Meet the Coaches!

Hello, my name is Ray. I’m an energetic and extroverted person, who, somewhat uncharacteristically, loves playing chess! I have achieved the title of USCF expert with a peak rating of 2013, I have been at almost every rating point imaginable, so I can help you guys improve and learn from my mistakes and experiences.

I remember my passion for chess being sparked by attending a camp ran by high schoolers just like this one, so I am very excited to teach all of you! I go to Belmont High School, graduate in 2028 and came from Chicago, Illinois. 

Things I like to do: wrestle, run, play the cello (very bad), and of course, play chess!

Hey guys! My name is Yihua and I am an energetic and outgoing individual with many passions, one of which is chess! I'm experienced with dealing with all kinds of children, and I'm great at mediating conflicts, as well as handling any logistics needed for the camp! One of my favorite childhood experiences was being in camps like these where you could learn a new skill or make some new friends! I go to Belmont High School and am part of the chess club there.

Outside of chess I like to run, play soccer, bike, read, and play french horn!

Hello, my name is Max Klempf and I am adventurous and energetic, but also patient. I have played chess for many years, initially playing for fun, but then moving on to competitive chess. With lots of prior experience I can share my learnings with you, and help you improve your chess skills. While we want you to improve, we also want you to enjoy your time and have fun! I used to live in Rochester, NY, but then moved to Belmont, MA and am now attending Belmont High School.

I have a peak USCF rating of 1999. 

Things I like to do:

• Play chess - with friends or in tournaments

• Swim and Dive on the High School Swim Team 

• Play soccer, bike, and travel around the world

Hello, my name is Nathan Klempf, and quite unfortunately I happen to be the twin of Max Klempf...

I am energetic while also being calm and patient. I have played chess for most of my life, both for fun and competitively. I also teach students outside of camp giving me experience and I am excited to pass on my skills to all the students! I hope you get to learn a lot from this camp but also have fun. I currently go to the Belmont High School but am originally from Rochester, New York. 

I have a peak USCF rating of 1968.

Things I like to do: 

• Play soccer with friends

• Swim and Dive on the High School Swim Team

• Travel across the world

• Play chess!

Hi, my name is Daniel and I have been playing chess since 2023, reaching a peak USCF rating of 1873. I’m a funny, helpful person and I love teaching and sharing my passions, especially chess! I go to Newton North High School and I am part of the chess club there. When I was starting out with chess, I would have loved this experience, so I am really excited to coach you guys! 

Things I like to do:

I love to play soccer for my school, run and do fitness, and I like competing and learning about geography! 

Hello, my name is Harry. I'm a driven and friendly individual with a strong passion for chess and teaching! I have reached a peak USCF rating of 1984. My chess journey has been rewarding and enlightening, and I'm eager to share my strategies and insights to help you succeed and find joy in the game. My interest in chess has been amplified through attending numerous chess programs and tournaments, and I am thrilled to be in a position to inspire others. I currently attend Belmont High School and am originally from Belmont, Massachusetts.

Things I like to do: Outside of chess, I love playing the drums, participating in math competitions, and engaging in competitive sports like tennis and basketball. I'm also fascinated by history and enjoy learning about historical events and figures.

Hi! My name is Jerry, I am part of the class of 2026 at Belmont High School. I have been playing chess since around the start of the pandemic and have reached a peak USCF rating of 2103. I see chess as not only a great intellectual activity, but also a way to meet new people and form deep friendships that can extend far beyond the chessboard. Through coaching, I hope to spread the passion for chess that has given me so much joy!

Outside of chess, I like to run, go on walks, read, and enjoy what the world has to offer!

Hello! My name is Thomas, a part of class 2028 at BHS. I am a curious and adventurous person, but I’m also very calm and logical, which makes me good at competitive board games. I’ve loved board games since I was 6, starting from Chinese Chess and Go before spending 8 years on international draughts, where I became an FMJD Master. I started playing chess in 2023, moved to Belmont in 2024, and have a peak USCF rating of 1979. I enjoy positions and help others to think more clearly and plan better. At Chess Quest Camp, I hope to spread chess as an intellectual activity and build a community based on chess.

Other hobbies: Math competitions, science. I also like travelling, hiking, swimming, and golfing. I’ve been playing piano for several years (but not well).

Hi! I’m Rohan, I’m a senior over at BHS and I’ve been playing chess since the start of the pandemic, and have reached a peak USCF rating of 1716. I think chess is a great way to make new friends, develop strategic thinking skills, and it’s one of my favorite activities! I’ve met a lot of really cool people playing chess and I’m looking forward to helping out all of you!

Things I like to do: 

• Running

• Biking

• Soccer (go Arsenal)

• Chess (obviously)