About Checkmate Tournaments
Hello, my name is Brett Verhagen and I am the instructor of Checkmate Tournaments. For the past eight years I have been immersed in educating children as young as three years old to adults in the subject areas of: chess, Kempo Karate, computer science, and general education and have enjoyed every minute of it. I relish teaching individuals to expand their minds and become independent thinkers.
Please read below a detailed list of my past experiences. Thank you for
considering Checkmate Tournaments and I hope to meet you soon.
- 2009: Graduated UNLV with a B.A. in Computer Science with an emphasis on Elementary and Secondary Education.
- 2008 - 2009: Taught 7 and 8th grade at Explorer Knowledge Academy.
- Explorer Knowledge Academy is a project-based school, which allows students to direct their learning. I managed the following classes at that school: Earth Science, Physical Science, US NV History, World Geography, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and 7th/8th grade math.
- 2004 - Present: Run after-school chess programs at private and public schools in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin, including the Silver Springs and Black Mountain recreation centers.
- 2003 - 2005: Taught private, individual chess lessons.
- 2001: Taught Kempo Karate at United Studios of Self Defense for one year.
Interested in knowing more? Contact Friday, the friendly owner and chess instructor, with your questions and thoughts at (702) 339-6821 or