Our Team
Our team is made up of experienced players and certified instructors who are committed to helping students improve. Alongside our core team, we are supported by qualified volunteers who bring both knowledge and enthusiasm to every session. Together, we ensure that all students receive guidance from people who truly care about the game.
Founder/President
Krishay Madhav
Krishay is the founder and President of the Almaden Chess Club, where he leads all chapters and programs. Passionate about chess since childhood, he has competed in tournaments across the Bay Area for many years and is also a certified USCF Tournament Director. In addition to running events, he volunteers with Bay Area Chess and other organizations to promote the game. Through the club, Krishay aims to mentor students and create opportunities for them to grow as players while building confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
Vice President
Harshit Ramesh
Harshit is the Vice President of the Almaden Chess Club, where he leads the San Ramon chapter. He has been playing chess since the age of 9 and has achieved a peak Chess.com rating of 2100 Elo. With a strong background in competitive play and a passion for mentoring, Harshit is dedicated to helping students grow as players. He creates engaging lessons and practice sessions that make learning both challenging and enjoyable, inspiring students to develop confidence and a deeper love for the game.
About Us
Our Mission
We are residents of Almaden Valley in San Jose, California and this is an USCF affiliated, non-profit boutique Chess Club to serve the neighborhood. We hope to build a community of chess players of all ages and skills in the Almaden Valley.
While there are larger chess clubs in Bay Area, our goal is to promote the beautiful sport of chess and organize chess events in our neighborhood.
This club will act as a local spot for chess enthusiasts in the Almaden Valley to meet for casual games. Our ultimate mission is to make Chess fun, accessible and useful to the next generation.
What does the Club Offer ?
-
Organizes weekly Chess meet (on Monday evenings) for Chess enthusiasts to enjoy an evening of casual or rated Chess. (RSVP required for every meet)
-
Conducts structured Chess Lessons for Beginner and Intermediate level players. Requires separate registration.
-
Hosts and Organizes USCF certified rated and unrated Chess Tournaments. Requires separate registration.
Why Chess?
The language of chess is Universal. It is one of the few sports that is all-inclusive.
It transcends language, age, race, religion, politics, gender and socioeconomic background.
More importantly, chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available, to strengthen a child’s mind.
-
Enhances concentration, patience, and perseverance
-
Develops creativity, intuition, memory
-
Builds the ability to analyze, apply logic, and solve problems flexibly
Beyond the academic benefits, chess also teaches positive behavioral attitudes and social attributes.
Chess is an especially effective tool to teach children :
The importance of planning and the consequences of decisions.
To win and lose gracefully.
To make tough and abstract decisions.
It’s fairly easy to learn and play. Most six or seven year olds can follow the basic rules.
Like language or music, an early start can help a child become more proficient.
Only a focused, patient and persistent child will maintain steady results - characteristics that are equally valuable for performing well at school and Life in general.
