My name is Jalale Thind I have over 16 years of chess coaching experience. During this period I taught hundreds of students this exiting game of chess. Developing skills in young minds related to strategy of winning the games is my passion. I taught all levels of students from beginners to advance level. My coaching philosophy goes beyond winning games. I focus on building critical thinking developing concentration and discipline. Some of the students started more than  five years in my coaching class. I am committed to excellence and dedicated to growth.

Coach Denver joined BAC's coaching team in September 2025!

Coach Jesse joined BAC in 2025!

Coach Igor joined BAC coaching staff in August 2025.

From Coach Igor:

"I learned how to play chess at the age of 4 by accidentally finding the game on a family computer. My parents took me to a chess school when they realized I was playing against the computer by myself and I enjoyed the game ever since. 

I am a longtime educator and chess coach with over 40 years of teaching experience, dedicated to making chess both fun and meaningful for everyone. My approach blends strategy with patience, keeping lessons interactive and tailored to each student’s needs, energy, and interests. I believe chess is more than a game - it’s a tool for building confidence, resilience, and thoughtful decision-making.

Coach Antonio Rabadan joined BAC's Team in 2024 Fall!

Coach Antonio was born in Mexico City and lives in San Jose since 2001,  he is a Structural Engineer and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and of the American Concrete Institute, Antonio has been teaching chess in the French-American School of Silicon Valley for 12 years and in the Second School of Silicon Valley for 3 years. in his free time he enjoys visiting the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco and building models of structures.

Coach Griffin joined BAC Coaching Team in 2024.

We are happy to having Coach Griffin joining us!

Below is the statement from Coach Griffin:

Chess is my passion!

I love conveying my enthusiasm for chess and helping students have fun, learn and improve.

Coach Fred joined BayAreaChess in January 2023!

I started playing chess at age 5 when my dad taught me how to play. He was a hobby/casual player and just know how to move the pieces with a scant knowledge of tactics and chess theory. Soon enough after a month I have to find neighbors and friends as opposing players because he would lose to me most of the time.

Coach Darryl Joined BayAreaChess's Coaching Staff in October 2022!

Darryl Kwan is a Bay Area native who has been playing chess for 45 years. His peak was playing first board at Borel Middle School in San Mateo, California. He went on to play Varsity tennis in high school and graduated from UC Berkeley. His idol was Bobby Fisher. He is searching for him since in his students.