GM Melik Khachiyan
The Player

Grandmaster Melik Khachiyan
Biography

I was born in the former Soviet Union, where my journey with chess began at the age of eight. My progress was rapid—by ten, I had won the Baku Junior Championship and earned the First Category in chess, equivalent to a USCF rating of approximately 2000 (Expert level). (Baku is also the hometown of chess legends Garry Kasparov and Teimour Radjabov.)

By twelve, I became a Soviet Candidate Master, reaching a level comparable to a USCF rating above 2200. After six more years of rigorous training, I earned the Master title, and in 2005, I was officially awarded the title of Grandmasterby FIDE.

Training & Mentors

Throughout my development, I was fortunate to study at the Tigran Petrosian Chess School (1983–1984), founded by the 9th World Champion himself. I later trained under two of the most respected names in chess coaching—Alexander Nikitin and Alexander Shakarov—who famously coached the 13th World Champion, Garry Kasparov. Their mentorship had a deep and lasting impact on my understanding and teaching of the game.

Coaching Career: Over 30 Years of Excellence

I began coaching professionally in 1990, even as I remained an active competitor. After a decade of shaping chess talents in Armenia, I moved to the United States in 2001, where I’ve continued mentoring players of all levels—from young prodigies to elite professionals.

Highlights from My Coaching Career

Armenian National Coach (1990–2001)
Trainer of GM Levon Aronian (1990–1997)
- Named Honored Coach of Armenia in 1995 in recognition of Aronian’s success
Developed a generation of Armenian grandmasters:
- GM Arman Pashikian
- GM Tigran Petrosian
- GM Tigran Gharamian
- Worked with WGM Elina Danielian, WIM Narine Aghinian

Notable Students in the U.S.

After moving to the United States in 2001, I continued coaching and mentoring the next generation of American talents.

GM Steven Zierk, World U18 Champion (2010)
GM Kayden Troff, whom I coached to 2300+ and helped win medals at the World Youth Championships
IM Christopher Hilby
WIM Sophie Liao
Current students: IM Arthur Wang, FM Ruiyang Yan, FM Brian Lin, Alexander Jasinski, Jasmine Su, Carter Ho

Additional U.S. Students and Rising Stars:

NM Daniel Hong
WFM Zoey Tang
NM Rachael Li
NM Aaron Jacobson
Ricky Wang, WCM Alice Lee (early coaching period)

Current Roles and Contributions

Chess.com Coach & Content Creator (since 2009)
- Featured in hundreds of video lessons, live shows, and instructional series
Head Coach, U.S. Women’s Olympic Team (since 2010)
Team Captain, U.S. Women’s Team (since 2017)
Counselor, FIDE Trainers’ Commission (TRG), appointed in 2018
Official FIDE Title: FIDE Senior Trainer

Competitive Career & Titles

While coaching remains my primary passion, I believe in leading by example. Staying active as a competitor helps me remain a sharper analyst and teacher.

International Master (IM) – Awarded in 1995
Grandmaster (GM) – Awarded in 2005
1996 World Chess Olympiad – Represented Armenia in Yerevan
1997 World Team Championship – Bronze Medal with the Armenian National Team
Honored Chess Coach of Armenia and Moldova (1995)

Resources & How to Learn with Me

Online Platforms:

🧠 Chess.com – Melik’s Coach Page
📺 YouTube – Videos & Lectures
🖥️ ICC (Internet Chess Club) – Lessons and Events

Private Coaching & Group Classes:

Open to students of all levels—from beginners to titled players
Available for online and in-person sessions (U.S.-based)
Group classes available for scholastic programs and chess schools
For inquiries, contact me here.

Join My Chess School

If you're serious about growing as a player—whether you're pursuing titles or simply want to improve your understanding—I invite you to train with me. With decades of experience and a proven track record of developing talent, I can help you reach your goals. Reach out here.

Grandmaster Melik Khachiyan

Special thanks to Mike Zaloznky for the translation and Joshua E. Gutman, the original webmaster.

More info: Wikipedia – Melikset Khachiyan