Empowering Youth Through Education and Gifting
Real Chess Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunity for youth through the discipline, strategy, and confidence‑building power of chess. We believe every child deserves access to tools that strengthen critical thinking, emotional resilience, and decision‑making — skills that shape leaders for life.
Our work centers on a simple idea: one board can change a future. Through our Board Gift Program, we place high‑quality chess sets directly into the hands of students, families, and schools that need them most. Each board is offered with instruction, mentorship, and character‑building concepts to ensure learning continues long after the first move.
Real Chess Foundation blends education, mentorship, and community engagement to help young people thrive on and off the board. Guided by a founder‑led commitment to excellence and measurable impact, our team and partners share one mission: use chess as a catalyst for confidence, opportunity, and lifelong success.
Meet Our Passionate Team
ANDREW SALTMAN
Executive Director
With over 40 years of chess experience, Andrew—taught by his father at a young age—has a deep passion for using the game to build youth confidence, strategic thinking, and intellectual growth. He has led numerous community initiatives and lives in the Jacksonville, Florida area with his wife and their three children. A father to two rising young chess competitors, Andrew continues a family tradition of chess that spans multiple generations.
Kelly
Program Coordinator
Kelly is a dedicated chess advocate and skilled event planner who plays a central role in creating meaningful, youth‑focused outreach experiences. As the parent of two chess players—and the wife of a lifelong player—she brings both passion and perspective to every program she helps shape. Kelly has developed a range of initiatives that engage children, promote strategic thinking, and encourage thoughtful board giving throughout the community.l.
Orrin Hudson
Strategic Consultant & Board Member
Orrin is a dedicated community advocate and longtime leader in Atlanta, serving as President of Be Someone, where he champions the philosophy of using brains over bullets to uplift inner‑city youth. He works tirelessly to create chess events that foster learning, collaboration, and friendship among players of all ages—especially children—while promoting chess as a powerful tool for confidence and positive decision‑making.
Sammy
Youth Academy Specialist
With a blend of creativity and analytical skill, Sammy champions chess education and competition that inspires and connects young players across the community. He highlights the game’s impact on youth development and enjoys helping beginners learn the fundamentals. A multi‑time youth champion in North Florida through The Knight School of Northeast Florida, Sammy brings both experience and enthusiasm to every child he mentors.
Kevin Pryor
Strategic Consultant & Board Member
Kevin Pryor is a retired corporate leader and influential figure in Florida chess. Since helping revive the Jacksonville Chess Club in 2014, he has become a Senior Tournament Director, Certified Chess Coach, and founder of a youth‑focused chess academy. He has led the Florida Chess Association as President since 2018 and previously served on several US Chess committees. He is currently the President of the US Chess Federation - USChess.org.
Eladio Alameda
Outside Strategic Consultant
Eladio “Coach Al” Alameda is a certified chess coach with over 30 years of experience developing players from beginner to championship level. A longtime U.S. Chess Federation member, he is known for creating The 3‑Piece Pawn Game™, a simplified teaching method that helps new players grasp core concepts quickly—often enabling children and adults to start playing real chess in minutes. He is also the founder of Kids Learn Chess, a Jacksonville‑based program and chess academy.