Daniel Vellotti

Founder and President of
Vellotti's International Chess School®

As a published author and nationally renowned children's chess trainer of fifteen years, Coach Daniel Vellotti is the Founder and CEO of Vellotti's Chess School. He has additionally developed an innovative and original "Success in Chess" Training System®. This system includes a comprehensive curriculum and complete set of Workbooks designed to take students ages 3 and up from Beginner to Advanced levels.

Coach Vellotti's proprietary "Teaching and Learning" storytelling method allows all children to feel comfortable in playing and improving their game. Integrated into all the Vellotti's Chess School programs, classes, camps, and events are unique lesson plans that help students make rapid progress, master chess strategy and tactics with ease, and have fun in an exciting and action-packed way.

Ava Vellotti

Program Director and
Franchise Development Coordinator

Ava Vellotti thoroughly enjoys her job of getting to know each and every family that joins the School. A native New Yorker who attended Georgetown University, Ms. Vellotti goes to great lengths to find the perfect programming fit for every student. Thoroughly convinced that chess helps boys and girls become more successful in both life and academics, Ms. Vellotti is passionate about promoting the benefits of chess for everyone.

She takes special care to individually recognize each student that she meets, and she is accessible and welcoming to every parent in our many programs. Please feel free to contact her directly for more info about any of our classes, tournaments, camps, or upcoming events. Ms. Vellotti may also be contacted regarding our nationwide Franchise offerings for both pre-school and elementary age students.

Carl Vellotti

Chess Expert, Director of Curriculum

Carl Vellotti is a National Chess Champion and 2x Idaho High School Chess Champion. A current Bioengineering student at the University of California, Los Angeles, he reigns as one of the top players in the State for both youth & adults. As both a community leader and an academic standout, Carl is considered by parents to be a great role model for their children.

Some his many accomplishments include 2013 National Merit Finalist, Mayor's Student City Council, National Honor Society President, and Boise High Swim Team Captain. He teaches students and designs curriculum for students for all ages.

Luke Vellotti

International Chess Master &
Senior Instructor

Luke Vellotti is an International Chess Master and a three-time National chess champion. He is a member of the United States Junior Math Olympiad and a six-time All American U.S. Chess team member. He is also an AP National Scholar, a National Merit Finalist, and a three-time State Champion for both Math and Science Bowl.

Luke's future plans include attaining the title of Grandmaster in chess, and training to become a research Physician-Scientist for his career. He will be attending University of California, Los Angeles along with his older brother, Carl Vellotti. Luke currently works as a Senior Instructor at Vellotti's Chess School.

Alise Pemsler

Featured Silver-Level Instructor &
Idaho's Women's Chess Champion

Alise Pemsler is both an accomplished chess coach and a certified USCF tournament director. An MBA grad educated at Northwestern University, Ms. Pemsler brings a professional approach to her chess instruction. Using a structured set of curriculum and puzzle worksheets, she is well prepared for each and every class.

Her great enthusiasm for the game and joy of working with students makes her a fun instructor for all levels of elementary age students. She is highly regarded as a tremendous asset to Vellotti's coaching team by both students and parents alike. Ms. Pemsler is additionally the proud mom to her daughter, Carmen, a state champion and national ranked competitor.