US Chess Announces New Events Manager and New Graphic Design Assistant

US Chess Announces New Events Manager

US Chess is pleased to announce the addition of a new Events Manager, Erik Czerwin. Erik will be working in the Events Department on National Events including the US Open, National Scholastic Championships, invitational tournaments, and director certification, among other responsibilities. US Chess is excited to add Erik’s experience, versatility and knowledge to our staff.

Erik Czerwin’s chess journey began in 2005 as a teacher, coaching chess as an extracurricular activity. Over his teaching tenure, he has coached in Peoria, Marengo, and Rockford, Illinois. He has also supported and grown scholastic chess programs across the state as the Illinois Chess Coaches Association Secretary. Working in that position, Erik fell in love with directing tournaments and has worked dozens of chess events every year since. In 2024, he left teaching to help Wildman Rocketry launch their in-house fiberglass manufacturing, while maintaining his chess work every weekend.

Erik is thrilled to join US Chess as the Events Manager. “Chess improvement is self-improvement, and coaching chess players makes magic happen. I’ll always do whatever I can to support an enriching chess experience for everyone.” He devotes himself to chess with inexhaustible effort and deep passion because he believes chess elevates people and communities in ways nothing else can.

US Chess Announces New Graphics Assistant

US Chess is pleased to announce the addition of a new Graphic Design Assistant, Brandon Barnes. Brandon will be working in the Communications Department to support our marketing and communications efforts by creating engaging visuals for digital and print media. US Chess is excited to welcome Brandon's expertise and talents to our staff.

Brandon Barnes is an accomplished designer who has been working in the graphic design field since 2016. Prior to working as a designer, he operated two art galleries and owned a local music venue. As a child, his parents introduced him to chess at a young age and started his lifelong interest in games of strategy. A (mostly) St. Louis native, he received his BFA in 2010 and still enjoys making art in his spare time. Outside of art he also enjoys gardening, cooking, and traveling.