Check out the latest article University of Connecticut published about Coach Jithu and Chess:
UCONN Student finds his American Dream through Chess
Jithu Sajeevan is a 21-year-old Entrepreneur is a college student, real estate agent/investor works full-time with DIG.
Jithu was born and raised in India for his first 14 years.
Jithu started as a DIG Chess Coach when he was 17 (before the pandemic). From Day 1, he was very passionate about teaching and making a difference in the lives of DIG students. He not only helped kids improve their chess knowledge but has also acted as a mentor to help them succeed in other parts of life. Over the past four years, he has taught/mentored 1000+ kids.
Jithu is an exceptional teacher that can connect with every student. He teaches chess and uses it as a tool to teach them many critical life skills. He has taught his kids how to be confident, build patience, show great sportsmanship, control emotions, critical thinking, and much more. He has a very close relationship with his students and their parents; many view him as a “family member”.
One of his star players is Sebastian Lopez from Bridgeport, CT. He helped Sebastian go from not knowing how to play the game to have him win over $6000.00 cash prize and 20+ chess trophies in 2 years. He has also been on News 12 three times.
Because of his hard work with his students, he was promoted to Director of Operations for DIG USA. In this role, he was responsible for running DIG Chess Team (in 5 locations now!), DIG tournaments, DIG Summer Camps, managing DIG libraries, and grant funds, private lessons, group lessons, school programs, managing grants, and hiring coaches.
Jithu started playing chess when he was in 6th grade in India. Jithu won over 50+ trophies and many cash prizes throughout his chess career. In 2020, he was able to cross the 2000 USCF rating and earned the U.S. Chess Expert title.
Jithu’s Achievement with DIG:
- Co-Founder of DIG Chess Team
- Director of Wilton Sports and Chess Camps
- Named DIG 2021 Coach of the Year
- Taught 1000 + students
- Ran 60+ Successful DIG Tournaments
- Helped many players go from a beginner-level to advance in a few months.
- Helped players get sponsored to play in big tournaments.
- Started 25+ new DIG programs.
- Managed over 70 DIG coaches.
Coach Jithu’s current USCF Rating is 1976.
Besides his incredible work with DIG, his life story is even more remarkable. He moved to the United States 6 years ago, barely speaking English. With poverty and extreme hardship from his childhood, Jithu always dreamed of being very successful one day. 4 years later, he graduated high school with a FULL scholarship to the University of Connecticut, and he was the first in his family to attend college in this country.
In 2022, Jithu bought his first house at the age of 20 years old!
Jithu is extremely grateful to find a career in something he loves the most. As he always say, “I checkmated my past for a better future”
Click on below to follow Jithu:
News Articles:
https://bronx.news12.com/2-bridgeport-teens-win-regional-chess-competition-at-foxwoods-open
https://bronx.news12.com/bridgeport-7th-grader-ranked-among-best-amateur-chess-players-in-the-nation
https://patch.com/connecticut/southington/bristol-student-wins-1k-cash-prize-chess-tournament
Testimonials:
“Mack is here (at the 2023 U-14 World Chess Championship) because of your great and dedicated teaching instruction. My dream comes true! Thank you! “
“He really loved what you said about confidence and the story you told him about how you won against someone with a higher rating – Nolan told us you said these things, so I know he was impressed. So, thank you!”
“Thank you so much for coaching him and encouraging him all the time. I can see he is really enjoying and so happy with you and the team. Really appreciated.😁“
“Jithu, I want to thank you so much for coming all the way here to support the kids. You’re a role model for a lot of us.”
Coach Dan taught me how to play chess when I was a total beginner. Coach Jithu upped my game by teaching me strategies. I love learning new strategies from him and also he gives me cool puzzles. My rating has gone up over 300 points since I started working with Jithu. He’s a great coach.”
“Our son had a great time today during his individual lesson. To Coach Jithu – he thought you were “awesome”. Thanks!“
“My son expressed an interest in chess and DIG came highly recommended. After the winter session, he has shown much improvement and equally important feels part of the team. Jithu is a wonderful coach who runs a nice comprehensive program. Highly recommend it to anyone asking.“