Voices of my chess friends
Here you can read how my chess friends experience our work together — from the first session to tournament preparation. See how they describe their journey!
Julijan knows how to respond to people very well. I had the impression that he was concerned with my problems and was trying to help me instead of "just" running through some training session.
Reinhard, Oberliga player
Elo: 2170
Julijan is always up to date with the openings and programs and in all other areas he embodies modern chess and explains everything in a comprehensible and understandable way.
The exercises and examples are always very memorable. I'm thrilled!!
Martin, club player
Elo: 1700
Great training, Julijan recognizes weaknesses very quickly and helps to correct them. He has very good opening knowledge and always has very good materials and games at his disposal.
Sebastian, Oberliga player
Elo: 2250
Julijan is a great trainer and overall a great, positive personality! He has an infectious passion for chess and makes learning the game extremely interesting and fun. He has a clear idea of how to improve at every level in chess and is very structured and reliable in the training sessions. Julijan is very committed to his students' progress and I am very happy to work with him on my chess!
Carl, club player
Elo: 1600
Julijan is an excellent trainer with a passion for chess and teaching, extensive knowledge of all aspects of the game (including outstanding opening knowledge), continuous good suggestions for improvement and, moreover, a pleasure to work with. I can recommend him without reservation.
Felix, chess author and club player
Elo: 1700
Julijan's positive attitude combined with a very motivating coaching style keeps me excited to learn more and more. My chess game and mindset have definitely been transformed since we started working together. I'm really excited that Julijan listens to my individual preferences and doesn't rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. A clear recommendation!
Patrick, club player
Elo: 1600
I have been training with Julijan at regular intervals. I have gone from a rating of 1800 to a constant 2000. At the moment I am a bit stuck. That is because I now have to learn very theoretical and dry opening theory in order to progress. Julijan is supporting me very well. I hope I can still reach the 2200 mark in blitz.
Marco, club player
Elo: 2000
Training with Julijan is fun and he adapts very well to my needs. During the training we changed my openings and I am very satisfied.
So, if you are looking for a trainer: Julijan is top
Philipp, club player
Elo: 1750
I have been training with Julijan for almost 2 months now and can only recommend him warmly! He is a really nice person and a very competent trainer. I particularly like the fact that he always takes the time outside of training times to answer questions or watch a game that I have played. All in all, I can only say that in Julijan I have found the perfect trainer for me :)
Tobias, club player
Elo: 1500
Through Julijan's coaching, I have not only improved my game but also deepened my love for chess. His enthusiasm is contagious and motivates me to keep learning.
Ivan, club player
Elo: 1950
Julijan's expertise and ability to communicate it clearly have broadened my horizons. I am grateful for his support on my chess journey.
Christoph
Elo: 2000
Julijan reveals the best of chess and chess players.
Don't worry if you don't speak German; his English is great. Unlock insights into your game; break limiting patterns. Julijan is generous with advice and takes extra time to answer questions.
Martin, from Australia
Elo: 1750
If you are looking for a chess trainer who is absolutely reliable, as well as extremely personable and competent, you should choose Julijan.
In addition, Julijan is a particularly good motivator who always cheers you up when you lose a game you actually won;-)
Personally, he helped me a lot to rediscover my love for chess.
Josephine, club player
Elo: 1500
If you're looking for a reliable, skilled, and supportive chess coach, Julijan is the perfect choice! He's an excellent motivator who keeps you inspired, even after challenging losses. Thanks to his guidance, I've rekindled my passion for chess!
Phuc, club player
Elo: 1500
Overview
As your second, I accompany you through the fascinating world of the royal game — to new strategic heights. Here's to a successful game!
20+
years of experience
2451
Elo Rating
10+
years of coaching
100+
Happy chess friends
Contact
Fill out the form and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — from beginners to club and tournament players. Our work is always built around you: your level, your goals, your pace.
Fully online via Teams, Google Meet or Zoom — with a shared board and your games on screen. We play, analyze and discuss live
Individual work takes place exclusively online. On site I work with clubs — club dates by arrangement.
Yes — a free get-to-know session is included in the packages. Together we'll see where you stand and how we can work together.
Just a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection and a free Lichess account.
Everything else — analyses, studies, recommendations — I bring with me.
What you need to know
Your reliable companion on the way to strategic mastery – with tailor-made training, valuable tips and a passion that will prepare you for every chessboard
My way of working
Our work adapts individually to every age and style. With great passion, a motivating and enjoyable atmosphere emerges. We work on every area of the game — from the openings to the endgame. The focus is on identifying weaknesses and strengthening them together.
My expertise
Enormously broad opening knowledge, combined with a deep understanding of the middlegame in both dynamic and static positions, as well as precise transitions to the endgame, offers profound insights into all phases of the game.
Coaching experience
Many years of experience accompanying players of all ages and levels. With individually tailored training methods and solid expertise, I support my chess friends in developing their skills and reaching their full potential.
Player experience
Experience from the regional league to the Bundesliga, European-wide club engagements as well as appearances for the Croatian national team.
About Me
Julijan Plenca
Born in Croatia, living in Hamburg
Chess career: International Master (2016) & FIDE Trainer (2020).
Passionate about accompanying players of all ages as a second and chess friend — with an eye for individual style, especially with young talents. For me, chess is both competitive and enjoyable.
Education & Career: Master in Entrepreneurship, working in IT, with a passion for programming and digital marketing.
Let's discover chess together and have fun!