Hello, I am currently a sophomore at Mission San Jose High school. I’ve been playing chess since 4 years old, and spent my time helping MSJE compete for tournaments all those years. This is my 4th year I’ll be helping teach students at MSJE and have the honor to be the head coach this year. 

Outside of chess, I enjoy playing the flute and ukulele, robotics, and watching sports. 

I hope to be able to guide people and support their passions for chess!

I am a sophomore at Washington High School.  I have been playing chess since I was six years old and have participated in many national tournaments. I had the honor of representing the United States in both the World Cadets and World Youth Championships. I was also a key member of the MSJE Chess Team that secured numerous national-level team prizes.

I am passionate about teaching and volunteer at various chess programs, helping children learn and improve their skills. I look forward to using my experience to continue helping children in their chess journey.

My name is Swagatha Selvam, and I am a freshman at Mission San Jose High. I've been playing chess for nine years, and over that time, the game has taught me so many valuable lessons and given me countless memories. While I cherish those countless memories from this journey, I'm deeply grateful for the wonderful achievements that have been a part of it. I am the 2025 National Junior Congress Champion for Under 14 and have been a Calchess State runner-up. Demonstrating consistent excellence, I ranked in the Top 10 nationally for all-girls age levels from kindergarten through 8th grade, and I am currently ranked 11th in the nation for my age group. I have proudly qualified for the prestigious World Cadet and World Youth Chess Championships and am a former Madurai District Champion in Tamil Nadu, India. These achievements are coupled with numerous cash prizes and trophies throughout my career. When I'm not playing chess, you can find me exploring my many other passions. I'm a violinist and a huge music lover. I enjoy getting lost in different worlds by reading various book genres and writing my own poetry and stories. I also love watching crime and medical shows. I'm an active person who enjoys playing all kinds of sports, trying new things, and traveling to new places. I absolutely enjoy working with kids, and I love teaching them; it is my passion, and I look forward to sharing my love for the game with you!

My name is Aditya Arutla, and I'm currently a 9th grader at Bellarmine College Preparatory. I have been playing chess since I was 5 years old and helped the MSJE chess team secure several state and national championships all through my elementary school years. I have been in US Chess top 5 or top 10 players (age level) for several years now. I also qualified to represent US in World Cadets and Word Youth for several years. I earned my first title US Chess National Master in 2023 and FIDE Master title in 2025. My current FIDE rating is 2309.

Outside chess, I enjoy and compete in Public Forum Debate tournaments at state and national level. Chess has taught me many skills that I believe are helping me with other trades I'm pursuing especially competitive debate. I’m also a big fan of Formula 1. 

This is my 3rd year of teaching chess at MSJE and I thoroughly enjoy imparting my knowledge and sharing my journey with next generation MSJE players.

Hi! My name is Lucas and I'm a freshman at MSJHS. I've had over a decade of experience playing chess and have been teaching for more than three years. I'm currently an FM with a current FIDE rating of 2256, I've been a member of the US Chess Team for several years.

When I'm not studying chess, I'm dabbling with chemistry, math, philosophy, and schoolwork.

Hi! My name is Dhritee and I am a current student at Mission San Jose High School. I've been playing chess since 4th grade and teaching for the past 2 years. I'm excited to share my passion of chess with younger kids and guide them to become the best chess players! Outside of chess I enjoy playing soccer, travelling, or hanging out with my friends.

My name is Pranavi, and I am currently a student at William Hopkins Middle School. I’ve been playing chess for over seven years, and it has become a deeply meaningful part of my life. At age 12, I was ranked 16th nationally among girls in my age group, and I’m proud to have won the California State Chess Championship two years in a row. I was in the top 10 players in both the U.S. Chess Nationals and the All-Girls National Championship. Chess has taught me invaluable life skills such as patience, strategic thinking, and resilience—qualities that extend far beyond the chessboard. These experiences have also contributed to my broader achievements, including receiving the President’s Award at Mission San Jose Elementary School and earning numerous trophies and cash prizes. Outside of chess, I enjoy swimming, playing the violin, reading novels, and painting. I'm also passionate about education and mentoring others. For the past three years, I’ve been coaching chess to younger students, combining my love for the game with a desire to give back to my community and help others grow.