Jayden Chan

Jayden Chan is a dedicated chess player, educator, and community leader who began playing in seventh grade. Since then, he has helped his high school team earn a national Top-5 finish, two state-level and one regional Top-5 finish, and six additional Top-10 finishes at the state and national level. As an individual competitor, he has also placed in the Top-5 at a state tournament. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Jayden teaches chess at a local church and serves as Chess Education Director for Read Nation, a nonprofit offering virtual educational programs. He created and launched the chess division within the organization. Outside of chess, his background in martial arts and music reflects the same discipline and patience he brings to teaching. Jayden is committed to making a positive impact through education, service, and mentorship. Through chess education and volunteer service, he works to create opportunities for others to learn, grow, and succeed. Jayden believes that sharing knowledge and supporting others can make a meaningful difference, and he hopes to inspire young people to give back to their own communities as well.

Founder

Founder

MEET THE TEAM

Oliver Boydell

Oliver Boydell is a three-time National Chess Champion, New York State Champion, and New York City Chess Champion, as well as an author and chess educator. Since discovering chess at age five, he has competed at the highest levels of scholastic chess and, in addition to these individual titles, has helped lead his school teams to numerous city, state, and national championship titles. Passionate about sharing the game, Oliver teaches chess in schools and throughout the community, mentoring young players and helping them develop strategic thinking and confidence. He is also the author of two published chess books: How A King Plays, a collection of 64 practical chess lessons, and He's Got Moves, an exploration of 25 of the most memorable games in chess history. Beyond chess, Oliver is a co-founder of ROOTeen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity and expanding access to healthy food. A student in a New York City public high school, he is committed to making a positive impact in his community through service, education, and leadership. Oliver believes that some of life's most valuable lessons come from the people around him, and he is grateful for the opportunity to learn from and give back to the community that has supported his growth.