Our Story
Great Lakes Chess was created by Jim VanVorhis to help expand the world of chess into schools around the Toledo area. Great Lakes Chess is now owned by Ryan Clayton, national master and Toledo’s highest rated player, and joined by coach Austin Baker, another one of Toledo’s premier players. Great Lakes Chess continues to bring chess into the lives of students in the Toledo area.
Great Lakes Chess has long-standing classes in numerous schools along with students from dozens of schools in Northwest Ohio. Boasting many championships over the years, Great Lakes Chess is the premier chess instruction program in Northwest Ohio.
Coach Ryan Clayton giving a lecture to a room full of students
—Matt (Chess Dad)
“Each lesson is filled with new insights, and Coach Ryan knows how to match his instruction to the ability and interests of his students.”
—Katie (Chess Mom)
“Great Lakes Chess has taught our boys not only how to play chess, but also notation, opens, moves, and strategies. Coach Ryan makes chess fun and goes above and beyond to support the kids, such as traveling to tournaments and helping review wins/losses so kids learn how to improve.”
Coach Austin Baker