Our Team

Light Buggiani

Founder and Director

Light has been teaching young chess players since 1995. In addition to the United States Chess Academy, Light has taught in both school and after-school programs, including the Princeton Day School, LREI, the Browning School, the St. Bernard's School, the Buckley School, and Ethical Culture. He grew up in Rome and now lives in NYC with his wife Monica and their son Luca. While Light has led many students to win state and national championships, his true joy is in sharing the wonder of chess.

Maurice Ashley

Grandmaster

Maurice Ashley, 2004's US Chess Federation Grandmaster of the Year, now brings his talents and passion to the United States Chess Academy! A world-renowned teacher, Ashley coached his teams to win the national championships three times, authored acclaimed chess books and apps, and gave an energetic play-by-play analysis of high-profile chess matches, including Man vs. Machine (IBM vs. Kasparov) and World Championship events as the ESPN chess commentator.

In addition to teaching for the USCA, Maurice serves as a Joint Fellow at Harvard and MIT, expanding the world of chess through innovative use of technology. Ashley views chess as a powerful character-building vehicle for all children, especially at-risk youth. He travels internationally to inspire and to teach.

Aryam Abreu

Grandmaster

Grandmaster Aryam Abreu has been teaching chess to children and top players in every age group since 2002. As the official Cuban team trainer at two Olympiads and one World Cup, Aryam is truly one of the best trainers in the world. His top-flight students include Grandmaster Lenier Dominguez who is rated a whopping 2739 FIDE!  A father of two wonderful girls, Grandmaster Abreu enjoys guiding young minds to experience the joy chess can inspire.

Sandro Pozo

Grandmaster

Grandmaster Sandro Pozo has been an official trainer of the Cuban Youth team at world-class tournaments and has expertly guided a lot of students to reach master strength. Now in the US, Grandmaster Pozo is eager to share his enthusiasm and time-tested training techniques with USCA Students.  With his good humor, experience, and enthusiasm, GM Pozo brings an extraordinary approach to students and classes.

"I enjoy watching children grow as thinkers and learn to navigate the chessboard and all of life's challenges with confidence and energy." 

Marian Petrov

Grandmaster

GM Marian Petrov is an accomplished professional chess coach, theorist, and former Bulgarian champion and winner of many open tournaments worldwide. He graduated from the National Sports Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a Bachelor's degree in Chess Pedagogy, a four-year undergraduate program designed to prepare top-level chess trainers, mentors, and professional seconds of the World Championship contenders. His impeccable communication skills, combined with the various languages he speaks fluently, allowed him to teach promising scholastic chess prodigies who later became national champions and European masters competing at the most prestigious tournaments with super grandmasters and other players from the world chess elite.

His coaching methods are based on teaching the kids to understand every move they make.

A father of two wonderful girls, Grandmaster Marian Petrov loves working with children and helping them to develop their thinking.

Aleksandr Lenderman

Grandmaster

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Grandmaster Aleksandr Lenderman is a seasoned chess instructor. He achieved a significant milestone by coaching the USA team to a gold medal victory in the 2016 Olympiad and a silver medal in 2018. His coaching expertise extends to scholastic players, both at national and international levels. Holding the FIDE trainer title, he continues to contribute significantly to the chess community through his coaching and teaching endeavors.

Felipe El Debs

Grandmaster

Brazilian Grandmaster Felipe El Debs has been a professional trainer since 2001. His students range from 7 to 70 years old, and from beginners to Masters. Grandmaster Felipe’s pedagogical approach centers on in-depth analysis and deconstruction of his student’s chess play, which then informs a customized training program.

“What drives me is the idea of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the student and working together to realize their full potential.”

Jairo Moreira

International Master

Jairo Moreira is an International Chess FIDE Master (World Chess Federation), as well as a Certified FIDE Trainer, and international Tournament Director. Moreira has been coaching students since 2004, both privately and in groups in his charming soft-spoken manner. Among his private students are two National Champions, along with numerous state and local champions. Jairo says, "I love passing on my love of chess and helping kids to see the beauty of it."

James Mann De Toledo  

International Master

Brazilian International Master James Mann De Toledo is a chess author and has been teaching chess in schools for over thirty years.  His love of teaching chess is compelling!  Thirteen of his students have won first place at national championships and two of them have since become Grandmasters.  When he is not teaching and playing chess, James plays and teaches Shogi (Japanese Chess) and has recently won Shogi Championships in the U.S. and Brazil.

Reinaldo Duran

International Master

International Master Reinaldo Duran is a professional player and has been teaching chess since 2001. Reinaldo brings energy and expertise to every class and every student. Working with students of all levels, Reinaldo’s special approach boosts performance by instilling a love for the royal game and a deeper understanding of its logic.

“I love sharing my enthusiasm for chess and helping students reach new heights”

Andrea La Manna

FIDE Master

FIDE Master La Manna is an incredible teacher with many years of experience in classrooms, camps, and private lessons. His passion for helping others inspired him to teach chess to inmates in his hometown prison in Italy. Master La Manna brings laughter and a great sense of humor to all his students and has a unique talent for making his chess expertise engaging to all ages. His students have won many accolades, and some have even become chess masters!

"My most rewarding accomplishment is building great friendships with my students and strengthening this bond with each passing year."

Fawole John Oyeyemi

FIDE Master

John Oyeyemi is an International Chess Federation (FIDE) Master, FIDE Chess In Education Lecturer, Chess Professional, and an advocate of grassroots chess development. He was 2003 Nigeria’s National Junior Chess Champion and the 2013 Nigeria National Chess Champion. John has a passion for teaching chess and helping young minds reach new heights through the wonder of chess.

“I love guiding young people to show them the world is full of unexpected possibilities.”

Jon Jacobs

FIDE Master

Jon Jacobs has been making a difference in the US chess community since teams he competed on took 1st place in the National High School Championship and Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship during the 1970s. An anti-cheating conference and petition Jon organized spurred worldwide headlines in 2006. His articles for Chess Life have won “Best Instruction” and other awards from the Chess Journalists of America.

“The chance to inspire others to appreciate the timeless beauty of chess excites me without end.”

Nick Matta

FIDE Master

FIDE Master Nick Matta is a passionate chess coach with over a decade of experience in schools, camps, and private lessons. He’s guided students to success at local, national, and international levels. Nick is deeply invested in his students’ personal growth, using chess as a tool for both skill development and character building. In New Orleans, he also organizes community events, encouraging leadership through chess. With a meticulous approach and a commitment to student improvement, Coach Nick is ready to help you get the most out of your chess experience!

Carlos Manuel Lopez

FIDE Master

With over 35 years of coaching experience, FIDE Master Carlos Manuel Lopez has trained some of the world’s top chess players, including Leinier Dominguez. Known for his exceptional pedagogic skill, patience, and engaging teaching style, he creates lessons that are both enjoyable and highly effective. His unique approach has made him a sought-after coach, helping players of all ages and levels excel in their chess journey.

Jason Garfield

National Master

Jason Garfield is a National Master and a leading chess coach in Santa Barbara from 2011-2020 where he founded the Santa Barbara Chess Club and shared his knowledge at local Community Colleges. His dedication to the game brought him to Phoenix, Arizona, where he continues to inspire students. Notably, he's been crowned chess champion of San Luis Obispo County three times. Jason's approach balances professionalism with a touch of fun, ensuring that students grasp the intricacies of the game while also enjoying the journey.

Josue Castillo

National Master

National Master Josue Castillo has been teaching chess to children since 2010. An active tournament player, Castillo loves every aspect of the game and works with children of all ages. In addition to his teaching in NYC, he organizes chess programs for underserved children in the Dominican Republic.

"I really enjoy helping kids grow as confident and independent thinkers."

Ilia Kakushadze

National Master

FIDE Instructor Ilia is a seasoned chess coach with an impressive track record in developing champions. His coaching career began in Greece at the Polihni Chess Club, where he served from 2005 to 2013. Relocating to Norway, he made significant contributions to the Stavanger Chess Club, once home to World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen. Additionally, he extended his expertise to various Norwegian public schools.

In 2017, Ilia was appointed as the head coach of the Norwegian National Youth Team. During his tenure, the team won over 30 National Championships and several Scandinavian Championships, solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in youth chess.

Ilia’s most recent accomplishment came in 2022 when he coached the Georgian National Women's Team to a 2nd place finish at the Chess Olympiad. His coaching style, which blends technical knowledge with personalized student development, makes him a highly sought-after instructor in the chess world.

Savetha Ch

Woman Candidate Master

Savetha grew up in India and lives in NYC with her husband, Nanda, and their daughter Riyaa. An International Women Candidate Master and certified FIDE Instructor, Savetha has taught chess to children and adults of all ages and levels since 2016 and has won numerous National and International medals as a professional chess player.

“I’ve been told that my approach to teaching chess is friendly and enjoyable for my students. Becoming a champion would have never been possible without receiving the best chess lessons from my trainers and coaches. Everyone needs guidance and help in chess. I’m here to share my knowledge”

Kyle Rieb

Expert Coach

Chess lit a fire in Kyle as a young player. Using his curiosity for the game and raw energy to figure out whatever problem was in front of him, Kyle broke through to win his State grade school championship a few years later. Being away from the game for many years, Kyle's curiosity returns as a coach. While he offers suggestions based on methods and tools that have been successful for past students, he prefers to ask questions that encourage students to find their own path and have fun in the process.

Tamar Chanadiri

Expert Coach

Tamar Chanadiri started playing chess very young and became a formidable competitor in the scholastic tournament circuit. Her love of chess inspired her to be a chess instructor, and she’s been teaching Chess in New York City elementary schools since 2017.  As a tournament director, Tamar not only enjoys sharing her experience with students but also guides students to thrive in competitive play. Her favorite chess player is José Raúl Capablanca because he was an artist and master of the End Game.

“I love helping young people discover their potential and build their confidence.”

Nkosi Nkululeko

Expert Coach

Nkosi is a poet and chess teacher from Harlem who utilizes the game as a learning tool across multiple mediums. Before expanding his passion for teaching literature and chess in the last few years, he has over a decade of experience in both scholastic and adult tournaments. He incorporates the game in his creative written work and teaches students in NYC and his community in the form of private and group lessons. 

Jonathan Zachary

Expert Coach

Jonathan Zachary is a chess instructor with over 20 years of experience helping students of all ages get the most out of the royal game of chess. As the 'house teacher' for the world-famous Chess Forum in New York City's Greenwich Village. Jonathan has a passion for helping students of all ages and abilities reach their full chess potential. He particularly enjoys using master games to illustrate the history of chess ideas and culture.

“I love watching my students make connections and experience the thrill that comes from a deeper understanding of chess.”

Emily Chen

Coach

A native New Yorker from Queens, Emily has been playing chess since she was a child and loves its intricacies. She is a second-year student studying Computer Science at Columbia University. With a background in teaching children math and art throughout the city, she views chess as a way to push one's creativity and build logical thinking skills. As a teacher, she strives to make learning fun and engaging.

Zach Galsky

Coach

Zach has been playing chess since his grandfather taught him at age four, and his love for the game has remained insatiable ever since! With a zest for artistry and creative problem-solving, Zach is an enthusiastic teacher who loves to work with all ages.

"Teaching chess to young people is so much fun; I thrill watching them make new connections."

Ari Kaplan

Coach

Ari is a standup comedian and chess enthusiast. He recently graduated from NYU, having double majored in Comparative Literature and Social Cultural Analysis. As a life-long chess aficionado, Ari loves to play any chance he gets with any and all opponents.

“Sharing my enthusiasm and insights with young people is rewarding and fun!”

Aidan Speckhard

Coach

Aidan is a musician, mindfulness meditation teacher, and chess enthusiast based in Harlem, NYC. A Columbia grad with a BA in Religion, he has played chess since his early years and has a deep passion for strategy, big ideas, and cultivating curiosity. Aidan has extensive experience working and volunteering with children and wants to see students and their creative interests flourish.

David Javidi

Coach

Hailing from Riverside and currently a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Iranian Studies at UC Santa Barbara, David's chess journey began in Kindergarten when he joined the Chess Club. His involvement continued through the Riverside Youth Chess Association, leading to his presidency of a high school chess club. This strategic mindset transcended chess and found a place in his work as a Rehabilitation Aide and Physical Therapy Aide, where he employs pattern recognition to guide patients through tailored exercise routines. David's commitment to mentoring others in these cognitive skills is a testament to his dedication to growth beyond the board.

Tyshaune Mack

Coach

Tyshaune's chess journey commenced at age nine under his uncles' tutelage, fostering a lifelong passion. He now competes actively, travels to tournaments, and pursues continual improvement.

Sharing his chess knowledge with young enthusiasts brings him immense satisfaction, deepening his connection to the game and its valuable life skills.

In addition to chess, Tyshaune is a seasoned musician, particularly skilled in the violin, after 16 years of dedication. He's preparing to return to school for studies in Violin and Composition.

Nicholas Sare

Coach

Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City, Nick recently graduated from Columbia University, where he earned degrees in Music and Business. Amidst his busy schedule of touring with his band, Nick's enduring passion for chess remains a constant. A devoted enthusiast for almost two decades, his chess journey began under the guidance of his father, who introduced him to the game's intricate art. Nick aspires to pass on his deep-rooted affection for chess to his students, fostering an appreciation for the game's strategic nuances, imaginative thinking, and the spirit of sportsmanship that underpins its essence.

Gavin Silakul

Coach

Gavin's burgeoning journey into the world of chess has swiftly taken root in his daily life. The game's intricate blend of analysis and competition has captivated his interest, leading him to delve into various openings and strategies. Gavin's academic pursuits align with his strategic inclinations, as he works toward a B.A. in Economics & Accounting at UC Santa Barbara. The thrill of problem-solving and engaging in profound contemplation resonates with him deeply. Beyond chess, Gavin finds fulfillment in other activities, including basketball, golf, and weightlifting, all while relishing the opportunity to impart his passions to individuals of all ages.

Bryce Palmer

Coach

Bryce is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University with a BA in Theatre and BM in Music (Voice) and a lifelong chess player. He’s particularly interested in teaching students strategies for learning from their losses, analyzing their mistakes, and improving their understanding of both the game and themselves. He strives to cultivate and nurture a growth mindset in students, teaching them lessons through chess that will help them in the world at large

Lily Herold

Coach

Lily's passion for chess ignited during a snowy afternoon in '05 when her father introduced her to the intricacies of the game, sparking a lifelong fascination. Raised on a farm in Appalachia, she later pursued higher education at Wellesley College, earning degrees in Environmental Studies and English. Currently dedicated to her nonfiction writing MFA at New York University, Lily is eager to share the joy and wonder that chess has brought her since childhood with others. As a chess instructor, she endeavors to inspire that same sense of delight in her students, making the game an engaging and enlightening experience.

Nathan Witkin

Coach

Nathan recently finished his master’s in philosophy at Tufts University and is now writing and teaching. Though he has had a casual interest in chess since childhood, he developed a newfound passion for the game during grad school. Outside of chess, he has also coached competitive debate for Walt Whitman High in Bethesda, MD, and for the Bronx High School of Science. Nathan is thrilled to bring his passion for teaching critical and creative thinking to the USCA.

Justin Cao

Coach

Justin, a Brooklyn native, stumbled upon chess at Brooklyn Tech and never looked back. A recent Baruch College graduate with a B.A. in Sociology, he has a knack for blending math, psychology, and sports into his chess teaching. Beyond the basics, Justin helps students grasp the thought processes behind every move. Plus, with his experience coaching a winning League of Legends team, he knows how to make learning both strategic and fun.

Chazz Padilla

Coach

Chazz Padilla is a graduate of NYU Tisch and current student of the David Lynch Cinematic Arts MFA program at MIU. His passion for chess began at a young age when he accidentally wandered into a chess club room after school and fell in love with the game and what it had to share about people and creativity within structures. He has been teaching chess to friends, family, and young students for the past few years, blending his artistic sensibilities with strategic thinking to cultivate a dynamic learning environment. At the U.S. Chess Academy, he aims to inspire students not only to master the game but also to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills through the lens of chess.