“Chess is more than a game—it’s a way of thinking, of living with purpose and clarity. My mission is to build not just strong players, but strong minds.”

                                                – IM Richelieu Salcedo III

My Chess Story
My journey in chess began like many others—young, curious, and captivated by the quiet power of the board. But what set the path apart was how deeply I chose to immerse myself in the discipline. As I rose through the ranks in the Philippines, I learned that true mastery isn’t about talent alone—it’s about patience, resilience, and the mindset to always improve.

Representing my country, earning the International Master title, and competing across borders taught me one thing: the pursuit of excellence in chess mirrors the pursuit of excellence in life. But the greatest reward came not just from winning games, but from developing champions—students who took the principles of the game into everything they did.

Teaching Experience: 8 Years

Expertise:

– Training elite youth to adult players in classical, rapid, and blitz formats

– Specializing in advanced calculation, positional play, and tournament readiness

“As an International Master and dedicated coach, my goal is to guide and mentor students toward mastering every aspect of the game—instilling the discipline, strategic depth, and competitive mindset needed to achieve chess titles and reach their highest potential both on and off the board.”

– Coach Joel  

My Chess Story

I wasn’t born into chess—I chose it. One day, I picked up a dusty board, moved a few pieces, and something just clicked. What began as a quiet fascination quickly turned into a relentless pursuit of mastery. I studied games deep into the night, played anyone who would sit across from me, and shaped my life around a 64-square battlefield.

Becoming a master wasn’t luck—it was the result of years of focus, failure, and learning. But what truly transformed my journey was teaching. Helping others discover their potential through chess became my mission. For nearly two decades, I’ve trained students not just to win games, but to think deeply, act with confidence, and carry the lessons of chess into every part of life.

Teaching Experience: 13 Years

Expertise:

– Developing deep positional understanding, calculation skills, and strategic awareness
– Guiding students from beginner level to competitive tournament play 

“My goal is to inspire students to develop their skills, confidence, and strategic thinking through chess, preparing them for success in the game and in life.”

– Coach JV 

My Chess Story

“I discovered chess at 11, inspired by watching my father play with his friends. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong passion that shaped my path. In the Philippines, I put in countless hours of effort to become a varsity player and earned a scholarship through chess, showcasing the impact of hard work and determination.

At 19, I began teaching, sharing my knowledge with young minds and helping them not only master the game but also develop valuable life skills. Since 2007, teaching chess has been my way of giving back to the game that gave me so much. Watching my students grow, remains the most fulfilling part of my journey. My goal is to inspire students to develop their skills, confidence, and strategic thinking through chess, preparing them for success in the game and in life.

Teaching Experience: 18 Years

Expertise:

-Building chess basics and mastering tactics.

-Developing strong foundational skills and tactical awareness. 

“My goal is to help every student build critical thinking, concentration, and resilience while embracing the joy of lifelong learning.” – Coach Kelly

My Chess Story

“I discovered chess at 15 as an escape from boredom, but it quickly became so much more—it became a tool for personal growth and lifelong learning. As someone with a Master of Arts in Psychology specializing in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education majoring in Guidance Counseling, I’ve learned that chess is not just a game; it’s a powerful way to shape minds. Chess teaches critical thinking, focus, resilience, and the importance of learning from mistakes—skills that extend far beyond the board and into life. It inspires children to approach challenges with confidence and teaches them that success isn’t about winning but about growing through every experience. I began teaching chess with my teammates at 19, driven by a desire to help others discover its transformative potential. Over the years, I’ve managed a professional chess team in the Philippines and inspired thousands of students to shift their mindset from giving up to studying again. In my teaching, I integrate psychological principles and supportive counseling techniques to foster not just chess skills but a love for learning and personal growth. My goal is to help every student build critical thinking, concentration, and resilience while embracing the joy of lifelong learning.”

Teaching Experience: 6 Years

Expertise:

-Focused on building critical thinking, concentration, and resilience, helping students improve their chess skills while fostering a growth mindset and love for learning.

-Integrates psychological principles and supportive counseling techniques to create a holistic chess learning experience. 

Our admin team is the backbone of the chess club. They handle class schedules, student registrations, event coordination, and daily support for both players and coaches. Whether it’s answering questions, organizing tournaments, or making sure everything runs on time, they’re here to keep things smooth and stress-free—so you can focus on enjoying and improving your game.