About

Coach Klay

Hey, I’m Klay. I learned how the pieces moved when I was 17. Since then, I’ve played in over-the-board (OTB) tournaments, competed for the University of Houston, and had the amazing opportunity to teach chess at Annunciation Orthodox and Awty International private schools. I’ve held summer camps, taught 10+ private students, and now am forced to teach all of my little cousins.

I’m a lifelong student of the game with a white belt mentality. I play casually around Houston, frequenting Penny Whistle Pub, Slowpokes, and Brewingz. I’m a disciple of the Hellfire Chess Club, and I live to spread the flames.

2100+

Chess.com Rating

2+ Years

Coaching

Mission

My Purpose

I strive to accelerate my students’ journey of reaching a proficient chess level (~1200 USCF). Being “good” is subjective, but being competent in an area while also reaping its benefits is a winning endgame.

Chess augments a child’s cognition, analytical thinking skills, critical thinking skills, and so much more¹. I use the game as a medium to teach discipline, emotional control, sportsmanship, and self-accountability. My students understand that chess is hard. But chess is also fun.

Whether my students want to continue to learn after me, or if they want to focus on other things, their foundation will remain strong. They’ll carry the knowledge and use it to their advantage (mentality, education, business², adversity, etc.)

¹ Costello, P. J. M. (2013). The gymnasium of the mind: teaching chess in early childhood. Early Child Development and Care, 183(8), 1133–1146. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2012.759568

² Graber, R.S. (2009). Business Lessons from Chess: A Discussion of Parallels between Chess Strategy and Business Strategy, and How Chess Can Have Applications for Business Education. The Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 13, 79.

Philosophy