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We offer Professional Chess Lessons in Central Houston
About Us
Following a long search for a capable chess instructor, Ms. Naidoo first hired Mr. Fernandez to work at the Rogers summer camp in 2012. Daniel’s ability to work with children and develop their higher order thinking skills made for a successful chess program. Following the completion of his teaching prerequisites, Daniel was hired to teach chess and computer science at Rogers. Both Mr. Fernandez and Ms. Naidoo remain steadfastly committed toward ensuring that all students in Houston have an opportunity to receive a world-class chess education at an affordable price.
To share the Love of the Game
Grandmaster Daniel Fernandez
Chess is a game that fosters greatness. With all its complexities and nuances, it requires patience and dedication. It not only demands constant self-improvement and vigor, but also depends on challenging opponents to the fullest extent possible. For GM Daniel Fernandez, it takes on another meaning as well. Born in Lima, Peru in 1985, Daniel was born into a family that loved chess and would play amongst themselves in intimate family gatherings. In 1986, Daniel and his family moved to America. Everything about the transition to what would become Daniel’s adopted country was extremely difficult. Daniel’s parents worked extremely hard to make ends meet, and poured everything they could to ensure the success of their children. These challenges embody the reasons why chess is more than just a game for Daniel. He recognizes how many people render their goals impotent through a timidity of effort. He knows the importance of learning from defeat to emerge a stronger player. Most importantly, he embraces the notion that a serious chess player can never allow doubt to cloud the vision they have set for themselves.
From a very young age, Daniel felt called to continue his family’s proud commitment to the game of chess. When he was 6 years old, Daniel learned the rules of the game by watching his father and older brother play. It didn’t take long for the future International Master to develop a sincere love of chess, and by the age of 7, he was competing regularly in tournaments. By age 10, Daniel became a USCF expert; the following year, he became the youngest National Master in the United States. At age 12, he represented the United States at the World Youth Chess Championship in Cannes, France. He would go on to represent the United States team in three additional international competitions.
Over the years, Daniel would achieve other successes in the game of chess; he earned the FIDE Master (FM) title in 1999 after winning the Pan American Championship, and became the youngest winner of the Florida State Championship at 16. After earning the International Master (IM) title in 2005, he became the US Junior Closed Champion. The following year, he finished in 6th place at the US Championship (ahead of 30 Grandmasters). In 2009, Daniel became the Texas State Champion. 2021 Daniel earned his Grand Master Title.
In keeping with his deep appreciation for the game of chess, Daniel has been coaching since the age of 16. His students have won numerous state titles and national titles. He has helped produce over 15 expert level players (2000+) and three master level players (2200+). His current students are among the highest ranked in Houston.
Nellie Naidoo
Nellie Naidoo is a highly organized and dedicated professional with extensive experience working across industries, businesses, and educational organizations. She is widely recognized for her professionalism, creativity, and initiative, and has been honored with multiple awards for her leadership and impact on education and the chess community.
In 2012, Nellie received the Guiding Star Award from Parents for Public Schools of Houston for expanding the chess program at T.H. Rogers and other district schools. The year prior, the United States Chess Federation presented her with an Achievement Award for running Houston’s largest chess program with consistently high tournament enrollments. Earlier in her career, she earned the VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools) Award from HISD (2007–2008) for increasing parent participation at T.H. Rogers and launching the school’s highly successful International Festival.
Her dedication extends beyond recognition. Nellie has organized Chess Summer Camps at both T.H. Rogers and the Downtown Met, bringing in top-rated chess coaches and attracting children from across Houston and beyond. From 2003 to 2015, her volunteer leadership at the T.H. Rogers Chess Program flourished, driven by her people skills, passion for chess, and commitment to developing young minds.
Today, Nellie manages several after-school programs in central Houston and leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting schools with limited resources. Through this work, she ensures that more children have access to meaningful enrichment opportunities. Always eager to learn and inspire, Nellie is committed to helping her students think critically, build confidence, and reach their full potential through the game of chess.