Sandeep founded The Chess Effect in 2020, and was our first coach. He is the youngest International Master in Arizona history, a 3-time National Champion, a Denker co-Champion, and the 2nd highest rated player in Arizona. Sandeep has taught hundreds of free lessons for The Chess Effect, has written articles for Chess Life Magazine, is a Head Coach at Unity Chess Club, and is the Captain of the BASIS Chandler chess team.

Kenneth is a former Arizona State Champion with a peak rating of 2171. He has been playing for almost 10 years, and has represented Arizona at the Dewain Barber Tournament of Middle School State Championships and at several National Championships. He is also the President of the Hamilton High School Chess Club and has led them to a State Championship and several top finishes.

Sanjay is the Vice President of the Hamilton High School Chess Team and a top player in the Arizona chess scene. He has been selected for the All-American Team, and even represented the United States at the World Cadet Chess Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. He has had multiple top finishes at Arizona State Championships and represented Arizona at various National Championships.

Purvit is one of the top high school players in Arizona and has contributed greatly to the BASIS Chandler Chess Team which has placed runners-up twice at National Championships and won 2 State Championships. He has multiple top finishes in State Championships and increased his rating by almost 400 points last year.

Sanjana Ramesh is a representative of Michigan for the Haring National Tournament of Girls State Champions and has represented the USA at the World Cadet Chess Championship held in Brazil. She got second place in the Michigan Open and tied for first in the Michigan Junior Championship. In addition, she has been teaching chess to elementary school students, and coached two teams to the Michigan Junior (K-9) Team Championship.

Aaroh has consistently been ranked amongst the top players for his age in Arizona, and is quickly closing in on being an expert. He is a vital part of the BASIS Chandler Chess Team, winning best board 2, and helping them to 2 State Championships and 2 National Championship Runners-ups. He has had a huge rating jump from 1300 to 1800 since entering High School.

Eeshaan is an expert-level player who is a top 3 player in Arizona and a top 70 player in the U.S. aged 17. He has excelled in tournaments, with notable results being two top 6 finishes at National Opens, 6th place at the National Quick Championship, and shared 2nd at the 2021 ChessKid National Championship. He is also the founder and President of the Chess Club at Paradise Valley High School.

Srikar Potharaju

Coach (Advanced/Intermediate)

Srikar has achieved the expert title and is one of the top high school players in Arizona. He is ranked in the top 80 for his age in the United States, and is ranked top 50 overall in the state of Arizona. He is well on his way to achieving the CM Title with multiple norms. He is also the founder and President of the Desert Vista High School Chess Club.

Ridhi is a top 15 player for her age group in the United States and the #1 player for her age group in Arizona. She recently won 2nd place at the 2023 KCF U14 All-Girls Nationals Championships. She also took 2nd place at the 2023 Arizona State 7th grade Championship and 8th place at the 2023 Arizona Middle School State Championship. She has also taken top prizes at National-Level Events in here rating category.