Chess Coach & Player in Fort Collins, CO
USCF Rating: 2145
Accolades
2010 National Elementary School Championship K-3: 5th place
CO Scholastic State Champion: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015
2015 Tied for 2nd at the Colorado Open
2024 CO Closed Challenger – Winner
2024 DCC Spring Classic – Tied for 1st
2024 CO Senior Open – Tied for 1st
2024 Denver Open – Tied for 2nd
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’m proud that I have been undefeated (only wins or draws) in tournament chess since February 2024.
I’ve worked with Chessmates since I was in middle school through volunteering at tournaments to teaching at summer cam
ps 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 at the 2015 US Open in the second round, up against a player almost 300 rating points above me. Slowly but surely, I converted a positional game into a win after 4 hours of a marathon match. Recently, I’ve had a great win against a NM at the Denver Open, steadily pressing for an advantage in an equal knight and pawn endgame that I eventually won despite time pressure.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is the pawn because of how essential but overlooked they are. Seemingly simple things like pawn structure and breaks can shape an entire game.
Why do you like teaching chess?
Even though I’m in college now, I’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.