Communications Department Transitions

US Chess is pleased to announce two new employees in the Communications Department:

Matt Monta (left) is now our Digital Assistant.

Nico Esaltare (right) is now our Graphics Assistant.

Matt Monta

Matt reports to Chess Life/Chess Life Online Editor John Hartmann. He is a communications professional with a wide range of experience in state government and the non-profit sector. Throughout his career, he has shared stories through photography, music, video, voiceover, trade shows and displays, and of course, the written word.

He learned to play chess as a child, but didn’t take it too seriously until the end of 2019, when a longtime flicker of interest grew into a fiery passion. He started weekly lessons, read every issue of Chess Life, and even competed in his first rated over-the-board tournaments in 2021.

Through his commitment to learning and understanding the game and its surrounding history and culture, Matt believes chess is a true microcosm of life whose lessons can be applied to any pursuit, material or spiritual. “Anyone can play and everyone can learn,” he said. “From logic and planning to practicing patience to accepting and overcoming loss graciously-- chess is an endless fount of inspiration.”

Outside of work, Matt is a musician, singer-songwriter, and performer who has released several albums and appeared on many others. He plays a Gibson J-45 and a 1985 Telecaster ’62 Reissue. Matt currently lives in Richmond, VA with his wife Kristina, who knows how to play chess, and their 9-pound tabby Sophie, who refuses to learn.

Nico Esaltare

Nico reports to Art Director Natasha Roberts. Working as both a chess coach and graphic designer, Nicole has seen that the chess community is full to the brim with fantastic people all with different skill levels but all connected through the game. She likes to keep busy with projects and hobbies such as writing/Illustrating a kids book, playing sports (soccer and basketball mostly) and board games. She is a foodie and loves to explore. Nico also has two cats Sushi and Boba.