Travis Patay is the Founder and President of

Big Picture Chess Inc. 

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Travis is a self-taught USCF Candidate Master who has been competing since 1999 and coaching chess since 2001, when he won clear first place in the U1600 section of the World Open and $10,000. He was the captain of the St. Francis Prep Chess Team, leading them to the NYC Catholic H.S. League Championship in 2002. Travis continued to work with the team as the head coach and trainer, helping to produce four straight varsity and junior varsity championships from 2003 to 2006. During this time, his students won class sections at Continental Chess Association tournaments.

 

Since then, Travis has gained experience teaching chess in various private and public schools in NYC to elementary and middle school-aged children. He was the coach of the 2008 K-6 NY State Champion and the 2025 World Open U1600 Champion. Additionally, Travis has taught chess to students as young as 4 years old. His teaching philosophy centers not only on teaching chess but also on teaching students how to think logically; this way, they can be prepared for virtually any situation that may arise on the chessboard.