"I was taught chess at an early age from my dad. In 2015, I joined a couple, local chess clubs and began to compete in tournaments throughout Florida. A few years later in January of 2020, I finished 3rd in the premier section of the 6th Annual Gulf Coast New Year's Open. With this result my classical rating catapulted to 2050 and I officially become a chess expert!

Since then, I've balanced my time as a player and a coach. I work with several students online and in-person and I also teach chess at The Christ School in downtown Orlando, which has a been a real blessing. I love seeing the joy of kids when they're playing because that's how I fell in love with the game.

My mission is to share the joy of chess with as many people as possible in whatever capacity they're willing to learn. The way I coach is very personal. I find your strengths and weaknesses and I teach you how to think with discipline and creativity! Chess is a magical game and you must never forget that! From there, I help you to create an opening repertoire and so on and so on. No two students are alike. I don't believe in a cookie-cutter, one-system-for-every-student teaching method. Therefore, what I focus on with you is very unlikely to be what I'm focusing on with my other students.

Ultimately, I know what it's like to want to improve and I know I can help you ascend based on my knowledge, experience and passion for the 64 squares. For more information check out my profile on uschess.org or follow me on twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/phillowfight" less...