About the Founder

Andy Ngo

Founder & head coach, Youth Chess Initiative · Greater Jackson, Mississippi

Teaching kids to love the game.

Andy Ngo founded the Youth Chess Initiative to make high-quality chess instruction free and accessible for families across the greater Jackson area. What began as a handful of kids around a single board has grown into a welcoming community club where beginners and advanced players learn side by side.

A lifelong chess player and dedicated volunteer, Andy believes the game teaches far more than tactics — patience, resilience, sportsmanship, and the confidence to think a few moves ahead in life as well as on the board.

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By the numbers

Impact at a glance.

A running tally of the Initiative's reach in the community.

150+Kids taught

3Years coaching

200+Free sessions led

500+Volunteer hours

Highlights

Milestones & achievements.

A snapshot of the work behind the club. Edit these to reflect Andy's real accomplishments — they're written to read well on a resume or grant application.

Founded the Youth Chess Initiative — launched a free, volunteer-run chess program serving the greater Jackson area.
Built a beginner-to-advanced curriculum — structured lessons taking new players from the rules to tournament-level strategy.
Grew community participation — expanded from a small group to a recurring club with steady weekly attendance.
Mentored emerging players — coached students to their first competitive tournaments and rated games.