Colorado Chess Instruction

Chessboard The following individuals have requested to be listed as teachers of chess in Colorado. CSCA is listing them as a service to the general public; however, it should be understood that this listing does not constitute an endorsement. Individuals that are interested in private or group lessons should contact each instructor to determine pricing and availability.

See also Colorado's Scholastic Chess Camps
Locations:   Denver Area   Boulder Area   Colorado Springs   Elizabeth   Ft. Collins




GM Sharavdorj (Sharwa) Dashzegve

Email: sharav21@yahoo.com
Brief Description
  • International Grandmaster
  • Private Lessons: $60.00 per hour


Michael Mulyar
Phone: 303 438 5626
Email: mmulyar@comcast.net
Rating: 2464
Ages: all
Location: Westminster, CO
Willing to travel: Within Denver metro area

Other highlights:
  • Willing to coach all levels
  • Available for both individual and group instruction
Brief Description
  • International Master
  • 5-time Colorado State Champion
  • coaching experience with junior players (1993- present)


NM Todd Bardwick
Phone: 303-770-6696
Email: tbardwick@yahoo.com
Rating: 2211
Website: www.ColoradoMasterChess.com
Ages: all
Location: (Denver Tech Center area)
Willing to travel: Will travel for school programs

Other highlights:
Brief Description
  • Nationally recognized, full-time Denver area Chess Instructor who teaches over 700 children (and some adults) each year
  • Ten years chess coaching experience (private and classes)
  • Coached many children who achieved national rankings for their age, including one student who was the top player for his age in the country and a national second and third grade champion
  • Coached numerous Colorado state championship scholastic teams and individual students
  • Wrote the Preface for Cherry Creek Schools Chess Handbook including instructional course outline for school chess coaches
  • Guided the development of the DPS chess program outline for chess instructors
  • Twelve years experience organizing and running the annual Rocky Mountain Chess Camp, one of the nation's oldest and largest chess camps for children
  • Available for school programs or simultaneous exhibitions that will double the size of your school chess club


Brian Wall
Phone: 303-286-1936
Email: BrianWallChess@Hotmail.com
Rating: 2210 (Highest 2333)
Website: www.Walverine.com
Ages: all
Location: Anywhere but home (I live in Thornton, Co)
Willing to travel: Yes

Other highlights:
  • Life Master
  • ICC handle BrianWall
  • Free Chess Emails about Local Denver Chess scene- 50 written already! - available to anyone in the World just by asking BrianWallChess@Hotmail.com
Brief Description

I have been playing chess for 40 years-been teaching chess as a 2200+ for over half of that.

Chess titles
1972 Colo Jr Champ (6-0)
1977 Denver Champ
1977 Colo CoChamp(with David Jellsion)
1993 Mass. Blitz Champ
2000(23 years later!!) Denver CoChamp (with McCarty and Hortillosa)
2001 Winner Wyoming Open
2001 Co-Champion Colorado Open
2002 Colo Closed Champ


Robert Ramirez
Phone: (303) 484-8535
Cell Phone: (720) 275-5486
Email: robertramirez12000@yahoo.com
Rating: 2087
Ages: all
Location: 7185 Leetsdale Dr., Lakewood, CO 80214
Willing to travel: willing to travel, groups, exibitions, schools, programs of any kind.

My lessons are designed to help the student gain the maximum rating points in the least amount of time through a personalized plan of improvement.

Brief Description

Highlights:
  • '06-07 Colorado Blitz Chess Champion!
  • 1st place tie U2000 North American Open 2004
  • 1st place 2007 DCC Red Hot Quick Tournament
  • 1st place tie with Tyler Hughes 2006 Boulder Fall Grand Prix
  • 2nd place U1800 2002 Edward Levy Memorial
  • 2nd place tie U2000 2005 World Open Quick Chess Championship
  • 3rd place U2000 First Annual HB Global Chess Challenge 2005
  • Defeated IM Emory Tate 2-0 in the 2005 World Open Blitz Championship


Jim Hammersmith
Phone: 303-933-2558
Email: e4hammer@yahoo.com
Rating: 2045
Ages: all
Location: 7778 West Plymouth Place, Littleton, CO 80128 near Coal Mine & Wadsworth (near Southwest Plaza)
Willing to travel: Lessons for individual students at home; will travel for groups

Other highlights:

It is my goal for all my students to have a love for the game of chess and to broaden their abilities as they take on life's challenges.

Brief Description

It has been my privilege and pleasure to teach chess the last 6 years.

  • 7 individual students have been State Scholastic Chess Champions
  • Numerous other individual students have won trophies at scholastic chess tournaments
  • Instructor at 8 chess camps
  • Summer school chess instructor for Littleton Public Schools
  • Head tournament director for the State scholastic tournament & other scholastic tournaments
  • Instructor in after/before school chess programs in about a dozen schools a year


Richard Herbst
Phone: 303-741-9779
Email: kkherbst1@msn.com
Rating: 1970
Location: SE Denver (Tech Center Area)
Willing to travel: Will travel for school programs

Richard is a sophomore at Cherry Creek High School. He has been competing on the National level for nine years. During this time period, he has been consistently ranked in the top 10-20 players in the country for his age. He has been coaching scholastic players, both individuals and school teams, for 5 years.

Brief Description

Accomplishments include:
  • 2007 Colorado Closed Scholastic Champion
  • 2006 Colorado State Scholastic Champion (7-9 Grade Division)
  • 2005 National 8th Grade Co-Champion
  • 2005 National Junior High School Blitz Co-Champion
  • 10 Top-Ten finishes (4 Blitz) at the National Scholastic Chess Championships
  • 2003 Colorado State Scholastic Champion (4-6 Grade Division)
  • 2001 Colorado State Scholastic Champion (K-3 Grade Division)
  • 2000 National K-3U800 Champion


Alan Bardwick
Phone: 303-755-9072
Rating: 1900 (Highest 2148)
Ages: prefer ages 10-14
Location: Aurora/East Denver
Willing to travel: Prefer going to your home

Other highlights:

I enjoy working with young people
to develop their skills and character.
I prefer to work extensively
with few students.

Students often see me as a grandfather figure.

Brief Description

I have enjoyed chess for more that 50 years, both as player and coach.

  • Father and teacher of NM Todd Bardwick
  • Assisted in developing the curriculum of the Rocky Mountain Chess Camp
  • Instructor in all 9 Rocky Mountain Chess Camps
  • Extensive experience in teaching school chess programs
  • Students have won many trophies and titles
  • Past President of the Denver Chess Club
  • Past Vice President, Treasurer and Board Member of Colorado State Chess Association
  • As a player, have won many tournaments and titles
  • Senior level USCF tournament Director
  • Working as part time Assoc. Prof. At the Community College of Aurora


Chris Peterson
Phone: 720 365-9473
Email: garrensilverwing@yahoo.com
Rating: 1900
Location: Metro Denver
Availability: Individual lessons, Groups, and Classes

Chris is 20 years old.

Brief Description

Highlights:
  • I was the June 2007 Denver Chess Club Champion.
  • I am currently giving lectures at the Denver Chess Club on Tuesday nights (Stop in the Denver Chess Club for a FREE lecture!).
  • I have experience tutoring - high school math/science - at my same age level and enjoy it a lot! I am looking forward to more students and tutoring oppertunites.
  • My personal chess game has improved in gigantic leaps (at one time 200 points two months). I would like to see that same improvement in my students!


Jeffrey A. Baffo
Home Phone: 303-617-9123
Cell Phone: 303-210-2160
Email: jbaffo2004@msn.com
Ages: all
Location: Aurora Central or Smoky Hill Library, Saturdays. Other nights by appointment.
Willing to travel: Will travel in Aurora/Centennial area.

Brief Description

Retired US Air Force in 1996, currently work for Nextel.

USCF: Member since 1972, Peak rating 2030, certified USCF chess coach, tournament director. Coaching since 1990, instructor at six consecutive (2000-2005) Rocky Mountain chess camps.



Norbert Martinez
Phone: (Pager) 303-208-0711
Rating: 1634
Ages: all
Location: Metropolitan Denver
Willing to travel: will travel to student's location.

Norbert Martinez, an experienced teacher and coach, will design a program of instruction for the serious student or casual player interested in improving.

Brief Description

Qualifications:
  • Masters of Education, CU at Boulder
  • Se habla espanol
  • Former Colorado Elementary School Teacher and Coach
Available for:
  • Scholastic Chess Instruction
  • Individual or Classroom Lessons
  • Coaching School Teams


Jesse R. Hester
Phone Home: 303-758-4399
Phone Cell: 303-257-9373
Rating: 1927
Ages: All
Brief Description
  • #43 in the nation for 16 year olds


Ted Arney
Email: matrixwins@mail.com
Rating: 1449
Ages: Grades K-12
Location:Anywhere
Willing to travel:Yes

Brief Description

  • Been playing and teaching for 30 years all grades K-12.
  • Believes every student in U.S.A. should be taught chess for academic reasons.


Larry Hathorn
Phone: 303-469-2208
Email: chesschi@qwest.net
Rating: 1112
Ages: 6-13
Location: Westminster area
Willing to travel: Teaches at home or will travel in Westminster area

Brief Description

Long-time educator; coached former state team champs; beginning to intermediate instruction

 


Drew Ewing
Phone: (303) 233-2910 may leave message if needed.
Rating: 1243
Ages: all
Location: Lakewood Area

Highlights: Drew Ewing, exprienced player and teacher. I design a lesson format that is personal and benefits individual needs. Interested in teaching beginners to serious chess players. Most of all my lessons are free of charge!

Brief Description

Qualifications:
  • 7 years of formal chess exprience and knowledge
  • U.S.C.F. Member
  • Currently teaching and coaching Green Mountains H.S. chess team
  • I specialize in the education of younger students (10-18)
Available for:
  • Individual Lessons or Group
  • Willing to coach tournament players

Boulder Area

Renard Anderson
Phone: 303-554-9004
Email: renard777@msn.com  
Rating: USCF 2250 , FIDE 2270
Ages: all
Location: Boulder

Brief Description

  • FIDE Master Title
  • Former CO State Champion
 


Paul J. Szeligowski
Phone:303 652 8890
Email: pjjsz@idcomm.com  
Rating: 2062
Ages: all
Location: Niwot
Willing to travel: Yes

Brief Description

  • Learned chess at age 5; playing now for over half a century.
  • Instructor at the Rocky Mountain Chess Camp.
  • Chess author specializing in unusual openings (e.g. The Colorado Defense).
  • Published articles in:
    • Colorado Chess Informant.
    • The Chess Correspondent.
    • The Myers Openings Bulletin.
    • Orang-utan.
    • SSKK Bulletinen.
  • My articles and analysis are referenced by other authors in numerous books and periodicals.
  • Extensive Chess Library (approaching 1000 titles).
  • Teaching Philosophy:
    • Learning chess is very much an iterative process.
    • For groups I’ve found "Teaching Chess in the 21st Century" to be an excellent guide.
    • Individual instruction is tailored to a player’s level of understanding. A book I highly recommend to club players is: “Improve Your Chess Now”.
 

Colorado Springs Area

Dan Avery
Phone: (719) 635-4601
Email: dpavery@sprynet.com
Rating: 1984
Ages: All, but the student must be willing and able to commit to a long-term program.
Location: Location: I prefer to teach at my home in Southwest Colorado Springs, but individual arrangements can be made, including lessons over the Internet or travel to the student's house.
Brief Description

Why should you consider my services?

I am an experienced chess teacher who has given lectures at chess clubs, universities, and schools. I have been the chess coach for the Colorado College. CC won the Colorado Intercollegiate Championships and the Internet Collegiate Chess League (ICCL) small school championship. I have taught individuals ranging in age from middle school students to retirees, and generally, students gain at least two hundred rating points (improvement is not guaranteed). I create an individual program for each student. Please call or email me if you have any questions.

 


Anthea Carson
Phone: (303) 503-4280 or (719) 570-6276
Email: nth_carson@yahoo.com
Rating: 1650

Why should you hire me?

I am patient with children, understand how to help them get past mental blocks, have fun and know how to relate to children and how to nurture and encourage their love of chess, and of learning in general. I believe chess improves logic and reasoning skills and becomes a lifelong hobby to enjoy and an excellent way to make lifelong friends.
Brief Description

Highlights:
  • Was listed in top 100 women chess players nationally for most of 2006.
  • Winner of two national tournaments in the U1600 sections and U1400 sections.
  • Has ten years of experience teaching chess both private and classroom settings.
  • Has twelve years experience playing tournament chess.
  • Has additional teaching experience in both elementary and preschool classrooms.
  • Has studied extensively with masters and International masters including Brian Wall, Jeremy Silman, Todd Bardwick.
  • Taught chess at Todd Bardwick's chess camp for past five years.

Elizabeth

Michael Munafo
Phone: (720) 838-6864
Rating: 1925
Ages: 6yrs. and above.
Location: Location: Elizabeth, Colorado

Highlights:
  • Numerous tournament victories, scholastic and open.
  • Top rated Colorado scholastic player during high school years (2000-2004).
  • Made top 100 nationally ranked players in the United States consistently for high school age levels, up to number 18 in 2002.
  • College Sophomore.
Brief Description

My lessons are especially designed for children beginning at six years of age up to adolescent years, preparing them for fun, yet competitive play. I believe that the most important element in learning to excel in anything is passion! It quickens the mind and adds fuel to talent. Students are excited to learn and to get their chance to compete. Previous students in particular learned not only how to play chess in a few weeks, but outplayed the other kids in the scholastic tournament sections! If the student and parent/guardian is willing to progress at a quicker rate for a strong competitive edge, homework will be assigned every lesson for completion and be reviewed the next session. Teaching course designed to suit each student.

I live in Elizabeth and can cover the Parker, Castlerock, Franktown, Kiowa, and surrounding areas. I am willing to travel to meet the student at an agreed location.

 

Fort Collins Area

Randy Reynolds
Phone: 970-310-4224
Email: randy_teyana@msn.com
Rating: 1581
Ages: all (most experienced with children)
Location: Ft. Collins
Willing to travel: Yes, depending on proximity

Brief Description

I've been involved with chess for 5 years in Colorado, 15 years overall. I've had two years chess tutoring experience, tutoring scholastic students in a one-on-one environment. One student won 7th overall in his division and has gained the title of chess champion at his school last year. I have helped direct tournaments for scholastic players and have good experience in working with children. I deal mostly with beginning/intermediate tutoring because of my lower rating, but I definitely have a lot to teach those in those categories. If you're looking for a good instructor/coach in Northern Colorado in a comfortable environment, look no further.

References available upon request.
 

If you would like your chess instruction services listed here, please contact Rick Nelson at rick@ramdesigns.com





CSCA Homepage Upcoming Tournaments Results from recent tounaments Games from recent tournaments Chess Links Scholastic Chess