Humble Beginnings
with a Dream
Our Story
It started with six students.
In 1996, FM Balaji Guttula rented a small room in South Mumbai with just six students. At the time, he was a competitive chess player himself — representing India at the Commonwealth Championships — juggling his own tournament preparation during the day with coaching children in the evenings.
Exciting stories about legendary games and brilliant moves kept the children hooked to the game and made them more curious. The footfall increased in no time — within two years, it touched 250 kids at the same centre!
Over the years, SMCA managed to turn several hobby players into competitive players vying for honours at the national and international arena. Thirty years later, South Mumbai Chess Academy has grown into one of the most recognized chess institutions in the country.
But the philosophy hasn't changed. Every student still gets the same thing those first six did: a coach who pays attention, a structured path to improve, and the belief that chess isn't just a game — it's a way of thinking.
“We don't just teach moves. We teach children how to think three steps ahead — on the board and in life.”
The Journey
30 Years of Milestones
FM Balaji Guttula founds SMCA in a single room in South Mumbai with just 6 students.
SMCA produces its first batch of state-level champions. Student count crosses 1,000.
SMCA students begin representing India at international championships, bringing home medals from the Asian and World Youth events.
Performance Edge 360 (earlier HPCP) debuts — a comprehensive program combining chess mastery with mental conditioning, fitness, and competitive edge.
During the lockdown, SMCA pivots fully online — student enrollment doubles in six months.
8-year-old SMCA student Ashwath Kaushik becomes the youngest player to defeat a Grandmaster in recorded history.
10+ centres across Mumbai, 100,000+ students trained, 4,500+ medalists, and a team of 50+ expert coaches.
Our Vision
To establish India as a global hub for chess excellence — nurturing talent, building strategic thinkers, and producing world-class players who compete and succeed at the highest levels.
Our Mission
To deliver high-quality chess education through expert coaching, innovative programs, and a supportive environment that empowers players with the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed in life and on the board.
Your move.
Whether your child is picking up a pawn for the first time or preparing for their next rated tournament — there's a place for them at SMCA.