1. About these terms
This website is operated by João Guilherme Matos, based in Aveiro, Portugal. References to “we”, “us” and “our” mean João Guilherme Matos.
If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use the website or book our services. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must agree to these terms on your behalf.
2. Use of the website
You may use this website for lawful, personal and informational purposes. You agree not to:
- use the site in a way that breaches applicable law or the rights of others;
- attempt to gain unauthorised access to the site, its servers or any related systems;
- introduce malware or interfere with the availability or performance of the site; or
- collect or scrape content or personal data from the site without permission.
We may update, suspend or withdraw any part of the website without notice, and we do not guarantee that it will always be available or error-free.
3. Coaching services
We provide chess coaching for players of different levels, online and — where agreed — in person. The format, duration, focus and price of a session are confirmed before booking.
Coaching is educational. While we aim to provide high-quality guidance, we cannot guarantee specific results, ratings, tournament outcomes or selection for teams or events. You remain responsible for your own decisions, preparation and conduct during competitions.
You agree to provide accurate information about your level and availability so that sessions can be prepared appropriately. Session recordings, game analysis and training materials are provided for your personal use only.
4. Bookings and payments
A booking is confirmed only after we accept it and, where applicable, receive payment or a deposit. Prices are shown at the time of booking and may change for future sessions.
Payments are processed by third-party payment providers. By paying, you also agree to the provider's terms. Where required, prices include or exclude VAT as indicated at checkout.
If a payment fails, is reversed or is disputed without a valid reason, we may suspend or cancel the relevant sessions.
5. Cancellations and rescheduling
Unless a different arrangement is agreed in writing:
- you may reschedule or cancel a session free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice;
- cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or a failure to attend, may be charged in full;
- if we need to cancel or reschedule, we will offer a replacement session or a refund of the affected amount; and
- sessions may be rescheduled for technical reasons when an online connection cannot reasonably be maintained.
Nothing in this section limits any mandatory consumer rights you may have under Portuguese or EU law.
6. Intellectual property
All content on this website and in our coaching materials — including text, graphics, photographs, videos, streams, exercises, annotations and training resources — is owned by us or used with permission. It is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.
You may view and use the website for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not copy, republish, sell, distribute, modify or create derivative works from our content without prior written permission, except where the law expressly allows it.
You may not record, stream or share a paid coaching session or its materials without our written consent. We may record sessions only where you have been informed and, where required, have given consent.
7. Acceptable use
When interacting with us, our content or our community, you agree not to:
- harass, threaten, discriminate against or abuse anyone;
- impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity or affiliation;
- use chess engines, bots or other assistance during games where the rules prohibit it;
- share paid materials, accounts or access with others without permission; or
- engage in any unlawful, fraudulent or misleading conduct.
We may refuse or end a session and restrict access to our services if these rules are breached, without prejudice to any other remedies.
8. Third-party platforms and links
This website and our content may link to or rely on third-party services such as Twitch, YouTube, payment providers and video-conferencing tools. Those services are controlled by their own operators and governed by their own terms and privacy policies.
We are not responsible for the availability, content or practices of third-party services. If you choose to use them, you do so at your own risk and subject to their terms.
9. Disclaimers
The information on this website is provided for general information and educational purposes. It is not professional advice in any other field, and it does not create a coach–client relationship until a booking is confirmed.
We take care to keep content accurate and up to date, but we do not warrant that it is complete, current or suitable for your particular circumstances. Chess involves physical and mental activity; you are responsible for your own health, safety and suitability to take part.
10. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential loss, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, loss of data or damage arising from your use of the website or reliance on its content.
Where liability cannot be excluded, our total liability in connection with a coaching service is limited to the amount you paid for that service. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
11. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. The current version is always published on this page with the date shown above. Changes apply to use of the website and to bookings made after publication, unless the law requires otherwise.
12. Governing law and disputes
These terms are governed by Portuguese law. Subject to any mandatory consumer protection rules, the courts of Aveiro, Portugal, have jurisdiction over disputes.
If you are a consumer in the EU, you may also use the European Consumer Centre network or the Portuguese consumer portal for information about alternative dispute resolution. We would appreciate the chance to resolve any issue with you directly first.
13. Contact
Questions about these terms or our services? Email hello@joaoguilhermematos.com or write to Aveiro, Portugal.
See also our Privacy Policy for information about how we handle personal data.