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." 

Yuniesky Quesada

Grandmaster

Grandmaster Yuniesky Quesada is one of the top trainers in the world and boasts an astounding peak rating of 2743! Over the years his students have excelled rapidly, some of whom became Chess Masters and even Grandmasters including GM Yaser Quesada. Along with GM Abreu, he was part of GM Lenier Dominguez’s team of trainers preparing him for elite World Class Chess Tournaments. GM Quesada brings a singular dedication to both his students and his craft with every lesson.

"I like to see my students grow as critical thinkers, feeling proud of themselves after a well-earned achievement and learning from challenges."

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.”

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

Kyle’s love for the game began at 9 well before winning any tournaments. Thanks to a passionate and devoted childhood coach, his curiosity for chess blossomed into a passion for growth. Kyle’s future journey as a young player won him both a Washington State K-6 and National K-5 Championship. He is a USCF Candidate Master, Tournament Director, and President of the Santa Barbara County Chess Club. Kyle inspires students into realizing their own creative potential. He brings enthusiasm to every lesson and encourages students to never stop asking “why?”

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.”

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.”

Tal Kestenberg

Expert Coach

A native New Yorker and USCF expert, Tal is a student of chess theory, pedagogy, and history. He plays all the time and brings his enthusiasm for competition and discovery to every class and lesson.

"One of the things I love about chess is that the greatest masters never learn everything, there is always something new. It is a never-ending journey of self-improvement, a path I'm proud to get students started on."

Seaon Moore

Expert Coach

A certified FIDE DI trainer, Seaon has taught young chess players since 2015. His unique energetic teaching style has made him a favorite among students, and as a coach, he has led his team to victory at the NY State championships. Seaon is dedicated to helping young people grow and meet the challenges of competition with grit and optimism.

“Chess is like life! Cause you don't have to be a Master to win; you need to believe in yourself and never give up”.

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!”

Ethan Isenman

Coach

Ethan recently graduated from Tufts with a BA in philosophy and is now pursuing a career in psychology. He has been playing chess since Elementary school and loves to share his passion for the game with the next generation. 

“Chess is a fantastic medium for learning life lessons and building resilience at a young age.”

Levi Pugh

Coach

Levi Pugh is an artist and chess lover with a passion for learning. A recent Columbia University graduate with a BA in computer science, Levi enjoys solving puzzles and asking big questions. With several years of experience teaching piano to students of all ages, Levi understands that there is much more to learn from any discipline than meets the eye. In chess and life, Levi believes that what matters most is the freedom to learn from one’s mistakes.

“When I teach, I care most about sharing my love for creativity and curiosity. When it comes to knowledge, my students and I are on the same lifelong journey. My job as a teacher is to make that journey as interesting and fun as possible.”

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.

Lukas Orr

Coach

Lukas, a California native now pursuing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in New York, has a profound passion for teaching and working with youth. With years of experience leading wilderness canoe trips for children, he brings a unique blend of adventure and education to his approach.

Introduced to chess by his grandfather in his formative years, Lukas has embraced the world of strategy games, appreciating the culture and sense of community they offer. He treasures the ever-evolving, creative landscape of chess, finding it to be an endless source of discovery.

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.

Garrett Stosiek

Coach

Garrett is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University with a strong passion for chess and a commitment to nurturing young minds. Holding a degree in environmental economics, Garrett now calls New York City home as he embarks on his professional journey.

With a background as a wilderness guide, Garrett has extensive experience leading canoe trips and instilling valuable life lessons in his students. His deep appreciation for strategy and the thrill of challenging himself align seamlessly with the complexities of chess.

Garrett is enthusiastic about sharing the game's profound lessons with young enthusiasts. His goal is to provide an engaging and educational experience, helping students not only enhance their chess skills but also develop critical problem-solving abilities.