"The Russian Chess Federation expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alexander Nikitin," the Russian Chess Federation said in a statement.
Nikitin was awarded the title of "Honored Trainer of the USSR" in 1986, and in 2004 he was awarded the title of "Senior FIDE Trainer".
Nikitin's students are also multiple French champion Etienne Bacrot and European champion Dmitry Yakovenko.
Earlier it was reported that at the age of 46, the Russian football champion in CSKA Alexander Berketov died.