INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

Gavin Francis , is a USCF certified chess coach and tournament director. He has worked as an instructor for the Berkeley Chess School in the San Francisco Bay area, Championship Chess in Atlanta, and as an online chess and math instructor for Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. Gavin has also served as executive coordinator for the U.S. Chess Center in Washington, D.C.

Chess helps you to concentrate and improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules, take responsibility for your actions, and how to problem solve in an uncertain environment. - Garry Kasparov

Greg Acholonu , is a USCF Life Master and former recipient of the Virginia Chess Federation “Chess Coach of the Year” award. He earned his Master title in 1982, and later achieved the Senior Master title. Greg is also a four-time U.S. Chess Center Champion and the 1992 Maryland Closed Champion.

There are no Take Backs - Just as in Life. You Must think before you Move. - Grand Master Susan Polgar

Paul Swaney ,has been teaching chess professionally for close to 20 years. He is a seven time recipient of the “Chess Coach of the Year” award in the state of Virginia. Paul has coached many students to state and national championships. He has worked as a chess instructor in Ohio, DC, and Virginia. Paul’s interest in teaching chess professionally was born while pursuing his degree in Early Childhood Education. Paul is a Level IV certified chess coach by the United States Chess Federation, and a certified FIDE trainer.

Paul specialize in working with elementary aged students from 5 to 12 years of age. Paul background in early childhood education helps me understand and approach the learning that takes place in this age group.