Fundamental Chess Academy

"I played chess when i was 6 and i lost and hated it, 4 years later i still hated it until one day i found this chess club "fundamental chess". Ok lets give it a go and it changed my vision of chess. Even in these c19 times master derek still finds a way to do the classes, friday knights, ext."

"Coach Derrek is amazing. He teaches and makes the kids love Chess."

"Even though my son knew how to play chess, he wanted to reach a higher level as well as play other kids. We couldn't be happier that we found Fundamental Chess Academy (FCA) run by Coach Derek, who by the way, has the patience of a saint. We started off purchasing a bundle of lessons (best deal) that he teaches throughout the week including weekends. He integrates the lessons with the kids playing each other to help build their skills. FCA also offers tournaments to help the kids get their official USCF rating and continue to build upon it. Coach Derek encourages the kids to enter the larger tournaments, which we have made a family event. So far he has attended each of the larger tournaments that we have entered and does a complimentary analysis with each of his students on their games. He is also there to assist and encourage the kids if they don't win. Coach Derek and his staff are committed to helping each of his students learn, improve their game, and also have fun at the same time. We even started taking 1-on-1 coaching to improve my son's games (I listen in on the coaching, which has greatly helped me improve my game as well). Very highly recommended!"

"My son had been taking after school chess and can't get enough of it. Wanted to sign him up for something over the summer and found fundamental chess accidentally on the Irvine rec classes. Although quite a commute for us, we feel so lucky to have found them. Not only are they both amazing chess masters, they are professional, respectful and patient. After his first class he was jumping up and down in his seat on he way home saying "I love it so much-can't wait to play some more!" I don't care if he gets any ranking- just seeing the little guy so passionate about something makes it all priceless and worthwhile."