Why choose UpGrade
Trainers with international titles
Honored coaches, international masters and FIDE arbiters – experience proven by the victories of their students.
Individual approach
We see each student: their strengths, goals, and pace. The program is tailored to them.
Tournament practice
Regular tournaments are held at the club and online. Students learn to win, take a hit, and not be afraid of their opponents.
In the club and online
In-person classes in Baku and online lessons from anywhere in the world—in Russian, Azerbaijani, and English.
Our trainers
Iran Topchiev
Founder and Head Coach
• Honored coach of Azerbaijan
• Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Azerbaijan
• International Arbiter (FIDE Arbiter)
• International Master FIDE Online Arena
• Candidate for Master of Sports
• Judge of the Republican category
• Higher sports and pedagogical education
• More than 35 years of experience
• Classes in Russian
Kanan Heydarli
Trainer
• International Master FIDE (IM)
• Higher sports and pedagogical education
• More than 25 years of experience
• Classes in Russian, Azerbaijani and English
• Individually: online, offline and home visits
• Children and adults, sparring and training games
Inara Topchieva
Trainer
• Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Azerbaijan
• FIDE Online Arena Master (AFM)
• Candidate for Master of Sports
• Judge of the Republican category
• Higher sports and pedagogical education
• More than 30 years of experience
• From scratch to tournament level – online and offline, individually and in groups
Elchin Asadov
Trainer
• Trainer-teacher of the 1st category
• Candidate Master of Sports in Chess
• Judge of the 1st category
• Higher education
• More than 30 years of experience
• Classes in Azerbaijani language
• Individual and group lessons
• Online, live lessons in the club and at home
The pride of the club
Online tournaments and practice
Chess.com
Upgrade Chess Club for Juniors – join here. Tournament times are available on the club page or by contacting the organizers.
Lichess
The UpGrade Chess Club team. Tournament times are announced on the club page or by contacting the organizers.
World Chess
FIDE Online Arena platform. Tournament times are available in the club's announcements or from the organizers.
Offline practice
Game practice at the club on Fountain Square (Baku, Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev Street 6-13A). Days and times are subject to agreement with the club administration.
How to participate
Register on the platform, join our club using the link above, and enter the tournament at the specified time. Once a month, we hold qualifying tournaments for all categories and for the FIDE international rating (classical and rapid). Links to tournaments and news are in our WhatsApp groups. Join: WhatsApp Group 1 → WhatsApp Group 2 →
Chess books
"Chess Country" and "Chess Kingdom: Secrets of Victory" are coming soon.
Author: Irana Topchieva, author of chess books. A fascinating journey into the world of chess: lessons, exercises, mazes, and coloring pages. A new series of books for young chess players.
Why I love chess
Our students share why they love chess. Our YouTube channel features much more: lessons, tournaments, victories, and the life of UpGrade Chess Club.
Make your first move
+994 50 385 06 17 — to register for classes and get answers to all your questions. Write to us!
Club administration: +994 55 402 04 49 — WhatsApp only (messages and calls).
Write to the administration →
Facebook · YouTube · WhatsApp group — club news, photos, and tournament links.
Parent reviews on Google: read and leave a review →
Our address
Baku, Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev Street 6-13A (Fountain Square). We're waiting for you at the club!
Address on Google Maps →
Video: How to find us →
How to get there – details →
Cost of classes
Different rates apply for citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and foreign citizens. The price for group lessons online and in person is fixed—please check with the club administration for current prices. The price for individual lessons online and in person is discussed directly with the coach. Contact us on WhatsApp—we'd love to see you at UpGrade Chess Club!