Hi! I’m Maddox, a chess player, tutor, and student at Central High School. I’ve been playing chess for just over three years. I play online and over the board, competing regularly on my high school team and in tournaments. Teaching others is a passion of mine. I love helping students not just learn, but develop confidence, discipline, and creativity. I also tutor other subjects like math, science, and writing, and enjoy helping students master whatever they care about most. My favorite player is Hikaru Nakamura; he moves so quickly! 

Hi! I’m Audrey, a student at Champaign Central High School. I play both over-the-board and online chess, and I actively compete in school club matches as well as outside tournaments throughout the year. I love being involved in my community and getting to know those around me. I’m so excited for the opportunity to give back and meet new people. My favorite opening is the Italian! 

Hello! I’m Kenadi, and I’m a member of my high school chess team. I’ve been playing chess for a little over a year now, both over the board and online. For me, chess is more than a game; it’s a creative outlet and a way to express myself. Through C-U Chess, I hope to help kids discover their own creativity and confidence through chess, just like I did. My favorite opening is the King’s Pawn Opening: simple, easy to learn, and full of possibilities!

Hey! Seth here. I’ve been playing chess competitively for nearly 35 years. I’ve been teaching and coaching chess for about 25 years. To say chess is a passion of mine is an understatement. The benefits of chess are too numerous to list here, and I’m always happy to share chess with anyone willing. I’ve loved studying old masters of chess—my favorite world champion is Mikhail Tal, and I try to emulate his ability to create chaos on the chessboard when I play!

I am Marshall, and I am currently a senior at Champaign Central High School. I have been playing chess ever since I came to Central and play on our team. I have since fallen in and out of, and back in love with, chess and all its nuances. I have hit a peak rating of 2250 rapid on chess.com and have been teaching chess to all my friends whenever possible. I love teaching others, especially when it’s something as dear to me as chess. I have worked at 4-H Memorial Camp, so I have extensive experience working with kids and students, helping them overcome obstacles and making progress. I am happy to be a part of this opportunity and hope you will enjoy this as much as we do! 

Hello! I'm Drake, and I've been playing chess on and off for about 4 years now! I'm rated about ~1400 online, and love to teach! My favorite player is currently Gukesh, since it's really so inspiring to see people succeed at such a young age. I also adore his fighting spirit, since he'll play even in losing positions, and often those losing positions turn into winning ones!