Ecvecutive President
Jody Chen
Jody is a junior at Bergen County Academies (BCA), a prestigious magnet high school in New Jersey, where he studies in the Academy for Technology and Computer Science. He became a private chess tutor at the age of 10 after achieving success in numerous state-grade-level championships. His teaching style is caring and adaptive, always challenging his students to advance—just as he pushes himself. Under Jody’s guidance, many of his students have become rated chess players. Jody has a passion for public service. After graduating from the Youth Police Academy in Bergen County, he began volunteering as a junior firefighter in his local community. Through tutoring ESL students and serving in student council, he strengthened his leadership by learning how to support others, build connections, and create positive change.
Founding President
Choco Chen
Choco is a freshman at Duke University. His chess journey began in first grade through an after-school program. Ever since then, he has developed a strong interest in this game, participating in numerous local, state, and national-level tournaments. He has been the president of his high school chess club since freshman year. Under his leadership, the club has been involved in various outreach programs. Chess has sharpened Choco’s focus, memory, and pattern recognition, and helped him become an accomplished musician and excel in math. During his college application cycle in 2025–2026, playing chess in his leisure time helped him stay calm and manage stress. He believes chess has given him a lifelong skill and taught him to think logically and approach challenges with patience.
MENA Region - Iraq Director
Mutaz Omar Sameer
Mutaz is a graduating student at Amer Abdullah Secondary School in Iraq. His chess journey began in 2023, when he picked up chess after growing bored with other games, beginning a passion for strategy and mind games. Despite having little tournament experience, he has reached an official online rating of 2044. One of the most memorable moments of his chess journey came when he learned chess in a single day with the goal of winning his school tournament. Starting at around 150 rating, he went on to win the tournament, including a victory over a player rated around 1400 at the time. He has also helped two friends improve their chess, one of whom has reached around 1800 rating. Chess has taught Mutaz patience, logical thinking, and the importance of considering possibilities before making decisions. Outside chess, he is passionate about physics, science, and Sudoku. He hopes to help establish and grow The Chess Bros in Iraq and create more opportunities for others to discover the beauty of chess!
MENA Region - Algeria Director
Amir Yahia
Amir is a senior at Al Omrani Brothers High School in Batna, Algeria, with a passion for learning, leadership, and chess. Despite starting chess only six months ago, he has progressed rapidly through discipline and consistent practice. He founded his school’s chess club, leading students to compete in several local and national tournaments while promoting strategic thinking and teamwork. Beyond chess, he is committed to personal growth and creating a positive impact in his community.
Central Asia - Kyrgyzstan Director
Zhanat Kurmanbekov
Zhanat Kurmanbekov is a high school sophomore with exceptional talent in mathematics. He is a Silver Medalist in both the National and Republican Olympiads of Kyrgyzstan and has competed in prestigious international competitions, including the Al-Khwarizmi Olympiad. Beyond academics, Zhanat enjoys music—playing piano and guitar—and unwinds with PS5. He’s passionate about connecting with kids and dedicated to giving back to his community. Through his involvement with The Chess Bros, he strives to make a meaningful impact by promoting the benefits of chess to students in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, helping them build critical thinking skills and confidence for a brighter future.
Central Asia Regional Director
Aktan Beishekeev
Aktan Beishekeev graduated from School #61, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and is currently attending a University near Vienna, Austria. He has always been passionate about education equity and youth empowerment through strategic thinking. Inspired by the power of chess to build confidence, focus, and problem-solving skills, Aktan joined The Chess Bros to bring free, high-quality chess instruction to underserved communities. With deep roots across Central Asia and a regional outlook, Aktan brings strong leadership, vision, and a collaborative spirit to every initiative. He sees chess as more than a game—it’s a powerful tool to spark curiosity, build community, and open doors for young minds throughout the region.
Vietnam Director
Hoang Vu
Hoang is an accomplished chess player from Vietnam with an outstanding record of national and international titles, including Gold Medals at the National Chess Championship and the East Asia Chess Championship in Blitz, Rapid, and Standard formats.
With his deep expertise in competitive chess and experience on the global stage, Hoang brings invaluable insight to The Chess Bros. He is passionate about inspiring young players, raising the standard of chess education, and strengthening the organization’s international reach. Beyond chess, he engages in Model United Nations, philosophy, agricultural research, and soccer, reflecting his curiosity and global outlook.
As Vietnam Director, Hoang will help expand our programs in Southeast Asia, mentor youth players with world-class training, and foster meaningful international exchange through chess. His leadership ensures that The Chess Bros continues to grow as both a global community and a force for education and empowerment.
Central Asia - Kazakhstan Director
Alier Chinetov
Alier is currently studying at the Kazakh-German University in Almaty. Outside academics, he is passionate about music and plays the guitar. He believes that chess—like music—is a beautiful blend of logic and creativity. Both require focus, rhythm, and the courage to take bold moves. Through Chess Bros, He is excited to bring chess education to more young people across Central Asia and help build a community where thinking, learning, and passion come together.
Europe - France Director
Wyll Vouzia
Wyll is a creative storyteller, passionate educator, and globally minded changemaker who connects people through art, language, and service. A ukulele player and lifestyle video creator, he shares stories that inspire.
He earned a Bachelor’s in Economics and Management from Paris Descartes University and is pursuing a Master’s in Administration and International Exchanges at Paris-Est Créteil University, honing skills in management, business, and intercultural awareness.
Wyll has made an impact across France and Kazakhstan—teaching English, French, and Russian to children, caring for the elderly, organizing community events, guiding international visitors, and supporting environmental conservation.
He is now excited to join The Chess Bros, bringing chess to young minds worldwide and empowering the next generation with strategy, creativity, and critical thinking.
East Asia - Taiwan Director
Jaden Chang
Jaden is a 9th grader with a natural talent for STEM. A self-taught Python programmer and robotics enthusiast, he earned an Honorable Mention at the 2024 Asian Intelligent Robot Contest. He loves solving Rubik’s cubes, tackling challenging math problems, and diving deep into computer science and coding.
Jaden also brings his love for logic and creativity to the chessboard, where he combines foresight and problem-solving to outplay his opponents. Outside academics, he is a strong athlete who excels in cross country and impressively completed a 20km bike ride at just seven years old. Known for his confidence and integrity, Jaden isn’t afraid to speak up for himself and always stands up for his friends when it matters most.
Jaden brings tremendous value to The Chess Bros, inspiring young players to think critically, stay resilient, and embrace challenges both on and off the chessboard.
Asia Pacific Program Coordinator
Jamie Chang
Jamie is a high school sophomore with a creative spirit and a strong sense of entrepreneurship. She’s a natural people person, always eager to connect and collaborate. An accomplished swimmer and all-around athlete, Jamie brings energy and determination to everything she does. She also loves to draw and sing, expressing herself through art and music. A big fan of (G)I-DLE, &TEAM, K-Pop, and J-Pop, Jamie’s vibrant personality shines through her passions. Her creativity, warmth, and global outlook make her a perfect fit for The Chess Bros, where she can engage and inspire children from diverse backgrounds.
Turkey Director
Alikhan Zhanybekov
Alikhan is a high school senior at a private school in Istanbul with a strong passion for math and programming. His curiosity extends beyond STEM—he is also deeply interested in languages and cultures, which led him to become fluent in Japanese. Alongside his academic pursuits, he enjoys watching anime, which has strengthened his appreciation for Japanese culture and inspired his goal of applying to colleges in Japan.
What sets Alikhan apart is his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and mentoring younger students. He inspires children to explore math and coding while valuing the fresh perspectives they bring. This passion for mutual learning makes him a valuable asset in expanding our program’s reach and impact in Turkey.