Founder and CEO of GMChessPrep
Grandmaster, Fide Trainer Rashad Babaev – Inspiring the Next Generation of Chess Champions Grandmaster Rashad Babaev is more than just a world-renowned chess player—he is a visionary coach, a mentor to rising stars, and a driving force behind the success of countless young talents.
A Grandmaster’s Journey of Excellence
Born in Baku, Azerbaijan—a chess powerhouse—Rashad’s journey began under the mentorship of the legendary Oleg Privorotsky, the former coach of World Champion Garry Kasparov. His deep-rooted training, combined with years of elite competition, propelled him to numerous international tournament victories and a Grandmaster title—one of the highest honors in the chess world.
But Rashad’s legacy doesn’t stop at his own success—it extends to shaping the champions of tomorrow.
A Proven Track Record of Building Grandmasters
- Trained and mentored several students who have gone on to achieve the prestigious Grandmaster title.
- Worked with Azerbaijan’s Young Chess Teams (2003-2009), contributing to the country’s dominance in international chess.
- Guided scholastic teams to 1st and 2nd place finishes in National, State, and International competitions.
- Sparring partner for top Grandmasters, refining skills through high-level preparation.
A Passion for Coaching & Student Success
GM Babaev doesn’t just teach chess—he instills the mindset of a champion, helping his students develop strategic thinking, resilience, and confidence on and off the board. His coaching is intensive, personalized, and driven by results, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.
Farid Abbasov- International Grandmaster, Fide trainer.
Farid – Elite Chess Coach & Trainer of Champions With over two decades of experience, Farid has shaped numerous Grandmasters, International Masters, and FIDE Masters, solidifying his reputation as one of the top chess coaches in the world. Since 2013, he has led the Azerbaijan Youth Chess Team, producing elite-level players through structured, strategic coaching.
A Master in Chess Development
- Head Trainer of Azerbaijan’s Youth Chess Team – A powerhouse in global chess.
- Mentor to Grandmasters, IMs, and FMs – Proven track record of success.
- Expert in Openings, Positional Play & Endgames – A complete chess educator.
Building Champions from Beginner to Grandmaster
Farid’s methodical approach, deep strategic insight, and proven training techniques make him the ideal coach for players at every level. His foundation-building methods have transformed students into world-class competitors.
Andrew Hellenschmidt
Andrew is a highly experienced chess coach committed to elevating players of all skill levels. With more than 20 years of teaching expertise in both academic and private settings, he has been instrumental in developing premier chess teams at renowned institutions such as NEST+M, PS33, and Success Academy.
Proven Expertise
Extensive Experience: Over two decades of dedicated coaching.
Team Leadership: A pivotal force in establishing and nurturing top-tier chess teams.
Diverse Background: Successfully taught in both academic and private environments. Student Success Under Andrew’s expert guidance, many students have achieved remarkable milestones:
National Recognition: Numerous players have secured spots among the top 100 nationally.
Exceptional Ratings: At least two students have reached ratings as high as 2400.
A Commitment to Excellence As a dedicated Candidate Master, Andrew strives to create a dynamic and engaging learning atmosphere. His approach not only hones competitive skills but also ensures that the joy and richness of the game are fully experienced by every student.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your advanced strategies, Andrew’s tailored coaching promises an enriching journey through the world of chess. Explore a learning experience where excellence meets passion, and every move counts.
Togrul Babayev – Art Director
At GMChessPrep, we believe that every great chess program deserves an equally great visual presence. That’s where Togrul Babayev comes in. As our Art Director, Togrul plays a vital role in shaping the creative vision of GMChessPrep, ensuring that our branding, promotional materials, and event designs reflect the excellence of our academy.
With his exceptional talent in graphic design and multimedia arts, Togrul brings creativity and precision to every project. From stunning tournament flyers to engaging social media visuals, his designs capture the essence of our mission—making chess both inspiring and accessible.
We’re proud to have Togrul as part of our team, helping us present GMChessPrep in the most visually compelling way possible. His dedication and artistic expertise make a real difference in how we connect with our students, parents, and the chess community.
