happy chess club

Hello Parents

The Alpha and Omega Chess Club is a chess organization located in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando, Florida. The club is part of a larger network of chess activities and organizations in the Central Florida region, aiming to foster a strong chess community and promote the game among the youth

Alexander Zelner

Steven Vigil

Club Inspiration

FIDE Master Alexander Zelner left an indelible mark on the Orlando chess community. As the founder of one of Orlando's first chess clubs, he was a wonderful coach, tournament coordinator, and a truly brilliant person. His passion for chess created unforgettable experiences for players across the city. After his passing, we felt a deep responsibility to continue the work he started, helping to grow and nurture the chess community in Orlando.

To learn more about the legacy of FM Alexander Zelner, please visit his memorial here.

Another inspiration for us has been Steven Vigil. Through his work with the Space Coast Chess Foundation and various schools, Steven has been teaching chess and organizing tournaments, especially for children. His dedication to the game and his skill in working with young players is something we admire deeply. Although his work is primarily based outside of Orlando, we have learned so much from him and are forever grateful for the important role he has played in shaping the chess community.

But perhaps our biggest inspiration comes from the children themselves—those eager minds who are thankful for the opportunity to play, learn, and advance in chess larger in the center so it stands out.

Club founders

Valentina Naumenko

Founder & Tournament Director

Steven Tavarez

Founder & Tournament Director

About us

Club story

Before anything else, we are parents, and our boys absolutely love the game of chess. Like many parents, we’re concerned about the education system and are constantly seeking environments where our children and their peers can grow both healthy and smart. Over the years, we’ve tried many different activities, but chess was the one that captured all of our hearts.

In 2022, we began gathering in small groups to play chess in various spots around Orlando—coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and libraries. We even traveled to neighboring cities to participate in tournaments. Along the way, we met children who were deeply engaged in chess and encountered players from other states who came to Orlando for national chess tournaments, taking home the big trophies. This made us wonder—why not Orlando’s chess players?

As we searched for chess clubs in the area, we found that there weren’t any besides school chess clubs. This motivated us to push even harder to grow our chess gatherings. We started inviting coaches, and in May 2023, we held our first big meet-up at the library. It was a huge success, giving us hope that we could help chess grow in Orlando.

What started as a once-a-week meeting quickly grew into twice-weekly sessions. We became certified Chess Tournament Directors and began organizing local tournaments, providing children with a competitive environment to prepare for bigger victories.
Now, we dedicate our Saturdays to chess education and practice, and we’ve officially established the Alpha & Omega Chess Club. Our mission is to create a vibrant chess community that promotes the game locally, supports young talent, and offers a gathering place for all chess enthusiasts.

This club holds a special place in our hearts. We are truly happy to see children enriching their lives through chess, and even happier to see their parents proud. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to work with all our players and their families, and we look forward to making a lasting impact on their lives.

Happy Chess,
Valentina & Steven

OUR COACHES

No chess community can thrive without its coaches, and at Alpha & Omega Chess Club, our coaches are the driving force behind the growth and development of our players. They perform magical transformations in the minds of children, helping them sharpen their skills, think strategically, and grow in confidence. It’s important to note that not every chess player can teach, and not every coach can work with children.

We are proud to introduce our amazing coaches—Coach Todd and Coach Mike. Whether through individual lessons, group sessions, or tournament training, they provide an exceptional learning experience for our young players.

Coach Todd

Coach Mike

What We Believe

At Alpha & Omega Chess Club, our guiding principles shape everything we do, from teaching and coaching to organizing tournaments and building a community of players.

Core Values

Our club is driven by the core values of integrity, respect, discipline, and a commitment to education. We believe that fostering these qualities in our players not only helps them become better chess players but also helps them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Chess as a Life Skill

Chess is more than just a game; it’s a powerful tool for developing life skills. Through chess, children learn to solve complex problems, practice patience, think strategically, and build resilience in the face of challenges. These skills go beyond the chessboard and are invaluable in both academic and personal growth.

Why Chess Matters?

We believe chess plays a vital role in personal and intellectual development. It stimulates creativity, enhances memory, and teaches players how to think critically under pressure. At Alpha & Omega Chess Club, we provide the perfect environment for this growth, where children and adults alike can cultivate these essential skills while enjoying the game we love.

Our Vision for the Future

Where Do We Go

At Alpha & Omega Chess Club, we have BIG goals for the future of chess in Orlando. We envision a world where chess is a part of every school’s curriculum, offering children the opportunity to learn and play while interacting and socializing with a vibrant chess community.

Competition

We aim to host larger tournaments, not just locally but through collaborations with out-of-state and even international chess organizations. Our dream is to see Orlando chess players not only participating in but winning national tournaments, showcasing the talent and dedication of our city’s players.

Education

Looking ahead, we want our chess club to grow into a prominent educational center—one where Orlando’s children can develop both academically and personally. Through chess, they can build a solid roadmap for their future success, learning life skills like critical thinking, strategic planning, and resilience along the way.

Join the club

We have already made chess more accessible and provided opportunities for players of all levels, but our journey is far from over. Now, we invite you to join us in building a lasting chess community in Orlando and beyond. Together, we can create a legacy that supports the next generation of chess champions.

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Special Thanks

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported us in our journey:

Tommy

the owner of Island Fin Poke in Windermere, who graciously allowed us to use his facility weekly for the entire 2023/2024 year. Your generosity has provided a welcoming space for our chess community to thrive.

Bobby Varem

from the Dr. Phillips YMCA, who believed in the importance of chess for children and offered us invaluable assistance with space for our classes and tournaments. Your support has made a significant impact on our mission. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us grow the chess community in Orlando!

Our Sponsors

At Alpha & Omega Chess Club, we recognize that we can do so little as a non-profit without your continued support. Our sponsors play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of fostering a vibrant chess community in Orlando. Your contributions enable us to provide resources, organize events, and create opportunities for young chess players to grow and thrive. Thank you to all our sponsors for believing in our vision and supporting our journey. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of children through the game of chess!

GET INVOLVED

With your help, we can reach more children, engage them in meaningful activities, and elevate their education and focus through the game of chess.

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