Chess Coach, Enthusiast, & Player in Fort Collins, CO
USCF Rating: 2226 (National Master)
Accolades
2026 – Top 5 highest rated active player in Colorado
2026 Tribute to MLK – Tied for 1st
2025 Philly Open – Tied for 2nd
2024 & 2025 Denver Open – Tied for 2nd
2024 CO Closed Challenger – Winner
2015 Colorado Open – Tied for 2nd
2010 National Elementary School Championship K-3: Tied for 5th place
CO Scholastic State Champion: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015
I’m a chess enthusiast who plays competitively and coaches. I’ve found my activity in chess tournaments has helped me in my coaching, and my students have had great results.
I’ve worked with Chessmates since I was in middle school through volunteering at tournaments to teaching at summer camps and elementary school chess clubs. On a gap year in college, I resumed teaching after-school chess clubs and private lessons. After taking some time to engage with chess, I’ve become obsessed again. I believe chess is a fun and incredibly deep game for people from all walks of life, and it’s played an important role in my own life.
When did you start playing chess? Why?
I started playing chess when I was four when my dad introduced it to me. My parents initially introduced it to my sister, but I ended up going to a tournament and loving it. I played a lot with my dad and remember the day I could finally beat him.
What is your most memorable game?
My most memorable game was my draw at the 2025 Philly Open against GM Max Dlugy. This was the second time I was playing a grandmaster, the last time being 10 years ago where I got slowly crushed. I played a rarer line against his London, and got an opening advantage that I built into a solid middlegame advantage. He started to outplay me, but missed some very sharp winning blows in order to convert. I neutralized his advantage and held the draw to end up tying for 3rd despite a strong field of GMs and other titled players.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is the pawn because of how essential but underrated they are. Seemingly simple things like pawn structure and breaks can shape an entire game.
Why do you like teaching chess?
’m indebted to the parts of my childhood spent in all the chess tournaments, summer camps, and lessons. Mentoring is very uplifting for both me and my students, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join and give back to this community. It’s fun to instill a passion for the game and help everyone progress.
What do you enjoy besides chess?
I enjoy climbing and volleyball, and I’m studying finance and statistics in college.