Best In The Bahamas
Where Bahamian Chess Champions Train!
At Bahamas Chess Academy, we offer a unique opportunity to learn from qualified, accomplished coaches, including competitive FIDE-rated Chess Masters. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, our expert mentorship will help you unlock your chess potential, discover your own game, and develop a unique playing style.
Elton Joseph
Founder, Coach, CEO
Elton Joseph is a nationally recognized FIDE-certified chess coach with over 15 years of experience. As the founder and director of the Bahamas Chess Academy, he has guided countless students to victory in Scholastic, Junior National, and National Championships.
Beyond the Academy, Elton is the Head Coach of the BGT Chess Club and has led national teams at events from the CAC Youth Chess Festival to the Chess Olympiad. His extensive contributions to the chess community include multiple terms as President of the Bahamas Chess Federation and roles as a Tournament Director and FIDE Certified Arbiter.
Elton’s true passion is inspiring young players. At the Bahamas Chess Academy, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, fostering both skill and a lifelong love for chess.
Curtis Pride, Sr.
Director and Coach
Curtis Pride is a certified athletics coach who transitioned from track and field to support his children’s passion for chess. As a proud father of three FIDE-rated players and a national champion, including a FIDE Arbiter, he understands chess’s transformative power.
Starting as a dedicated chess parent, Curtis became a recreational player, Tournament Director, and FIDE Certified Schools Chess Instructor, eventually serving as President of the Bahamas Chess Federation. Inspired by his children’s success and a shared vision with Coach Elton Joseph, he is now committed to empowering Bahamians through chess as the Director of the Bahamas Chess Academy.
Curtis focuses on integrating chess into education and corporate settings, driven by a passion for enriching lives and developing essential 21st-century skills. He believes chess is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
