Our Team

Raj is a high school junior who leads curriculum design for CheckMates, creating lesson structures that help chapters deliver a more consistent and engaging learning experience. His work helps shape the instructional foundation used across the organization while still allowing chapters flexibility in how they teach. Raj is also developing a chess-based app designed to strengthen logic and spatial reasoning in younger students, with the goal of supporting chapter instruction in the future. He discovered chess during the pandemic and quickly grew from a player into a teacher passionate about helping others develop confidence and critical thinking through the game. Outside of chess, Raj enjoys playing basketball with friends in his neighborhood.

Yuvraj Chennareddy is a five-time state chess champion, three-time national chess champion, and a World Cadet Chess Champion. Consistently ranked among the top in his age group, he has remained a standout talent even after more than five years away from competitive play. At Checkmates, he works to inspire and develop the next generation of chess players. He leads outreach efforts, serves as treasurer, and manages funds allocated to chapters. Beyond chess, Yuvraj is also an accomplished math competitor with multiple USAJMO qualifications, and he is involved in DECA while also playing tennis for his school.