Franc Guadalupe
Adviser
Adviser and great friend of The Chess Academy – Francisco (Franc) Guadalupe is the Chief USCF Executive Director of Chess, a FIDE Arbiter and USCF National Tournament Director. His experience is quite extensive in both scholastic and adult events. In the last few years, Franc has been the Chief TD for more National events than any other TD in the country. Chief TD of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 US Class Championships; the 2008 Pan American Class Championships; numerous US Opens, Chief TD for the 2010 US Open, Chief Arbiter of the 2008 WC Olympiad Selection for Nigeria, Zone 2, Assistant Arbiter for the 2006 US Championship, member of the USCF Scholastic Committee and the Tournament Director Certification Committee. In 2009, he received the USCF Tournament Director of the Year award. Franc is originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico and has a business degree from St. Leo University, 23 years in the U.S. Army; wife Bonnie served for 12 years. They have six children, the youngest two in college. One of his sons, Francisco II, is a chess master at University of Texas at Dallas where he studies Electrical Engineering, Jonathan is a combat medic serving in Afghanistan.
Jim Liptrap
Adviser
James (Jim) Liptrap – is an adviser, friend and confidant of the highest caliber to The Chess Academy, the Owner of Klein Chess Adventure. Senior Tournament Director for the USCF, Houston Chess Association Area tournament director. Jim has been senior tournament director for more than 650 chess tournaments, and nearly 4,000 sections of chess. He is the Organizing President of the Fox Valley Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, in Illinois. He’s a former Klein High School chemistry teacher and collector of antique cars. The most respected experienced, intelligent chess person we have ever met. He has been called “The Guru of Games, The Sultan of Sections.” No single person has done more for chess in the Greater Houston Area. To find area chess tournaments, coaches and more about chess, simply click on Jim’s picture. Jim Liptrap is Houston Chess!
Henry Ayala
CEO/DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Chairman of the Board Henry Ayala is an accomplished father and professional musician of 34 years. He is a parent of the Chess Academy Club President and Certified Level 1 Coach, Christian Ayala. He is passionate about the game of chess and what it brings to today’s generation. He is always prepared to do whatever needs to be done to make The Chess Academy successful.