Richard Wessels

What do I think makes me a good chess coach?

For starters, my ability to work very well with kids—and my love of learning—drives me to keep improving as a coach. I hope that enthusiasm not only helps me be a great chess coach, but also inspires students to pursue chess more confidently and consistently.

What are my key strengths?

My key strengths are patience, kindness, and previous experience supporting kids—all of which translate naturally into a chess-learning environment.

Why do I love chess?

I love chess because of the challenge. The best feeling is when something new I try finally works—those moments of progress are incredibly rewarding.

When/how did I first learn to play?

Funny story: about nine years ago, my sister and I found a chess set at home and started playing. At first, we didn’t know the rules—but my sister researched how to play and taught me. Not long after, we went to our first tournament.

Why do I enjoy working with kids?

Working with kids has always been fun—getting to know them, supporting them, and helping them grow. And now I get to teach them a passion I’ve had for more than half my life—which makes it even more meaningful.

What are my main chess achievements?

I’ve competed at Nationals (8 times), played against competitors from other countries, and faced opponents across a wide range of levels—from beginners to players as strong as a FM (FIDE Master).

How do I think chess helps kids?

Chess teaches discipline, logical thinking, and hard work. More than that, it helps kids learn how to think through problems—chess prepares a child to figure out what to do when they don’t know what to do.