Viraj Shah

About Viraj Shah

African Continental Chess Champion turned strategy-driven problem solver. With 12+ years…

Experience

1. Regional Director

   Checkmate Academy

   Aug 2024 — Present

   Passionate about expanding chess education, I have been leading the growth of Checkmate Academy into new regions, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Through strategic outreach, negotiations, and program development, I have successfully introduced after-school chess programs to numerous schools, creating opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic skills.In my role, I have worked closely with school administrators, adapted pricing structures to fit different communities, and ensured high-quality instruction by recruiting and training exceptional chess educators. My experience includes launching chess clubs in diverse school environments, securing long-term partnerships, and managing logistics to ensure smooth operations.Additionally, I have gained valuable insights from my co-director’s experience in scaling the program across 40+ schools in California, which has equipped me with a strong foundation in expansion strategies and operational efficiency.Committed to making chess accessible to all students, I continuously seek innovative ways to grow our reach and impact. If you\'re interested in bringing a dynamic chess program to your school, let’s connect!