NM Isaac Kaito Steincamp

Hi there! I'm US Chess National Master Isaac Steincamp, and I'm currently an MBA student at Columbia Business School. In a past life, I was an avid blogger at Chess^Summit, and a prominent organizer of Chess.com's largest tournaments during the pandemic.

Since making a return to OTB chess, I managed to jump from 2000 to 2200 while also navigating a full-time job, GRE Test preparation, and MBA applications. If you're an adult improver and feel stuck, I can help you unleash the most of the time you're able to study.

US Chess National Master Title Earned (2025)
2nd Place: Pennsylvania State Chess Championships (2024)
1st Place: Member of Capital One's North American Corporate Chess League Winning Team (2023)
1st Place: Liberty Bell Open, U2100 Section (2023)
US Chess Candidate Master Title Earned (2015)

2014:
Coached Maggie L Walker Governor's School to win 1st place in the U1200 section of the K-12 National High School Chess Championships

2015:
Coached Maggie L Walker Governor's School to win 6th place in the U1600 section of the K-12 National High School Chess Championships

2016:
Student qualifies for U1200 Millionaire Monday at Millionaire Open (Atlantic City, NJ)

2017-2019:
Served as Founder and General Manager for the PRO Chess League's Pittsburgh Pawngrabbers

2017:
Student ties for 1st and is crowned U1900 K-12 Supernationals VI co-champion (Nashville, TN)

Ex-Chess.com Vice President of Programming (2018-2021)
Former Chess.com Commentator (PRO Chess League, World Fischer Random Chess Championship, Arena Kings)
Former Chess Blogger at Chess^Summit
Former Video Author for ChessOpeningsExplained.com

Growth Mindset
Game Analysis & Preparation
Building Effective Study Habits

Given my current schedule, I'm not looking to take on long-term students at this time. That being said, where I can offer the most value is teaching you how to make the most of your study sessions to unlock your best chess-playing self.

If you're an adult improver, you know how crucial it is to make the most of the limited time you do have to study. While Grandmasters, authors, and chess streamers talk about the importance of "grinding chess puzzles" and learning openings, there's very little guidance on how to go about actually doing so. Very quickly, reaching that lofty rating goal can feel unattainable without the prerequisite time or money.

Here's the pitch: In 1 to 2 sessions, I'll work with you to build effective study habits, set realistic goals, build a growth mindset, and develop a personally-catered long-term study program that works for you. I'll even teach you how to make the most of a long-term coaching relationship if that's what you're looking for.

TLDR, Build long-term skills in less than 3 hours while keeping your budget very much intact.