How it all started
Philip is the founder of Rookion, a chess and AI enthusiast. He was introduced to chess as a child by his father, an experienced league player. With programs like Fritz he learned the basics playfully and developed an early fascination with strategy and logical thinking. Professionally, he brings years of experience in developing digital B2C products. Exactly this combination of product development, artificial intelligence, and personal chess passion became the foundation of Rookion.
The idea originally came from looking for a special birthday gift for his father, who plays chess daily and is deeply engaged with the game. Philip asked himself a simple question: What if you could build a chess coach that not only shows better moves, but really explains why you make certain mistakes?
Because this is often the real problem: Many chess players analyze their games and see that a move was wrong. But they don't understand why they overlooked the better move and which thinking pattern is behind it.
During development Philip quickly noticed that Rookion isn't just exciting for his father. After a longer chess break he himself had many aha moments because Rookion showed him connections he couldn't have figured out alone. Through conversations with hobby players, beginners, and advanced players one thing became clear: this problem is shared by many.
Philip develops Rookion as a solo founder and lets his father's long-standing chess expertise, as well as feedback from real players, flow directly into product development. From his experience with digital B2C products he knows how important it is not to build past the user, which is why Rookion is being built in close exchange with players, testers, and the chess community.
Rookion is a small, independent AI software project from Germany. Those who join early don't just use a new chess tool, they actively shape which features are truly needed and how modern chess training will look in the future.
Our Mission
Every chess player deserves real coaching. Not just numbers and computer evaluations, but a coach that asks, listens, and explains. Rookion makes exactly that possible: personal, understandable coaching after every game, regardless of budget.
Our Vision
We want every player to become the best version of themselves. Rookion aims to not just show mistakes, but to make thinking processes visible and enable real learning. Chess is a game of thinking, and we're building the coach that helps you think better.
What makes Rookion different
Real coaching, not a report
Rookion asks follow-up questions, responds to your answers, and leads a real dialogue. Not a static report, but a conversation.
Understand your thinking patterns
Other tools show you the best move. Rookion helps you understand why you missed it, and uncovers recurring blind spots.
Made in Germany, native German
Founded and developed in Stuttgart. One of the first AI chess coaches that natively coaches in German.
Constantly evolving
Rookion is developed in close collaboration with players and clubs. Your feedback goes directly into the product.
The Team
Philip
Founder & Developer
Developer and ambitious hobby chess player from Stuttgart. Building Rookion because he experienced firsthand how hard it is to improve without a good coach.
Erich
Co-Developer & Chess Advisor
Experienced league player (Elo 2100). Brings decades of chess experience into the coaching logic and training content.