About Us
About Chess A2Z
Chess A2Z is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit chess organization founded by Austin Tang and Zoey Tang, who grew up in the Oregon chess community and believe deeply in learning, growing together, and giving back.
Our mission is to make chess more accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for young players of all backgrounds. We believe chess is more than competition or ratings. It is a powerful way to build confidence, resilience, critical thinking, and a sense of community.
At Chess A2Z, we place emphasis on inclusion and access, with a special focus on supporting girls, low-income families, and players from rural areas. Through scholarships, outreach initiatives, and community-based events, we work to reduce barriers and open doors to meaningful chess experiences.
Our Founders
Austin Tang is the Founder and Program Lead of Chess A2Z and a USCF National Master. He leads the organization’s day-to-day planning, programs, and tournaments, drawing from his experiences as both a competitive player and a mentor. Austin enjoys building environments where students can improve their chess while gaining confidence, discipline, and a love for learning that extends beyond the board.
Selected Chess Achievements:
- Champion – 2024, 2025 Oregon Junior Closed Championship
- 6th Place – 2025 U.S. K–12 Grade National Championship
- Champion – 2022, 2024 Oregon Closed Invitational, Challengers Section
- Champion – 2018–2019, 2023–2025 OSCF State Championship (5 times)
- Oregon Representative – 2025 National Denker High School Championship
- Oregon Representative – 2023, 2024 National Barber Middle School Championship
- Co-Champion – 2021 Rockefeller National Tournament of Elementary State Champions
- Champion – 2020 US Chess / ChessKid Online Elementary Championship (K–5)
Zoey Tang is a Founder and Advisor of Chess A2Z and a FIDE Woman Grandmaster. She brings a long-term perspective shaped by years of high-level competition and youth engagement. As an Advisor, she helps guide the organization’s values, educational approach, and outreach priorities, with a strong commitment to creating welcoming spaces, especially for girls and players from underrepresented backgrounds.
Selected Chess Achievements:
- Champion – 2025 US Girls’ Junior Championship
- Samford Fellow – 2025, awarded to elite chess players by the U.S. Chess Trust
- Tied for 1st – 2024 Continental Women’s Championship
- Champion – 2023 North American Junior Championship (Girls U20)
- Champion – 2023 Pan-American Youth Championship (Girls U16)
- Champion – 2023 & 2024 Oregon Closed Championship (youngest and first female champion)
- Champion – 2022 North American Youth Chess Championship (Girls U18)
- Champion – 2021 North American Youth Chess Championship (Girls U14)