Begin your journey with us YesChess

At YesChess, we are committed to offering chess enthusiasts of all skill levels access to exceptional resources, expert guidance, and a thriving community. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or an advanced player aiming to refine your expertise, we provide the tools and support needed to elevate your game and achieve your chess aspirations.

Join us in a world where chess transcends the boundaries of a game—it evolves into a passion and a journey toward excellence.

coach and 3 boys smiling
child smiling

Donald Johnson Founder and President

Hello, my name is Donald Johnson. I am the founder of YesChess and I am a FIDE Master in chess. From the moment I walked into a chess camp when I was 10, I had a burning passion for the game that changed my life in so many amazing ways, teaching me how to fight adversity, go all-out in pursuit of my dreams, good sportsmanship, and so much more and now I am dedicated to helping others gain these vital skills through chess. Recognizing none of my journey would have been possible without an incredible support system, through yesChess, I am dedicated to serving the community and giving people the hand they need to thrive. I have been coaching chess since age 13 and am passionate about helping people and leading the next generation.

Some of Chess Accomplishments

  • Wins against many Olympiad players, including Grandmasters Razvan Preotu (Canada) and Alonso Zapata (Colombia)
  • Co-Champion, North American Youth Chess Championship U16, Calgary, AB, Canada, 2022
  • First Place (Tied), World Open U2300, Philadelphia, PA, 2022
  • First Place (Tied), US Open U2400, Norfolk, VA.2024
  • NC State Champion K-8. Raleigh, NC. 2020
  • Top 10 Rated Chess Players in the Country by Age, January 2025
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donald johnson

Our Team

Mastering strategy, move by move – join the team redefining excellence in chess.

ewa harazinska

Ewa Harazińska

Ewa Harazińska is a Polish Woman International Master (WIM). She has earned multiple medals in the European Youth Chess Championships and secured a bronze medal at the Polish Women's Blitz Chess Championship. In 2015, she achieved her highest ELO rating of 2310 points. Ewa is currently a Ph.D. student in Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). She joined the team to support Donald and the youth chess programs.

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maya myers

Maya Myers

Maya started chess at 4 years old. She is a class A player, with some of her accomplishments being a 4-time All-Girls National Team Champion. Her passion in chess is finding tactical problems on the board as well as solving them in books. Maya has been coaching for five years at various schools in New York City that compete at nationals every year. When she is not playing the game, you can find her directing chess tournaments. She is a US chess tournament director.

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andy woodward

Andy Woodward

Andy Woodward is one of the World’s youngest Grandmasters. He is the highest-rated 14-year-old in the country. Andy earned the IM title at the age of 12 and recently achieved the GM title at the age of 13 years and 8 months, becoming the second youngest U.S. Grandmaster in history. Andy is also the winner of several strong tournaments, including the 2023 Spice Cup, the 2024 Summer Chess Classic (Group B), and the 2024 Philadelphia International. Outside chess, Andy loves playing piano, and participating in church activities and is here to support Donald and his youth at chess programs.

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andrew wu

Andrew Wu

Andrew Wu is a 7th grader at JM Robinson Middle School in Charlotte, NC. After five years of competitive chess, Andrew earned the National Master (NM) title in August 2024 at the age of 12. Currently, his USCF rating is 2254. He is ranked #5 in the NC Junior Ranking.

In July 2024, he represented the NC State as the NC Chess Champion (K-8) to attend the Barber National Tournament of Middle School Champions. In March 2023, he won the champion in the NC Chess Championship (K-5) as a 5th grader. Andrew is currently a coach in the "Kids Helping Kids" program at our bilingual Sunday chess school at the OllieTree Foundation.

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ethan liu

Ethan Liu

Ethan is in ninth grade at Ardrey Kell Highschool in Charlotte, NC. He has earned chess National Master's ranking in 2024 and 3rd place at K-12 Nationals 2024. Outside chess he enjoys running and debate. Ethan is currently a coach at our bilingual Sunday chess school and teaching in Matthews Community Center.

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henry chen

Henry Chen

Henry Chen is an eleventh-grade student in the School of Science and Mathematics in Morganton North Carolina. Henry is a highly competitive chess player. He enjoys swimming and running. Henry is currently a coach and coordinator at our bilingual Sunday chess school and teaching in Matthews Community Center.

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Why Choose Us Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve chess to people of all ages and skill levels across the globe and give them the resources they need to thrive.

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Benefits of Chess

  • Boosts Creativity
  • Improves Problem-Solving Skills
  • Improves Social Skills
  • Fosters Companionship

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