IMJohn Bartholomew
IM, chess educator, Chessable co-founder
IM John Bartholomew is one of the most respected chess educators on the internet. His YouTube channel, with nearly 200,000 subscribers, is a go-to resource for improving players at every level.
John is best known for his Climbing the Rating Ladder series, where he plays games at progressively higher rating levels and explains his thought process in real time. The series is widely considered one of the best structured learning resources for players rated 800 to 1600.
Beyond YouTube, John co-founded Chessable, the popular spaced-repetition chess learning platform (later acquired by Play Magnus). He has since joined Chessiverse as co-founder, continuing to shape the online chess education landscape.
John streams regularly on Twitch, publishes the Chess Mindset newsletter, and competes in USCF events. He is based in the United States and earned his International Master title from FIDE.
Key Features
- Climbing the Rating Ladder series for players 800-1600
- Co-founder of Chessable and Chessiverse
- Regular Twitch streams with live commentary
- Chess Mindset newsletter with improvement tips
- Clear, structured teaching style for beginners and intermediates
- Active competitor in USCF tournaments
Links
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