About Us
Our Story
“We’ve been playing chess since kindergarten, not knowing how it was shaping us. Over time, we realized it taught us patience, strategic thinking, and resilience. We founded The Chess Bros. to share that experience with kids who might not otherwise have access. What began as a local effort grew into a mission to make chess fun, inclusive, and empowering.
The Chess Bros. is more than just a game — it’s about connection, growth, and giving back.”
Co-founder, Choco & Jody
Our Team
Founded in 2022 in New Jersey, USA, The Chess Bros began with a simple mission: to bring the power of chess to communities near and far. In 2025, we expanded to Central Asia, welcoming another dynamic duo to our team. Together, we aim to reach even more young minds—making chess more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring than ever before.
Choco Chen
Founder, President
Choco is a senior at Fair Lawn High School. His chess journey began in first grade through an after-school program. Ever since then, he has developed a strong interest in this universal board game, participating in numerous local, state, and even national-level tournaments. He has been the president of the chess club at his high school since freshman year. Under his leadership, the club has been involved in various outreach programs. He founded The Chess Bros with his brother, Jody, to share the lifelong benefits of chess with children who might not otherwise have access.
Chess has sharpened Choco’s focus, memory, and pattern recognition, all of which have strengthened his piano playing and helped him become an accomplished musician. After achieving a perfect score on the SAT math section, he began tutoring his peers, helping them overcome challenges and succeed during this stressful time.
Jody Chen
Founder, Vice President
Jody is a sophomore at Bergen County Academies (BCA), a prestigious magnet high school in New Jersey, where he studies in the Academy for Technology and Computer Science. He has been playing chess since kindergarten and became a private chess tutor at the age of 10 after achieving success in numerous state-grade-level championships. His teaching style is caring and adaptive, always challenging his students to advance—just as he pushes himself. Under Jody’s guidance and encouragement, many of his students have become rated chess players.
Jody has a passion for public service. He recently graduated from Youth Police Academy in Bergen County, NJ. In addition to math and chess, he also tutors English to ESL students through his school club.
Aktan Beishekeev
Central Asia Regional Director
Aktan Kadyrova is a 17-year-old student at School #61, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, passionate about education equity and youth empowerment through strategic thinking. Inspired by the power of chess to build confidence, focus, and problem-solving skills, Aktan joined The Chess Bros to bring free, high-quality chess instruction to underserved communities. With deep roots across Central Asia and a regional outlook, Aktan brings strong leadership, vision, and a collaborative spirit to every initiative. He sees chess as more than a game—it’s a powerful tool to spark curiosity, build community, and open doors for young minds throughout the region.
At his spare time, Aktan enjoys developing games and playing soccer.
Zhanat Beishekeev
Central Asia – Kyrgyzstan Director