FIDE International Master  ·  Private Chess Coach

Gus Huston

FIDE International Master
Pan-American Gold Medalist
Seven-Time Scholastic National Champion
Peak FIDE: 2451  ·  Top 500 Online Blitz & Bullet Worldwide
Georgetown University, Class of 2028

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IM
International Master
7×
Scholastic National Champion
2451
Peak FIDE Rating
Top 500
Blitz & Bullet Worldwide

Private Instruction

Chess Coaching

I work with students of varying ages and skill levels, building uniquely tailored training programs for each. My coaching philosophy is rooted in helping players understand why moves work — not just what to play.

My background spans 14 years of competitive play at the highest scholastic level, coaching at The Dalton School, as Head Coach of the Dalton Summer Chess Camp, and in my community through local programs. I've taught everyone from kindergarteners to senior citizens, from the head of my school to individual national champions. Nothing has been more rewarding than watching a student who didn't know how the pieces moved, two years later, go on to win an individual national scholastic championship. Entirely through his own dedication and hard work. I understand what it takes to improve at every level of the game.

Whether you're a complete beginner or a serious competitive player looking to reach a new level, I can help you get there.

Inquire About Lessons

Beginner & Youth

Patient, engaging instruction for players just learning the game. In our lessons, we focus on rules, fundamentals, and building a genuine love of chess.

Intermediate Development

Tactical patterns, opening principles, and endgame technique. Ideal for players rated 800 to 1600 looking to compete seriously.

Advanced & Competitive

Professional-level opening preparation, in-depth game analysis, and tournament strategy. For players pushing toward expert and master ratings.

“We are so grateful for Gus. He truly makes the game of chess come alive! Having been a multi-national scholastic champion himself, he really understands what it takes to challenge the mind and foster the love of learning and grit through chess. My son loves Gus so much and we look forward to many years of friendship and mentorship.”

—  Dorothy Gorczyca, Parent of a National Scholastic Champion

Top Accolades

FIDE International Master

Four IM norms across premier open events. Crossed the 2400 FIDE threshold at the Charlotte Super Swiss (2023), tying for 1st alongside six Grandmasters.

Pan-American Gold Medalist

1st Place at the Pan American Youth Chess Championship U14, Guayaquil, Ecuador (2019). Silver Medal in Blitz at the 2018 Pan-Am U14, Santiago, Chile.

Seven-Time Scholastic National Champion

Seven individual scholastic national titles spanning 2016 to 2023, from 5th Grade through K-12 High School. Two-time World Amateur Team Championship captain (1st place).

Top 100 USA, All Ages

Top 100 in the United States across all ages. 99.9th percentile nationally.

Top 500 Blitz & Bullet

Top 500 worldwide in both Blitz and Bullet chess on Chess.com, out of 235 million users — 99.999th percentile globally.

National Champion Coach

One student progressed from learning how the pieces move to winning an individual national scholastic championship in under two years. My students gain an average of 400+ rating points per year under active instruction.

Biography

About Me

Gus Huston

Gus Huston
Georgetown University '28

I'm Gus Huston, a FIDE International Master and seasoned competitor in the US Chess scholastic system. I earned my IM title in 2023, capping a career that includes seven individual scholastic national championships, a Pan-American Gold Medal, and a peak FIDE rating of 2451 (top 100 in the U.S. for any age) — and I am currently working towards my Grandmaster title.

Beyond the Board

I'm currently a rising junior at Georgetown University, where I double major in Russian and Psychology. Outside of my coursework, I work in two research labs, am the president of Georgetown's Chess Club, and volunteer as a Georgetown homelessness outreach coordinator. When I'm not at the board, I enjoy running, lifting, and boxing. I'm also a nationally registered EMT, a language enthusiast (Russian, Latin, Farsi, Spanish), a recreational coder, and am currently training for my first marathon.

Full Record

Achievements

Individual Scholastic National Championships

— 12th Grade US National Scholastic Champion, Orlando, FL 2023
— K-12 US National Scholastic Champion (High School), Memphis, TN 2022
— 10th Grade US National Scholastic Champion, Orlando, FL 2021
— 9th Grade US National Scholastic Champion (COVID) 2020
— 7th Grade US National Scholastic Champion, Orlando, FL 2018
— K-6 US National Scholastic Champion (Elementary), Nashville, TN 2017
— 5th Grade US National Scholastic Champion, Nashville, TN 2016

IM Norm Events

— 1st Place, NY Winter Invitationals (1st Norm) 2022
— Tied 1st, Marshall Winter Invitational (2nd Norm) 2023
— Tied U2450, World Open (3rd Norm) 2023
— Tied 1st, Charlotte Super Swiss (4th Norm + 2400) 2023

Pan-American & International

— Gold Medal, Pan-Am Youth U14, Ecuador 2019
— Silver Medal, Pan-Am Blitz U14, Chile 2018

Team Championships

— Leading scorer on 10 national team championships, 16-time National Champion Team
— Captain, 1st Place World Amateur Team (325+ teams) 2024
— Captain, 1st Place World Amateur Team (325+ teams) 2023
— Captain, 3rd Place World Amateur Team (300+ teams) 2022
— 1st Place K-12 Bughouse, National Harbor MD 2022

Get in Touch

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Lessons available in-person (Washington, D.C. area) or online via Zoom + Lichess

All ages  ·  All skill levels  ·  Flexible scheduling