Karnataka's first Grandmaster
Our founder, GM Thej Kumar M S, earned the Grandmaster title at 36 — a first for the state.
Head coach & founder
GM Thej Kumar M S
Karnataka's first Grandmaster · 2500+ FIDE
About GMCA
See our accomplishments
A premier academy for young minds who want to think deeper
Great Minds Chess Academy nurtures young talent through programs designed and led by Grandmaster coaches. Under GM Thej Kumar M S, every student follows a clear path — from fundamentals to tournament preparation — with the discipline and confidence that carries beyond the board.
Thej Kumar began learning chess at 12 under his father's guidance, earned the Grandmaster title at 36 and crossed a 2500 rating in 2017.
Indian National B Championship2013
National Under-25 Championship2003
Liffre Open · Guingamp Open, France2016 · 2017
Karnataka State Open Rapid — a perfect 9/92018
Accomplishments
Results that speak for themselves
From our founder's career to our students' podiums, here is what GMCA has achieved so far.
FIDE rating crossed in 2017
A rating that places our head coach among the strongest players in the country.
Commonwealth gold & World Cup silver
Adhiraj Mishra took U-14 gold in Kuala Lumpur and Aadya Gowda won U-12 World Cup silver.
National champions in 2025
Four GMCA students won national titles in a single year.
Indian National B Champion
A national title won by our founder, alongside the 2003 National Under-25 Championship.
A perfect score at the 2018 State Rapid
A clean sweep at the Karnataka State Open Rapid, plus wins at the Liffre and Guingamp Opens in France.
Mission & vision
Smarter moves today, a brighter tomorrow
Our mission
To nurture young minds through Grandmaster-designed chess training that builds skill, strategy, confidence and a winning mindset — from a child's first move to the national stage.
Our vision
To be the premier chess academy in India — a place where every student can think deeper, compete with confidence and carry the discipline of the board into everything they do.
Testimonials
What parents and students say about us
Kind words from the families who learn and play with GMCA.