Strategery: Chess and Games - Find out more about the outstanding chess instructors and coaches teaching chess in Columbia, SC.

There are many excellent instructors working with scholastic students in the Midlands area. Here is some information about local instructors and local programs. If you would like to be listed, if you know of an unlisted instructor, or if you are an instructor seeking employment, please let us know.

Sam Copeland

Titles: National Master, 2017 SC State Champion, 2018 SC Blitz Champion, 2016 and 2018 Columbia Champion, Local Tournament Director
USCF Rating: 2302
Contact: [email protected]
Programs: Lake Murray Elementary, River Springs Elementary

Bio: Sam is a dedicated and enthusiastic award winning instructor, competitor, and organizer. He has been teaching chess in schools and privately since 2002. Many of Sam's students have competed successfully in state and national competitions. Sam was twice South Carolina's high school champion (2002 and 2003), and he represented South Carolina in the Denker Tournament of High School Champions. He was SC state champion in 2017. Sam is also a certified tournament director, and one of the most popular bloggers on the chess.com platform.

Brandon Jordan

Titles: 2017 Columbia Chess Club Champion
USCF Rating: 1933
Contact: [email protected]
Programs: Lake Murray Elementary, River Springs Elementary

Bio: Brandon is a truly dedicated instructor, whose students have a great affection for him. Brandon is always challenging his students to reach their full potential. At tournaments, Brandon will regularly be found coaching his students patiently, helping them identify their mistakes and potential for improvement.

Daniel Smith

Titles: SC Chess Vice President, Columbia Chess Club President, Local Tournament Director
USCF Rating: 1600
Contact: [email protected]
Programs: Heathwood Hall, Hammond, Ballentine, Chapin Intermediate, SJN

Bio: No Strategery chess instructor loves chess more than Daniel! In recent years, Daniel's efforts as a chess organizer in South Carolina have lifted the state to new heights as he organizes adult and scholastic events. Daniel has long had a passion for teaching chess, his most longstanding students being his two sons.

Jordan Anderson

Titles: Columbia Chess Club Vice President
USCF Rating: 1568
Contact: [email protected]
Programs: Catawba Trail Elementary, Forest Lake Elementary

Bio: Jordan has been a staple of South Carolina chess for many years. In high school, he played for the perennially strong chess team at the Governor's School of Science and Mathematics. After graduating, Jordan has for many years administered the chess club at the St. Andrews Library. He serves as Vice President for the Columbia Chess Club, and regularly runs tournaments and other events for the club. Jordan is also an experienced tournament director and has run many major events.

Ross Simmons

USCF Rating: 1286
Contact: [email protected]
Programs: Mueller Road, AC Moore, Center for Knowledge, Center for Knowledge North

Bio: Ross is one of the most consistent members of the Columbia Chess Club, regularly competing in the club's classical tournaments and improving rapidly. He's been a prize winner at major national events thanks to his steady improvement. Ross was formerly a sergeant in the military and brings a confidence and patient control to the classroom.

Brennan Ravan

USCF Rating: 1199
Contact: [email protected]
Programs: Montessori, Timmerman

Bio: Brennan has a long history of competing in South Carolina Scholastic Chess and was a key member of the 2018 SC State Champion K-12 team from the Governor's School of Science and Mathematics. Brennan is now a student at the University of South Carolina, and he shares his enthusiasm for learning in chess with his students.