art2000f

Jan 21, 2022

0

#1

Manasota Chess Center

manasotachesscenter@gmail.com

(941) 313 - 5589

The Crossings at Siesta Key
3501 South Tamiami Trail
Suite #306
Sarasota, FL 34239

art2000f

Jan 21, 2022

0

#2

OUR STORY

The Manasota Chess Center began operations on June 6, 2021. Our unique dedicated location at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, coupled with the scope of our chess offerings, allows us to serve as a chess community hub for Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

We offer in-person match play and tournaments, as well as coaching options, in a safe and permanent building. Individual lessons and group classes, workshops, and lectures are core to our mission, and players of all levels can attend them to work on their game. Our chess training and advisory staff includes experienced US Chess Federation (USCF) certified coaches, including two FIDE Grandmasters.

Whether you are a chess professional, a scholastic student, adult, senior citizen, or you are looking to learn how to play for the first time, we are here to offer an environment for chess where it is possible to learn, compete, and connect.

art2000f

Jan 21, 2022

0

#3

MEMBERSHIP

Why Should I Become a Member?

Free casual play
Discounts on tournaments and merchandise
Access to GM-led classes, events, and workshops
Access to chess library/museum (check-out items)

How Much Does it Cost?

A yearly membership for on-site play costs $50 a year.
There is no cost for Chess.com club membership. Absolutely Free Online.

What does MCC do with the membership fee?

Memberships and donations go towards offsetting the operational costs of running programs at the chess center.

art2000f

Jan 21, 2022

0

#4

Club Founders

ABOUT US

The Manasota Chess Center was founded in January 2021 and began operations on June 6, 2021. Our unique dedicated location at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, coupled with the scope of our chess offerings, allows us to serve as a chess community hub for Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

art2000f

Jan 21, 2022

0

#5

OUR LEADERS

Committed to the Cause

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Manasota Chess Center. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.

Founder and Executive Director

Nicholas Lewis is the founder and executive director of the Manasota Chess Center. He learned how to play chess in college and quickly became a chess enthusiast and fell in love with the game. He served as the president of the Florida State University Chess Club. Outside of chess, he is a professional technologist and professional violinist.

Co-Founder and Vice President

Dan Hersey is the vice president and co-founder of the Manasota Chess Center. He has been a member of the United States Chess Federation for over hirty years, and has been instrumental in the operations of chess clubs and scholastic chess programs during that time. Having worn many professional ats, he has worked as a Behavior Analyst, an Engineer, and an Educator. Currently tutoring mathematics privately, he has always enjoyed turning tudents into better chess players than him.

Board Chair

Monica Sirocchi is the Founder and Executive Director of Strings Con Brio, a 60 member community string orchestra in Sarasota, FL, and a violinist in the ensemble. She holds a Masters of Nonprofit Management, Bachelors of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Health Services Administration, and a Minor in Music. Monica has served on boards since 2010, and continues to volunteer in the areas of project and volunteer management, strategic planning, and development. She resides in Sarasota, and is thrilled to be part of the administrative leadership for Manasota Chess Center.