Coaches

This list is presented for the convenience of parents or schools looking for a coach or tutor for their chess students. This list is prepared from information submitted by the coaches that are members of the Ohio Chess Association. The appearance of a coach on this list does not represent an endorsement by the webmaster or any organization associated with this web site.

We encourage you to check references before hiring any coach.

To be listed as a coach on this site you must be a current member of the OCA. Please send an email to: OHIOCHESSASSOCIATION@GMAIL.COM

Central Ohio Area

Carl Boor (Central Ohio) Ohio Chess Academy is lead by Senior Master Carl Boor (3x Ohio Champion). Since 1996 our program has offered programs in the schools, private instruction (at home or online) and summer chess camps. All coaching is done by a native Ohioan chess master with 30+ years of tournament experience. Please visit www.OhioChessAcademy.com

Mika Brattain (Central Ohio) I am a Senior Master currently rated 2500 USCF. I am very experienced with both scholastic and open competition. I know what it takes to succeed at either level, and I am looking to help motivated and active tournament players of Class C or above fulfill their goals. I am a very well-rounded player and can offer assistance in improving opening repertoire, calculation, intuitive thinking, endgame technique, and miscellaneous skills that will give you an edge during competition! Please contact me at mk.brattain@gmail.com or 339-223-1971 with any inquiries!

Alan Casden NM Alan Casden – a coach in the CCL family http://cclchess.com; over 40 years of coaching experience; program director of CCL; for more information on Alan please go to http://cclchess.com/coaches/#alan; for lesson information email acasden@insight.rr.com or call (614) 561-2718

Dr. William E. Davis Dr. William E. Davis USCF certified chess coach, 50+ years playing and coaching experience. Individual and group instruction—in person (Northeast Ohio) by Zoom and online. Scholastic club and team development/coaching. Beginners and Novices welcome. Extensive experience teaching children. Affordable rates, negotiable and dependent upon number of students, location and frequency of meeting. Please see our website for more details about my experience, credentials, philosophy of teaching and testimonials https://BrightwoodChess.com; Phone: 440-357-5600. Leave message if necessary.

David Friedman is a 10-time Dayton Chess Club champion (1997, 1999-2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2011-2012, 2015) who has been playing tournament chess since June 1987. He has won more than 1000 USCF rated games and he earned the USCF Candidate Master title in 1997. Friedman has taught private chess lessons to both individuals and groups since 1998. He can be reached at: Doc319@yahoo.com

IM CALVIN BLOCKER (Cleveland area) International Master. 12 time Ohio Champion. 2 hour minimum by telephone, or in person. Group lessons also available. 216-921-3774

NM MICHAEL JOELSON (Cleveland area) Member of Cleveland chess community as a player and tournament director for over 25 years, teaching over 10 years. Received the USCF Master title in 1988. Teaches in schools and after school programs and gives individual instruction. Has coached three Ohio Grade Level champions, and one US Grade Level champion. Beginners to 1900 level. Willing to travel. Phone 216-321-7000

DR. WILLIAM E. DAVIS USCF certified chess coach, 50+ years playing and coaching experience. Individual and group instruction—in person (Northeast Ohio) by Zoom and online. Scholastic club and team development/coaching. Beginners and Novices welcome. Extensive experience teaching children. Affordable rates, negotiable and dependent upon number of students, location and frequency of meeting. Please see our website for more details about my experience, credentials, philosophy of teaching and testimonials https://BrightwoodChess.com; Phone: 440-357-5600. Leave message if necessary.

DARRELL WATSON Watson is a former tournament chess player and instructor with over 1800 verified victories on Chess.com and World Chess Live. At this present time, Darrell Watson is a member of the Legend Division League on Chess.com. He also taught chess in schools for a nonprofit organization called Progress with Chess. He is experienced in teaching students from elementary school-age children to adults in retirement. More info available at https://jackoftradesco.weebly.com/home.html. Phone: 440-549-0368