Brian Garbera: Championship Chess in Richmond, VA

 

 

Coach Brian Garbera is the Championship Chess affiliate in Richmond, Virginia. Even before working with Championship Chess, Brian was a devoted chess player and teacher and worked with the Virginia Scholastic Chess Association to support chess for students across the state. Brian’s current USCF OTB (Over-the-Board) rating is 1872; but, in 1995, when playing more than teaching, he reached a high of 2071.

As a Championship Chess affiliate, Brian and his team of coaches, work with over 20 schools in the greater Richmond area. Championship Chess of Richmond also runs open classes and camps across the area throughout the year.

Brian’s experience as a chess coach includes working with children in elementary school through teaching children and adults in a continuing education class at a Community College. His first experience teaching chess to young people was in Pittsburg, PA, in the 1980s, and he continued to work with children even before becoming a full-time Championship Chess affiliate. Brian has also been a certified Tournament Director.

Even now, Brian continues to improve his skills, taking 3 years of chess lessons over the phone with Chess Master Russell Potter (Roanoke, VA); and, is an avid player including Gameknot, Freechess, and USCF rated events OTB and Postal; and, studies using Chessbase and Fritz.

For those of in the Richmond area, you will occasionally find Brian at Bon Air (VA) Chess Club (club rating around 2000) on the 1^st and 3^rd Fridays of each month.