Chess4Life Chess Coaches
Ryan Ackerman
Ryan Ackerman is rated over 1800 USCF and among the top junior players in Washington State. For a short time, he enjoyed lessons from local chess master Ignacio Perez (an inspiring tactical player) but is mostly self-taught. His love for the game stems from its immense complexity and harmony through logical strategy. He is well studied in grandmaster opening theory. For a year before coming to Chess4life he worked privately with a handful of students in Spokane, WA.
He enthusiastically teaches patience and forethought to students and happily watches them become very successful on the chess board. The benefit of learning patience and forethought is by no means limited to students' chess skills! He provides each of his private students with a binder to take weekly notes that include chess terms, life skills, and goals.
Chess Career Highlights
Official USCF A class rating (1800-2000) of 1824 in under 4 years of tournament play while in high school
Coach of third-place finisher in first grade at WA State Elementary Championship
Played over 10,000 blitz games on Internet Chess Club
First in Spokane High School Championship in 2008
Tenth in Washington High School Championship in 2008
Fourth in Washington High School Championship in 2010
Captain of Mead High School Chess Team
Over 50 chess books read
400 USCF Tournament games in 5 years of playing chess competitively, in addition to 100 scholastic tournament games
Leadership Experience
Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America
Other interests
Studying to become a psychiatrist
Working out at home
Snowboarding
Camping
Video editing
Studying film techniques
Texas Hold'em Poker
Back yard football
Billiards
Ping pong
Music
Leadership
Coach Ryan's Star Students
1st grade Jason Zhang: rating of about 500 in March 2011,after seven months has increased his rating to 1133 as of October2 011
7th grade T.C.: rating of about 800 in September 2010, nine months coaching resulted in his peak rating of 1338 in July 2011
4th grade Benjamin Zhang: rating strength of about 800 in March 2011, after seven months has achieved rating of 1091 in October 2011
1st grade Alvin Zhang: rating strength of about 400 in April 2011 with no tournament experience, and after six months coaching has achieved a rating of 739
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