Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy

Our Story & Commitment

Learn about Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy and its commitment to building a community for young chess players.

In response to the noticeable void left by the pandemic, which saw the disappearance of chess tournaments for children in Ottawa, a group of concerned parents and chess enthusiasts came together to establish the Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy . Recognizing the essential need for a structured platform to nurture young minds in the art of chess, our club emerged as a beacon for aspiring chess prodigies. We're not just a chess club; we're a vibrant community dedicated to fostering a love for chess among children, offering a plethora of tournaments, interactive classes, and engaging events aimed at enhancing their skills, social connections, and enjoyment of the game.

At Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy , our mission transcends beyond merely teaching chess; we aim to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where young chess enthusiasts can flourish. Our team comprises seasoned coaches who share a common passion: imparting their love and knowledge of chess to the next generation. Through our carefully curated classes, we ensure that learning chess is not only educational but immensely enjoyable. Our programs are tailored to instill a robust understanding of chess fundamentals, strategic thinking, and innovative tactics.

We hold a firm belief that within every child lies a potential chess master awaiting discovery and nurturing. It is this belief that drives our commitment to providing an unparalleled chess learning experience. Join us at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy , where every move brings us closer to building a formidable community of young chess champions.

Illustration of chessboards and empty chairs around a sunlit shared table
An illustration of gathering around the game.

People behind the academy

Meet the team

The people helping our
chess community come together.

Portrait of Mike Sun

Founder / Coach

Mike Sun

I am a huge chess enthusiast. My experience includes volunteering at libraries teaching over 40 kids for free, teaching as a Chess'n Math teacher at public schools, private tutoring. My main focus are on the endgame and tactics. Credentials: CFC rating 2100+, 3rd in the Ontario Chess Challenge 2012, top 10 U16 in Canada

Meet Mike Sun

Founder

Emily Chen

Emily Chen is listed as Founder at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Johnathan Han

Founder

Johnathan Han

Johnathan Han is listed as Founder at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Michael Shi

Founder

Michael Shi

Michael Shi is listed as Founder at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Matthew Zhu

Founder/Coach

Matthew Zhu

Matthew was a top 5 player in Canada for his age group and has a cfc rating of 2200+ and a Fide rating of 2000+. He is looking for online students at a rate of 40$/hr.

Meet Matthew Zhu

CTO / Web Developer

Curtis Thiessen

Curtis Thiessen is listed as CTO / Web Developer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Daniel Wu

Tournament Organizer

Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu is listed as Tournament Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Olivia Shen

VP Marketing/Outreach

Olivia Shen

Olivia Shen is listed as VP Marketing/Outreach at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Neil Moses

Tournament Organizer

Neil Moses

Neil Moses is listed as Tournament Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Arbiter

John Place

John Place is listed as Arbiter at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Justin Wen

Club Organizer

Justin Wen

Justin Wen is listed as Club Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Eric Manley

Club President

Eric Manley

Eric Manley is listed as Club President at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Ankita Jain

Partner/Organizer

Ankita Jain

Ankita Jain is listed as Partner/Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Leo Potter

Camp Organizer

Leo Potter

Leo Potter is listed as Camp Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Camp Organizer

Justin Hum

Justin Hum is listed as Camp Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Noah Hu

Club Organizer

Noah Hu

Noah Hu is listed as Club Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Club President

Grace Chung

Grace Chung is listed as Club President at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Club Organizer

Allison Pang

Allison Pang is listed as Club Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Club President

Tanish Mittal

Tanish Mittal is listed as Club President at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Bryson Lanthier

Senior Program Rep

Bryson Lanthier

Bryson Lanthier is listed as Senior Program Rep at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Daniel Davydov

Senior Program Volunteer

Daniel Davydov

Daniel Davydov is listed as Senior Program Volunteer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Aaron Wang

Senior Program Volunteer

Aaron Wang

Aaron Wang is listed as Senior Program Volunteer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Advita Verma

Club Organizer

Advita Verma

Advita Verma is listed as Club Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of George Sun

Tournament Organizer

George Sun

George Sun is listed as Tournament Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

Portrait of Nahar Trehan

Club Organizer

Nahar Trehan

Nahar Trehan is listed as Club Organizer at Ottawa Cavaliers Chess Academy.

A little guidance. A fresh perspective.

Meet the coaches

Explore coaching
Portrait of David Gordon

Coach

David Gordon

David is a highly seasoned and accomplished chess player and coach with a wealth of experience. Renowned for his exceptional coaching abilities, he has mentored numerous top youth players in Ottawa, contributing significantly to their success. Currently specializing in online coaching, David brings a peak CFC rating exceeding 2300 and is a Candidate Fide Master (CM). His expertise and dedication make him an invaluable asset for those seeking to elevate their chess skills.

Meet David Gordon

Your first move

A little curiosity is enough.

Explore the programs or get in touch for help finding somewhere to start.

Find a program