable impact you’ve had on Om and Riya through their 1:1 sessions. They truly enjoyed every class, and I have already seen significant growth in their personalities as a result of your efforts.  

Your guidance has not only helped them become better chess players but has also fostered the development of their own unique skills. Specifically, I’ve noticed that your support has been a great help for Om in building his confidence and encouraging him to stand up for himself when he faces challenges. This has positively contributed to his character development.  

The positive influence these classes have had on them is evident, and it's clear that they’ve thrived under your mentorship. Thank you for your dedication, patience, and the enthusiasm you bring to each session. We are genuinely grateful for the valuable experience you’ve provided for our children!

From Sugi Krishnamoorthy (Ishaan Vaidyanathan's Mom): 

Hello Sanjay

Thank you for being more than just a chess teacher — thank you for being a mentor, a motivator, and a relentless believer in the power of discipline and growth.

Your passion for the game is contagious, and your drive to see each of us improve has pushed us far beyond what we thought we were capable of. You never let us settle for shortcuts, and though your standards were high, they were exactly what we needed. Your focus on the process, not just the results, has taught us lessons that go far beyond the chessboard — about patience, resilience, and thinking several steps ahead in life. 

We are so thankful for your time, dedication and all the support. His motivation factor was the medal that he got yesterday which will help him go a long way on this path. 

Because of your guidance, every move we make now is with greater purpose and understanding. We are truly grateful for your tough love, your unwavering belief in us, and your commitment to shaping us into thoughtful, strategic players — and better people.

Thank you for everything.

With sincere appreciation,

Sugi

From Vinutha Hiremath & Shambuswamy  (Parents of Vishruth Mudgalmath & Stuti Mudgalmath): 

We wanted to extend our deepest gratitude for being such an incredible teacher to our kids Vishruth and Stuti. While we loved watching them develop impressive chess skills, what truly stands out is the profound impact you have had beyond the game.

You didn’t just teach openings, middle and end games, tricks and tactics, but rather taught invaluable life lessons. The way you stressed on the importance of being respectful, kind, brave, leadership qualities has deeply resonated with all of us. We have seen these values flourish, not only in chess games but in everyday life.

Also in this crazy fast paced world where everyone is hurrying up, being impatient, racing, you have always reminded kids( and us) the importance of slowing down, thinking before we act and learning from mistakes. We are extremely grateful for that as well.

Lastly, THANK YOU for your passion, patience and for being such a positive role model. We are truly fortunate to have had Vishruth and Stuti learn from you. 

From Divya Padmavathi & UdayaSankar  (Parents of Dhyan Kanadhibhotla): 

We just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the incredible impact you’ve had on Dhyan over the course of these one-one sessions. From the very first class, your belief in his potential stood out and helped him to reach 990.

But beyond the numbers, what really made the difference was your inspiring support and encouragement. Even when he was feeling low, your consistent positivity and trust in his abilities kept him going. You’ve helped him not just grow as a chess player, but also in confidence, focus, and overall personal development.

We are truly grateful for your guidance, patience, and the passion you brought to every class. These one-on-one sessions have been a gift, and the improvement we’ve seen has been remarkable.

Thank you once again for providing a great platform for kids! 

From Shivanand Prasad  (Agamya Anand & Agriya Anand's Dad): 

Hi Sanjay, I wanted to thank you for the time and dedication you have put in the training Agamya and Agriya. The kids have really enjoyed one on one classes. 

I personally felt that the examples you quote, provides a way to strategically think through real world challenges. It was great to see them grow in confidence and critical thinking with each class. I also believe that they will pick up few of these skills which will serve them well as they grow up and take new challenges in life. 

The foundation you have provided will make them better players and individuals.. thanks from our family.

From Prathibha Nandagudi & Krishna Kurpad (Pranav Kurpad's parents): 

Such an amazing opportunity for all the kids, Sanjay !! 

Most of us would not have realized our kids’ potential in Chess without Roshen & your initiative, enthusiasm & guidance..Looking forward to the new year with lots of Chess classes & tournaments.

From Shiya Curzon & Lijo John Monkuzhy (Gabriel Monkuzhy's parents): 

Thank you so much Roshen and Sanjay for making positive impact on Gabriel’s life through Chess! 

Your guidance and support helped Gabriel to become a better chess player and a better human. He is learning  not only Chess but also some great life lessons. 

Roshen’s academy is truly a blessing to us!

From Poulami Mitra (Rishan's mom): 

We feel lucky that we came across Roshen and his dad, Sanjay, at Chinmaya Mission. My 9 yr old son had started playing a little bit chess but we had no one to guide us. It can make you  feel a little awkward asking people around about the structure of the chess competitions and the websites are good but there are lots of grey area. For us the guidance we have received from Sanjay and Roshen is outstanding. It’s rare that you meet people as giving and kind as this father-son duo.  

From Arunima Menon  & Ashok Ramchandran  (Arjun & Arvind's parents): 

Special thanks for the interest and dedication you have inculcated in our twins. They love and respect you and Roshen and that’s a reflection of your sincerity towards this sport. You’re building great character in this generation through your efforts.