Danial Wilson, president and founder of Wilson Chess, builds his work as a private coach, high school coach, tournament director, and tournament organizer on his life-long fascination with chess. Starting out as a competitive chess player, he now has over 10 years of experience in teaching chess, and is  certified as a National Tournament Director by USCF, and is a FIDE Arbiter.

Danial was the first ever recipient of the CPS Coach of the Year award in 2019 for leading Taft High School to be one of the best teams as a non-selective enrollment school in Chicago. In the most recent years, the team has placed in the top 50 at the Illinois State Championships.

He has been invited to assume a multitude of chess-related positions in the Chicagoland area and beyond, including serving as a chief tournament director and organizer at multiple large national US Chess events, proctoring for Chess.com, as well as consulting and tournament directing for the not-for-profit Chicago Chess Foundation. 

Danial also focuses on the betterment of the community by coordinating fundraising events for school programs and charities.

Arjun is an International Master originally from India. He has a passion for the game of chess and truly enjoys passing along his expertise. Arjun is an established coach with 15+ years of experience teaching and mentoring students. Many of them, with his help, have achieved significant accomplishments. 

Accomplishments:

• International Master by 16 years of age

• British Junior chess champion 2001

• National G/60 Chess Champion of the United States, 2006

• Runner-up in the World Open (U2400), United States, 2007

• Champion in the First Saturday IM A Tournament

• Champion in the First Saturday IM A Tournament achieving Final IM Norm in Budapest, Hungary, 2007 

Austin Earsley is a full-time chess coach with over 15 years of experience working with students of all ages, from beginners to advanced tournament players. Since beginning his coaching career in 2009, Austin has helped students build strong fundamentals, improve tournament performance, and develop a lifelong love for the game.

Based in Illinois, Austin brings extensive experience in scholastic chess, including coaching in school programs and competitive team environments throughout the Chicago area. He has worked with a wide range of students from those learning the basics to those competing at the state and national levels.

As a competitive player, Austin holds a USCF rating near 2000 and has earned a FIDE rating around 1900. His tournament accomplishments include a state championship title and multiple strong performances in high-level events.

Austin’s coaching style is structured, engaging, and results-driven. He focuses on building critical thinking skills, confidence, and discipline which are key traits that extend far beyond the chessboard. His goal is to create a positive, challenging environment where students can grow, compete, and succeed.