GM Ruifeng Li
FIDE Elo: 2545
Rate: ~$70/hr
Practical Experience: I learned to play chess at the age of five. Largely self-taught and somewhat of a late bloomer, my first major tournament accomplishment was winning silver at the 2011 World Youth Chess Championships in the U-10 section. My peak years stretched from 2016 to 2018, during which I won the National Open once, the North American Open twice, and the Philadelphia Open twice, along with a slew of other events. At my best, I ranked 14th in the US and around 300th in the world.
Coaching Experience: During the pandemic era, I lectured several times as a guest instructor for the US Chess School. Over the years, I also took a significant role in coaching my younger sister, WFM Rachael Li. Outside of these experiences, I have been teaching private lessons for four years.
Email: ruifengli@utexas.edu
Discord: chairmanlmao_01
CM Rohun Trakru
Title: National Master / FIDE Candidate Master Peak
USCF Rating: 2203
Rate: ~$45/hr
Achievements:
- 5-time Texas State Champion
- 10-time Regional Champion
- Gold Medalist, North American Youth Chess Championships
- 3-time World Youth Chess Championship Qualifier (Top 10 finish, representing the United States)
- Texas Representative, Barber Tournament of Middle School State Champions
Coaching Experience: I have successfully coached multiple local high schools and middle schools, leading teams (including my own) to Top 3 finishes at Nationals. Over the years, I’ve provided personalized lessons to numerous students, helping them achieve their rating goals quickly and effectively.
Email: rohuntrakru@gmail.com
Discord: BabyBoss31#8113
Dang Nguyen
USCF Peak Rating: 2074
Rate: ~ $30/hour
Practical Experiences: I started playing chess at the age of 5. Competitively at 6, where I soon competed at the highest level including representing Team USA at the 2011 World Youth Chess Championships in Brazil in the U-8 section. I largely grew into chess during 2013-2016 where I achieved the “Expert” level USCF rating at tournaments nationwide including North American Open, Southwest Open, Southwest Class, National Open, and K-12 Nationals where I’ve podiumed frequently. At my best, I was #2 in Texas in my age group and was feared among Texas youth.
Coaching Experiences: After retiring from competitive chess in 2017, I turned to casual chess, in which I exclusively play 1+0 bullet online and 3+0 blitz OTB. I quickly took a strong leadership position at the UT Austin Chess Club where I mentor beginners and newcomers, guiding the Texas team to 4x appearances and 3x U1800 First Place titles in the Pan-American Team Chess Championships. Recently, I started privately coaching young beginners and Texas Athletes who have a passion for chess.
Email: dangnguyenatx@gmail.com
Discord: skydragoon