Our Coaches
Coach ARAV PATEL
USCF Expert (2000+)
Volunteer Coach
Hello! I am Arav Patel. I learned to play chess at the age of 9 and have loved it ever since. I started playing chess in New Jersey and moved to Florida in June 2021. My current USCF rating is 2060. Some of the significant tournaments I have won include the U1400 World Open in 2019 and The 2021 Greater NY Scholastics U1900. Additionally, I tied for the 2nd place point-wise in the 2021 USChess Nationals K-12 Showdown-7th grade and 2nd place in the 2023 Florida State Scholastic Championship K-8 section. I am really excited to help out the Jacksonville chess community and work with the Chess for Charity Club.
Coach NICK PETERSEN
USCF Expert (2000+)
Volunteer Coach
Chess is not only my favorite pastime, but also a great tool to be used for building critical thinking and fostering community! I have over 20 years in tournament chess competition and more than 5 years of teaching experience. In addition to chess, I have worked as an instructor at resident summer camps, environmental education programs, and even as an aviation flight instructor. This varied background has given me the opportunity to work with, grow alongside, and connect with people from a wide array of backgrounds and interests. I continually seek ways to expand my knowledge to provide the best coaching available to my students.
Coach JOSEPH CAGLE
US Chess Certified Tournament Director Coach
Volunteer Coach
Hi! I'm Joseph Cagle, a US Chess certified Tournament Director and Coach. I learned how to play chess when I was five years old, and I have loved playing and teaching it ever since. I have been involved in many chess clubs over the years, and now I am glad to be able to help in the Jacksonville chess community. I teach for Chess For Charity Jax and Northeast Florida Homeschool Chess, and I help run tournaments from time to time. I am graduating from high school in summer 2022, and I'll be starting college in the fall locally.
Coach RAY RATLIFF
Certified Step Method Chess Trainer
Volunteer Coach
Chess has become a major part of my life because first and foremost, I am a chess dad and have seen the amazing benefits it has had on my two children, Myra and Ryan. After retiring as a Naval Pilot in 2018, I dedicated myself to facilitating the passions of my children and chess came to the forefront. I found that chess could bring our community together for fun, friendship and most importantly, purpose. I now use my experience as a flight instructor to help chess beginners build a positive association and a passion for this game that I have grown to love and enjoy.
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