Holistic, Creative, Fun, and Thorough Chess Tutor

Joshua F.

Chess

I have been playing chess since I was eight years old. I joined the Curie High School chess team in 1978 and quickly rose to be the Captain and first board of the team. I also served as the President of the Chess Club. After graduation, I went to Robert Morris College which afforded me the time to coach the new Curie Condors. The team went to finish fourth in the city beating the powerhouse team of Kenwood Academy. During my time at Curie, I was a volunteer at the Back of the Yards Branch of the Chicago Public Library which also had a chess club. I followed that model over the years by founding and promoting similar clubs at other branches throughout the city. I was chosen by Mayor Daley's Department of Human Services to be one of five chess teachers for four summers running. We taught chess to children at one of the Departments neighborhood offices daily and then ran a fast tournament to find a winner for High School and Elementary. These winners competed for a scholarship the following week. I have been active as a club director, promoter, organizer, and president. I served on the Illinois Chess Association for 20 years, one term as the Secretary. I was the editor of the Illinois Chess Bulletin for two years during which it receive National Awards for Best State Magazine for circulation under 1000. I become the 2000 Illinois Open Reserve Champion with a perfect score of 6/0. My highest over the board rating attained is 1895. I have directed hundred of chess tournaments and events. I also have done many other things in regards to chess. I have written articles, sold supplies and merchandise, produce tournament bulletins, and coached school teams. For 10 years I made a living teaching chess to private students - most of which were children and schools. A few of my students and teams achieved State and National Honors and Titles.

Writing

I have several short stories published in anthologies and magazines, both online and in print venues. I also participate regularly in writing competitions. I have successfully ran an online writing group on a popular social media platform for several years until situations lead me onto different paths.