In early 2024, Belmont high schooler Ray Xue realized that kids in Belmont had very limited access to chess education. Belmont offered virtually no chess camps, leaving interested kids with no clear way to learn. Inspired by the mission to make chess accessible, Ray, along with cofounders Yihua Liu, Nathan Klempf, Max Klempf, Daniel Ramakrishna, and Harry Li, founded Chess Quest Camp. Through interactive lectures, puzzles, games, and activities, kids said our camp was the reason they started to find chess fun. Their joy motivates us to continue teaching and inspiring the next generation of chess players!

Chess Quest is driven by our coaches’ love for chess, and by our students’ curiosity and excitement — not by profit. To that end, all of our proceeds go to the Massachusetts Chess Association, sponsoring tournaments, lectures, and other events accessible for players throughout Massachusetts. Chess has been at the heart of our coaches’ fondest memories, and we wholeheartedly believe spreading chess is a privilege.

Money Raised: $2211.63 (As of 1/16/26)