Chess Masters Of Houston
Nellie Naidoo Owner
GRANDMASTER DANIEL FERNANDEZ
GRANDMASTER DANIEL FERNANDEZ
Nellie Naidoo has more than 20 years of experience organizing and managing chess programs for students in Houston. She began volunteering with the T.H. Rogers Chess Program in 2003 and helped grow it into a successful program serving many students.
Her work has been recognized by HISD, the United States Chess Federation (USCF), and Paren
Nellie Naidoo has more than 20 years of experience organizing and managing chess programs for students in Houston. She began volunteering with the T.H. Rogers Chess Program in 2003 and helped grow it into a successful program serving many students.
Her work has been recognized by HISD, the United States Chess Federation (USCF), and Parents for Public Schools of Houston. She has also organized chess tournaments, summer camps, and after-school programs throughout Houston.
Today, Nellie manages several after-school chess programs and supports opportunities for students with limited resources. She also serves on the USCF Scholastic Committee and remains committed to helping children learn, grow, and build confidence through chess.
GRANDMASTER DANIEL FERNANDEZ
GRANDMASTER DANIEL FERNANDEZ
GRANDMASTER DANIEL FERNANDEZ
Grandmaster Daniel Fernandez was born in Lima, Peru, in 1985 and grew up in a family with a strong love for chess. After moving to the United States as a young child, Daniel learned to play chess at age six by watching his father and older brother. By age seven, he was already competing in tournaments.
Daniel’s progress was remarkable. He
Grandmaster Daniel Fernandez was born in Lima, Peru, in 1985 and grew up in a family with a strong love for chess. After moving to the United States as a young child, Daniel learned to play chess at age six by watching his father and older brother. By age seven, he was already competing in tournaments.
Daniel’s progress was remarkable. He became a USCF Expert at age 10 and, at 11, 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, and later represented the U.S. in three additional international competitions.
Throughout his chess career, Daniel has earned numerous achievements, including the FIDE Master title in 1999, the International Master title in 2005, the Florida State Championship, the U.S. Junior Closed Championship, and the Texas State Championship in 2009. In 2021, Daniel earned the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title.
Daniel has been coaching chess since the age of 16. His students have won numerous state and national titles, and he has helped develop more than 15 USCF Expert-level players and three Master-level players. Many of his current students rank among the strongest young chess players in Houston.
Daniel brings decades of competitive experience, a deep understanding of the game, and a passion for helping young players develop their skills, confidence, discipline, and love of chess.
Why Choose Chess Masters Of Houston
Carlos Hevia Grandmaster
Carlos Hevia Grandmaster
Carlos Hevia Grandmaster
Carlos learned to play chess with his dad when he was 9. He then registered at a chess school and started taking formal lessons and became one of the best players in his category at a national level.
Became a grandmaster when he was 23 years, he reached 2500 rating when he was 18 years old
Joshua Ruiz Grandmaster
Carlos Hevia Grandmaster
Carlos Hevia Grandmaster
Joshua comes from a chess family. His father even drew against the great Anotoly Karpov in one Olympiad. When he was 6 yrs old he was accompanying a cousin to a chess tournament, and that was the exact moment when he fell in love with this amazing sport. He is the youngest Grandmaster ever in Colombia and earned the title at the age 20.
Why Choose Chess Masters Of Houston
Anthony Parker National Master
Anthony Parker National Master
Anthony Parker National Master
A Milwaukee, WI native, I began my chess journey at the age of ten and have since achieved numerous accomplishments, including winning countless tournaments, State Junior titles, and team championships. I am proud to be the only African American National Master to emerge from Wisconsin.
With over a decade of experience teaching chess at al
A Milwaukee, WI native, I began my chess journey at the age of ten and have since achieved numerous accomplishments, including winning countless tournaments, State Junior titles, and team championships. I am proud to be the only African American National Master to emerge from Wisconsin.
With over a decade of experience teaching chess at all levels across the country, I am passionate about sharing the game I love. My teaching approach focuses on building confidence and inspiring players to reach their full potential.
Dimanthi Perera
Anthony Parker National Master
Anthony Parker National Master
Dimanthi learned chess with her younger brothers at age 10 and began playing competitively. She consistently ranked among the top 100 female players nationally in her age before transitioning to coaching. As one of the few female chess players growing up, she is passionate about encouraging more young women to play the game and helping students build a lasting love of chess.