Discover the passionate individuals driving our chess mission forward with dedication and expertise.
Our Team
Co-Founder
Community Ambassador
Event Coordinator
Marketing Manager
Akemi Kwan
Jacob Sutton
Axel Pilette
Shawnak Shivakumar
Evie Filipek
Shivakumar, a FIDE Master with a peak Elo of 2431 and a former World Rank #4 in the U-16 category, claimed the title of 2022 World U-15 Champion. His achievements reflect a deep strategic expertise and commitment to the game, which he brings to our organization as Co-Founder. Shivakumar’s leadership and competitive insight are invaluable to our community, motivating players to push their limits and excel in tournaments at every level.
With a peak Chess.com rating of 2200, Axel combines his mastery of chess with a strong commitment to service. As President of both the M-A Service Learning Center and Youth Men’s Service League, he brings a unique community focus to our organization, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for players of all backgrounds. Axel’s leadership ensures that our organization emphasizes both competitive excellence and positive impact within the community.
With a background in journalism, Akemi brings strong communication skills and a knack for outreach to her role as Event Coordinator. Her expertise in connecting with people ensures our tournaments and events are well-organized and widely promoted. Akemi’s dedication to detail and passion for creating memorable experiences make her an invaluable asset in growing our community and expanding our reach.
As a Varsity basketball player, Jacob brings athleticism, discipline, and a team-oriented mindset to his role as Community Ambassador. His experience on the court equips him with the resilience and leadership skills that make him a natural connector, inspiring others to explore chess alongside athletic pursuits. Jacob actively promotes our organization at school and community events, bridging the gap between sports and strategy, and encouraging a dynamic, inclusive chess culture.
Evie brings a wealth of experience to her role as Marketing Manager, with a strong background in managing social media accounts. Her expertise in creating engaging content and building online communities ensures our organization reaches a broad audience. Evie’s creativity and strategic approach help elevate our events and achievements, making chess accessible and exciting for players and fans alike. She is passionate about showcasing our community’s successes and fostering a vibrant online presence.
