Dig chess is great! All the coaches are very knowledgeable, encouraging, and fun to work with. My son loves to learn chess there!

~ (Shusa Deng – Joshua’s Mom – Weston, CT)

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.”

~ (Rachel Solomon – Harrison’s Mom – Westport, CT)

My experience with DIG Elite team has been wonderful. My son Paul, 9 years old has been receiving outstanding chess learning experience. The coaches are very dedicated to provide top chess knowledge and personalized support. There have been very easy communication between parents and coaches, all questions have been answered fast and professionally. Paul looks forward to each chess lesson to improve his skills, get socially engaged with other players and build teamwork experience. Paul has been enthusiastic about his progress since he joined DIG Elite team. DIG Elite team has been teaching every angle that definitely helps him to better his performance. Chess is #1 favorite activity for Paul and that would not be achieved without help from DIG Elite team coaches. In conclusion, I strongly believe that the chess learning experience Paul received at DIG Elite team has been awesome and continues to be!“

~ (Yulia Coggin – Paul’s mom – Easton CT)

Thank you Jithu. The tournament was a great first-time experience for Luca. He really enjoyed himself and I could tell it brought him a lot of joy to be surrounded by other kids who enjoy chess as much as he does. Appreciate you and the proctor for providing a positive atmosphere for the children.

I can’t say enough good things about the party on Saturday afternoon. The boys had an amazing time and John keeps saying that he had a great time at his party. He loved the games you played and loved being competitive while having fun. Thank you again for all that you do!

~ Nadene Maresca (Trumbull, CT)

A fast note to share how AMAZING your coaches were on Saturday – the rain stopped just in time for them to play. They had an awesome time – and the kids LOVED the time with them. I only regret not having them stay longer!

~ Jennifer Brown (Weston, CT)

DIG ran the best birthday party for 7 year old Katie. Soccer, painting, and a parachute dance party – what more could she want?! Thanks for an awesome time – she had a blast.

~ Dana Repka (Weston, CT)

My son told me that he loves chess the other day, and that really made me happy. In the past it has been hard to get him motivated to participate in extra curricular activities, but I noticed that he is really enjoying your classes. I think it’s DIG’s philosophy and approach, that has him feeling more motivated and confident to participate each week.

~A Weston (CT) mom

We have been working with DIG throughout 2020 to bring a weekly virtual Chess Club to our community and it has been our most consistent, and best attended program. Coach Matt is a pleasure to work with, showing patience, respect, and killer Chess moves to all of our participating students. Both parents and students alike rave about the program and return week after week. 6 out of 5 stars!

~Kristina Lareau (Ridgefield Library, CT)

ur son had a great time today during his individual lesson. To Coach Jithu: He thought you were ‘awesome’. Thanks!

~Heather McKee (CT mom)

Working with DIG has helped me target my weaknesses and become a stronger, more well-rounded player. Strategies he taught helped me directly in several tournaments, and I felt much more well-equipped going in.

~Anabel (DIG chess player)

Having been a former teacher for 15 years, I recognize great teaching when I see it, and Coach Dan is absolutely incredible. He is so patient, and you can tell that he has a sincere love for what he does. The best part was seeing how much our son has picked up and retained after just two lessons!

~Marc Deliz (CT dad)

I had the opportunity to see it all happening in front of me: It was very refreshing to see how excited and engaged the kids were. Absolutely a great program to have — that works with kids from all over.

~Breta Hasimi (Bridgeport Library, CT)

DIG has worked with our library teaching children and teens how to play chess since I have worked there. Not only do the kids love Coach Dan and the other DIG coaches, but the parents have only wonderful things to say. We have collaborated on events and projects, which have always been successful. Participants have fun, learn and leave wanting to come back. The important qualities kids learn with DIG have long-lasting effects. I highly recommend Coach Dan and the DIG team!

~Alessandra Petrino (Weston Library, CT)

In just 2 short lessons, my son has gained both a lot more confidence and new tactical ability in his chess game. He’s very much looking forward to his first tournament with DIG this weekend.

~Pamela Garrison, (CT mom)

The name of DIG truly does fit. I’ve seen nothing but determination by all of their coaches in the process of starting the partnership between them and the YMCA. Integrity is something that they practice with every session. Oh, and Growth? They’ve grown exponentially since the first session, and there’s no telling what the future holds. However, if it’s held by DIG, I’m sure it’ll be positive.

~Alexander Curtis Thomas (Hartford YMCA, CT)

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others – Mahatma Gandhi. The services (soccer & chess) DIG offers free of charge to many inner city youth … absolutely amazing. DIG is providing quality lessons for those who may not otherwise be able to afford lessons. My son has participated in many of the soccer lessons and has reaped a two-fold reward: he has gained confidence/skills and has developed great friendships. The coaches are very qualified, experienced players who have selflessly given their time and energy to our youth. And I can honestly say each coach is inviting, friendly, so full of life, and extremely patient with the children. What this organization is doing is heartwarming and newsworthy! DIG: thank you for losing yourself in the service of others!

~Lashell Richardson (Bridgeport, CT, mom)

I like my lessons with Coach Dan a lot. He is a great teacher. The lessons are fun and I learn how to be better at chess.

~Max (DIG chess player)

Our daughter had an art assignment this week to draw for her favorite thing at school and she drew a chess board. Thank you again for working with her.

~Jennifer Nelson (CT mom)

Playing chess is great! Even online, it’s still awesome.

~Annie (DIG chess player)

DIG Chess is one of the highlights of our weekend. Both of our boys have learned so much from Dan and his team. We love how they incorporate history lessons, games like Capture the Flag, and a lot of camaraderie and teamwork into the program. This is not your typical chess class! Dan’s approach ensures balance and fun, in addition to gaining strong skills as a player and teammate.

~Jennifer Roh (Weston, CT, mom)

We have been extremely pleased with DIG chess. The coaches not only teach the children about playing chess (which they do very well), they are very deliberate about teaching to be supportive team members, to develop confidence, and to have good sportsmanship. The children learn all of this and more in a fun, inspiring atmosphere. My son loves it!

~Kathy Schlageter (Wilton, CT, mom)

We are huge fans of Coach Dan and his DIG programs! He and his coaches are all very special people who provide great support, guidance and skill training for our boys. We have taken part in both the soccer and chess instruction and also are involved in the wonderful programs he sponsors in Bridgeport. DIG adds so much to my boys’ lives both on, and more importantly, off the field. We look forward to many more years of DIG in our lives! Thank you, Coach Dan, for your commitment and passion.

~Susan Krauss (Weston, CT, mom)

We had the privilege of meeting Danny more than 6 years ago on the soccer field when he was coaching in Wilton. Dan is not your average coach. He goes above and beyond to inspire the kids to give their all and never give up. Dan’s love for the game and the kids makes him one of the best coaches I ever met… not only a great coach but a great role model for the kids. The way he conducts his training is always fun and challenging for the kids. And he teaches and enforces respect, on and off the field. One of the things I notice at the end of any practice is that all the kids leave happy and smiling and feeling like they have accomplished something great. They are filled with confidence and can’t wait for the next practice.

~Frank Tomas (Wilton, CT, dad)