ABOUT
Elite Chess was started in 2012 by chess player and coach, Jeff DiOrio. Jeff's original goal was to provide summer chess camps for kids in the Naperville area. Over the last 8 years Elite Chess has expanded its programs to include night classes, charity events, after school programs, tournaments, and seminars. Elite Chess hopes to continue to grow in the future, serving the community and using chess to change the world.
STAFF
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Jeff DiOrio
Founder & CEO
Jeff is a Dean of Students at Naperville North High School where he is in his 12th year coaching the chess team. During that time they have captured a record 12 consecutive DuPage Valley Conference Titles and in 2015, Naperville North won the IHSA State Championship. Additionally, Jeff was named the Illinois Chess Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2017.
Jeff lives in Geneva, IL with his wife, Karina, and their sons, Blake and Chase. When he is not coaching, Jeff loves to golf, fish, read, spend time with his family, and of course, play chess.
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Emmanuel Carter
Instructor
Emmanuel grew up in North Carolina where he is a 4 time North Carolina State Chess Champion. At the age of 14 he earned the title of Master and has a peak rating of 2304.
He has a wonderful ability to explain complex ideas so that all his students can understand them and he is one of the most positive people you will ever meet.
Emmanuel is currently a student at Wake Tech Community College. When he is not playing chess he loves to run and play basketball.
Zack Coffman
Instructor
Zack is an expert level chess player and the Assistant Coach of the Naperville North Chess Team. He has worked as an instructor with Elite Chess since 2013. During that time his success in developing young chess players from beginners to state champions, has gained him the reputation as being of the top coaches in the area.
Zack lives in Naperville, IL and when he is not coaching, Zack enjoys sports, computer programming, and competing in chess tournaments.
Philip Song
Instructor
Philip graduated from Naperville North H.S. where he was 2-time captain of the chess team. While at NNHS, Philip went from chess beginner to winning 1st place at his board during the 2016-2017 IHSA State Finals.
Phiip has a passion for mentoring younger players and connects with them through the classes he teachers.
Philip lives in Champaign, IL, and studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When he is not coaching, he enjoys playing music, reading, and doing photography.
Usman Qazi
Instructor
Usman graduated from Glenbard East H.S. where he was the highly decorated, 2-year captain of the chess team. While at GEHS he earned multiple All-Conference honors and 1st place at his board during the 2016-2017 IHSA State Finals.
His passion for chess competition is now a passion for developing young players that is evident to anyone who watches him teach.
Usman lives in Lombard, IL and studies at the College of DuPage. When he is not coaching, he enjoys playing volleyball, making music, and fishing.
Matt Blanton
Instructor
Bio Coming Soon