John, President and Founder, has played chess on and off his entire life, but his journey took a transformative turn when he jumped back in to help his niece prepare for nationals. Diving deep into the local chess scene, he quickly realized a stark disparity: not every child gets a fair shot. When his wife's elementary school chess team qualified for Regionals for the very first time, the kids were ecstatic—only to arrive and realize they were competing against well-funded schools with private coaches and outside resources they simply couldn't afford. Seeing those children give it their all despite the odds ignited a mission. John founded this organization on a simple, unshakable belief: chess should be about individual talent, grit, and heart—not about privilege or access.

As Secretary, Janet keeps the organization running smoothly with the same organized approach she brings to her elementary school classroom. Her passion for youth development is both a profession and a calling: she sponsors her school's chess program, watches her own son play, and sees daily evidence of how chess sharpens young minds. Committed to fostering that growth on a broader scale, she brings her leadership and organizational skills to the board to support the community.

Amanda initially joined the RGV Chess and Learning Center family simply as a devoted mother watching her children fall in love with chess. Inspired by their passion and the community’s impact, she stepped up to give back, bringing her financial expertise to the role of Treasurer. Today, she combines her professional background with a parent’s perspective to help steward the resources for the next generation

Lauren is a lifelong chess competitor and a recent graduate of UTRGV who pours her heart into mentoring youth across the Valley. When she isn't playing, she dedicates her free time to coaching local children, guiding many of them all the way to State and National tournaments. Driven by an unwavering passion for the game and her students, her signature feistiness means she will always fiercely advocate for the kids, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.

Ty embodies the very heart and soul of what chess should be. For him, it has never been about the wins or the titles—it has always been about the chess and the children. With a remarkable patience and a unique, insightful perspective on the game, Ty has earned the deep respect of players, parents, and coaches alike across the community. If there is a chess event happening anywhere in the Valley, you can almost guarantee that Ty is right there in the thick of it, supporting the game he loves and the children.