Ilgar Bajarani

Ilgar Bajarani, born on June 21, 1965, in Baku, Azerbaijan, is an International Master and a highly respected chess coach. Since 1987, he has been shaping the careers of numerous players, from beginners to grandmasters. His dedication to coaching earned him the prestigious FIDE Senior Trainer title in 2016.

As a player, Ilgar Bajarani represented Azerbaijan at the 31st Chess Olympiad in Moscow (1994) and won notable tournaments such as Baile Herculane (1994) and Victory Week (1995). His coaching success is reflected in his students’ achievements—three of them, GM Rufat Bagirov, GM Eltaj Safarli, and GM Ulvi Bajarani, have been crowned Azerbaijan Champions.

His coaching philosophy is simple yet effective: identify a player’s weak points and transform them into strengths. Whether guiding a seasoned professional or a newcomer, he tailors training plans to individual needs while ensuring an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. Fluent in English, Russian, Azerbaijani, and Persian, he effectively communicates with students from diverse backgrounds, making learning more accessible and effective.

Beyond coaching, Ilgar Bajarani is also an accomplished author. His books, co-written with GM Ulvi Bajarani—Tactics by Bajaranis, Endgames by Bajaranis, and Positional and Strategic Play by Bajaranis—have received high praise from players of all levels.

With his wealth of experience, deep strategic insights, and passion for teaching, Ilgar Bajarani continues to inspire and develop the next generation of chess champions.