Testimonials
Testimonials on this page must be unsolicited and posted with permission.
If any comment here does not meet that qualification, please report it here.
If any comment here does not meet that qualification, please report it here.
Testimonials
"My older son Rishab absolutely loves it."
~ Roopa Agarwal, Chess Mom from Santa Clara, CA (February 2012)
"I must say you do spend a lot of your weekends and evenings promoting the local chess culture, I am assuming at the expense of your invaluable family time. We are indeed lucky to have you amongst us here in the Bay Area."
~ Sharmila Vijay, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (January 2012)
"You [Salman Azhar] do a lot for chess and your efforts are much appreciated. The chess community in the Bay Area would be much poorer without your involvement."
~ International Master John Donaldson, Captain of the US National Team in six Chess Olympiads, Director of Mechanics Institute, and International Chess Celebrity (January 2012)
"I have so much admiration for people like you who dedicate a big portion of their lives to what they really enjoy which is helping people find their aspirations. If it were not because of your tournaments, we probably would not have the chance to get so good at chess in such a short time."
~ Abu Taghizadeh, Chess Dad of an Expert 9-year-old Player and repeat National Champion from Foster City, CA (January 2012)
"What a great event! Thanks again for everything & congratulate your son for a good game!"
~ Kimberly Tredway-Mosser, Chess Mom from Southern California on SoCal Grade Level Championship (January 2012)
"Thanks to your local tourneys and time, we dont need to go far to find challenging tournaments for him [my son] due to his longer time control needs. Appreciate you pitching in and playing a rated game [when his opponent did not turn up on Friday]."
~ Sharmila Vijay, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (January 2012)
"There is no one who can run large tournament and set new attendance records year after year like Dr. Salman Azhar and his entire professional team."
~ Anonymous Chess Parent from Weibel Elementary School in Fremont (December 2011)
"You have blessed me greatly. Few would take the time to reply when traveling... your diligence resulted in our being able to get all the enjoyment we hoped out of that tournament."
~ Robert Russo, Chess Player and Parent from Citrus Heights, CA (December 2011)
"Thank you for your nice comments and for all your efforts at organization. You are one of the few people who manages to maintain high quantity and quality in anything, let alone a labor-intensive task like tournament organization."
~ Nikunj Oza, Chess Player from San Jose, CA (December 2011)
"As always we sincerely appreciate the opportunities you give the kids by conducting these events frequently and in convenient locations."
~ Vijaylakshmi Abhijit, Chess Parent from Regnart Elementary School (December 2011)
"Great championship yesterday!"
~ Sztaray Family, Chess Parents and Players from Stockton (December 2011)
"My children (daughter and son) and I play chess and have participated in the chess tournaments conducted by the Bay Area Chess Federation. More than the results (sometimes good and some times not), we like the friendly congenial atmosphere in which the tournaments have been conducted. We have enjoyed ourselves in these tournaments and have made several friends. I thank Dr.Salman for making this possible with his sincerity, dedication and also the efficiency with which the tournaments are conducted at Bay Area Chess Federation. All the best in his endeavors. We will come back for more!!!"
~ Venkata Nandula, Chess Dad and Chess Player (December 2011)
"Thank you for running another State Championship Tournament. Successful California chess coaches are indebted to you for providing a stage for better trained players to excel on." ~ Chris Torres, President TCAMA and One of the Top California Coaches (December 2011)
"I had participated in the tournaments of Cal Chess Academy and I was amazed to see the kids trained by Dr.Salman excel in every game. Dr.Salman is a man of great dedication and he will get his students to the International Arena shortly. All the best in his endeavours!!!"
~ Chandrasekaran Ramanan, Chess Player from India (December 2011)
"I am very impressed by how on top of details you are. This was of special help when we wanted to add him to the tournament at the last minute."
~ Robert Russo, Chess Player and Parent from Citrus Heights, CA (December 2011)
"I thank the support of Bay Area Chess for helping Milind to succeeded in chess. Without the support of Bay Area chess, this was not possible. All the quads and swiss conducted by Bay Area Chess helped Milind a lot to improve his game. I really mean it... "
~ Chandan Maiti, Chess Dad of National Champion Milind Maiti from Cupertino, CA (November 2011)
"We have read many great reviews of you and your organization (Bay Area Chess). Your prompt feedback is another reflection of your dedication for the chess community. We truly appreciate you helping us understand where William should start now."
~ Julie Xie, Chess Mom from Gomes Elementary in Fremont, CA (November 2011)
"I am proud that I started playing in foreign soil only under you and this only has given me more courage to go ahead. All the best to you and your kids for all your future endeavours."
~ Chandrasekaran Ramanan, Chess Player from India (November 2011)
"Dr. Salman and his team have worked very hard to bring some national tournaments to Bay Area to make it accessible to more Bay Area kids. A ton of thanks to Dr. Salman!
Wish Bay Area Chess and Bay Area kids even greater success!"
~ Gang Xiong, Chess Dad from Foster City, CA (October 2011)
"Just want to give a positive feedback. The tournament was very successful. It got an overwhelming response and it wasn't easy to handle that big crowd and your team did a perfect job on having everything on time and as planned. Keep up the good work. I think you would have got very tired by now but you should be very happy on the way it went."
~ Srinivas Susarla, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (October 2011)
"Since 2008, my son Chris Xiong and many other Foster City kids have started playing serious chess from Bay Area Chess tournaments, organized by Dr. Salman. They started from the very first level Booster, gradually growing to Premier, Champs, Elite, Star, and SuperStar, under the guidance and coaching of many excellent coaches."
~ Gang Xiong, Chess Dad from Foster City (October 2011)
"My son seems to be enjoying learning chess and I wanted to express my thanks for making it interesting for these little kids."
~ Radha S, Chess Mom from San Jose, CA(October 2011)
"The kids and the parents not only enjoy the tons of fun in playing chess, exercising their brain for accurate calculation, making friends in Bay Area and outside of Bay Area, but also more importantly learning how to handle wins and losses that will be met frequently in their future life."
~ Gang Xiong, Chess Dad from Foster City, CA (September 2011)
"Thank you Zarina, and thanks to the coach that work in La Entrada. It was fun, they learned a lot and they cannot wait to join again in fall. We wish you all a great summer."
~ Carmen Patino, Chess Mom from La Entrada School in Menlo-Atherton, CA (June 2011)
"Thanks Salman for going the extra mile and getting the [replacement] rophy for Ethan. You are a man with a good heart."
~ Mr. Robert Pau, Chess Dad from Irvine, CA (June 2011)
"Thank you, it's a great pleasure to have the chess club here... We are beginning to look at next year and would like to continue the chess class at our school."
~ Ms. Pam VandeKamp, Principal at Hillside Elementary School in San Lorenzo, CA (May 2011)
"I am very grateful for the opportunities you have extended to our students and community. You have been very flexible and understanding."
~ Mr. Jose Cortez, English and Spanish Teacher at Adelante Academy in San Jose, CA (May 2011)
"We have thoroughly enjoyed having Bay Area Chess and Chuck and Ethan at our school this year. Their students are always excited to attend the program."
~ Ms. Pam VandeKamp, Principal at Hillside Elementary School in San Lorenzo, CA (May 2011)
"Chess is an excellent addition to our school experience. I hope to continue our partnership into the future. I am indebted to the generosity of both yourself and your organization."
~ Mr. Jose Cortez, English and Spanish Teacher at Adelante Academy in San Jose, CA (May 2011)
"Let me say, as I have said before, there was only one person who could carry on the tradition of a super-state championships and that was Dr. Salman Azhar."
~ Dr. Alan Kirshner, California's Most Respected and Experienced Organizer on State Championship 2011 (April 2011)
"Thank you Salman for the tremendous work putting this huge event together. Indeed it is the hardest scholatic chess event of the year."
~ Hua Zhang, Chess Mom from San Jose, CA (April 2011)
"I just wanted to congratulate you on putting together such a great event that was very well organized, started on time and was enjoyable for both the players and parents."
~ Dr. Rajiv Nayar, Chess Dad from Danville, CA (April 2011)
"Salman deserves loads of Kudos for pulling it off again this year despite his over commitment. The vast majority of people loved the event and are excited to return next year."
~ Dr. Alan Kirshner, California's Most Respected and Experienced Organizer on State Championship 2011 (April 2011)
"We love your program!"
~ Patrinia Donelly, Chess Mom from Menlo-Atherton, CA (April 2011)
"It was a lot less stressful than other similar tournaments we have been to. Thanks so much."
~ Dr. Rajiv Nayar, Chess Dad from Danville, CA (April 2011)
"(As always) Amazing turnaround Salman and team! My hats off to you all. "
~ Nishad Somalwar, Chess Dad from Santa Clara, CA (March 2011)
"I wanted to tell you that my husband, Michal, was very impressed by how the tournament yesterday was conducted. It was the first time he came back with rave reviews on how organized it was run and how great the venue itself was - Thank you. It is quite a trek for him and my son to get to these tournaments (yesterday's trip was 2.5 hours each way) so he really appreciated the efficiency and smoothness of how things were run. My son had a great time... Great Job!"
~ Maribelle L. Warzecha, Chess Mom from Placerville, CA (February 2011).
"... People's tournament was very well attended, very high-level, and fun."
~Dr. Zachi Baharav, Chess Player and Dad from Palo Alto, CA (February 2011)
"Well done on a great tourney this past weekend. Hunter got to play chess 3 out of his 5 days off school so it was a great weekend for him."
~ Becky Burwell, Chess Mom from Palo Alto, CA (February 2011).
"I very much appreciate all the time and your expertise that you have taken with Josh and all the kids..... I wonder if he will find that he misses it at some point and then we'll be back!" ~ Ms. BethAnn Goldberg, Parent of After School Enrichment student who is taking a break from Chess at Laurel Elementary School in Atherton, CA (January 2011)
"Please give me a chance to give back to your organization for Alina's happiness in the past several years." ~ Perry Ma, Chess Dad from San Jose, CA (November 2010)
"I wanted to thank you one more time - my son absolutely loved his chess camp experience and looking back to classes during the school year!" ~ Ms. Ellen Boucher, Parent of Summer Camp and After School Enrichment student at The Harker School in San Jose, CA (August 2010)
"I would like to thank you guys for providing such a wonderful program - if I knew it would be so good, I would sign my son into chess since Kindergarden. I got so used to receiving weekly updates from Glenn and knowing that my son LEARNS the game..."
~ Dr. Sophia Chernikova, Lead Parent Cipriani Elementary School in Belmont, CA (April 2010)
"Dr. Azhar was extremely helpful, supportive and encouraging as we set up and launched the BayAreaChess program this year at St. John the Baptist. The instructors have been top notch - the kids really like them, and are making excellent progress."
~ Matt Boxberger, Parent Leader at St. John the Baptist Chess Club in Milpitas, CA (March 2010)
"I think you all are doing a great job. The kids were having a lot of fun playing chess today and there was remarkable improvement in the kids' games. Thanks!"
~ Usha Kizhakekara, Chess Mom from San Ramon, CA (November 2009)
"My son Daniel really enjoyed the chess camp. I see tremendous improvement in his game, and it's thanks to the teachings of Eric and Ed: openings, tricks, but most importantly how to play in a strategic way. Thanks to all of you!"
~ Ofer Mendelevitch, Chess Player and Dad from Redwood City, CA (September 2009)
"Our son Hunter attended two weeks of Bay Area Chess Camp this summer and loved every minute of it. The coaches were engaging and knowledgable, and kept him interested with open-ended discussions. In addition to his expert tutoring on chess openings, Eric Schiller's insights into the role of linguistics in the 'Dark Arts' of advertising have helped our son see how his chess skills are relevant to both academic and real world pursuits. It was a great camp and we hope to do it again next summer."
~ Becky Burwell, Chess Mom from Palo Alto, CA (August 2009).
"The last week of chess camp in Palo Alto was fantastic. My son got a great run with Eric and Ed, which I think renewed his interest in the game."
Dr. Thomas Weber, Ph.D., Chess Player and Dad and Professor at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA (August 2009)
"My children really enjoyed the chess camp. I hope you'll continue the program next year. And also keep me posted on the after school programs."
~ S. Fong, Chess Mom from Los Altos, CA (July 2009)"
"I'm the mother of Danny Keane. He tells me this camp has been the best for him. Danny is having a fantastic time in chess camp. We owe this to Sasha. He is an inspiration to all the kids."
~ S. Keane, Chess Mom from Menlo Park, CA (July 2009)
"The chess camp is great. Both of my kids had a good time so far - they challenged their dad on the first day home."
~ S. Fong, Chess Mom from Los Altos, CA (July 2009)",
"Just a quick note to tell you how well I thought the chess class was run last Friday. The initial organization and engagement of the kids was just great to see. The instructors had command of their audiences both in the large group setting and the small. I thought it was run so well. Thank you for bringing your fabulous program to our school. "
~Ms. Kate Canessa, Chess Mom from Atherton, CA (September 2008)
"BayAreaChess is a haven for chess aficionados of all ages and cultures as well as a great service to the community. It is one of my favorite places to play chess."
~Alex Radu, Chess Player from San Jose, CA (July 2008)
"The dedication of you and your whole team is par excellence."
~Ms. Sayantee Dutt, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"My son, and occasionally I too, have been participating in BayAreaChess tournaments for the last 2 years. Salman Azhar is the best tournament organizer around. He does not shirk from taking on extra work. He introduced additional rating sections, and even when a participant has a bye, Salman will try to provide an extra-rated game. He is always soliciting feedback to improve the organization and logistics."
~Bharat Kalyanpur, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"Both Pranav and Chinmay loved the chess camp. They haven't stopped playing chess ever since."
~Shree Murthy, Chess Mom from Cupertino, CA (July 2008)
"My son, who will be starting 3rd grade in Fall, has been a regular in the BayAreaChess tournaments. Whether he wins a trophy or a medal matters little to me because he is enjoying the game. I am happy to note that the results have been positive so far."
~Ms. Sayantee Dutt, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"The summer chess camp this year was innovative mixing in Mathematics and Language Arts to keep the instruction more interesting and educational. My son enjoyed it thoroughly. Salman loves kids and the game. As a chess parent, I am grateful for his service."
~Bharat Kalyanpur, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"My son talks about the chess camp a lot and told his Mom that this is the best Summer camp ever. BayAreaChess rocks!"
~Mr. Scott Huang, Chess Dad from San Jose, CA (July 2008)
"I would like to thank you for the good work you are doing for promoting chess among kids in the Bay Area."
~Ms. Sayantee Dutt, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"I have tried many activities for my children but through his lessons at BayAreaChess, he has become smarter and developed lifelong friendships, and so have I."
~Mr. Leo Lo, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (May 2008)
"BayAreaChess develops children with chess in after school programs, group lessons, scholastic events, and adult tournaments. Their approach to kids and families makes chess a fun activity for all."
~Dr. Zachi Baharav, Chess Player Dad from Palo Alto, CA (2007)
"I have seen my son develop in self-confidence and intelligence through BayAreaChess coaching more than any other activity!"
~Dr. Valery Shchelik, Chess Dad from Cupertino, CA (2007)
"Salman has really turned his passion for chess into what can only be described as selfless service that is benefiting so many children."
~Dr. G. "Neel" Neelakantan, Chess Player and Dad from Alameda, CA (2007)
"They are contributing and well respected figures in California's chess arena who conduct their chess activities, teaching and tournaments with the utmost professionalism and friendly manners."
~Dr. Zachi Baharav, Chess Player and Dad from Palo Alto, CA (2007)
"He [Salman] has recruited the best people to help him. Thank you, Salman!"
~Dr. G."Neel" Neelakantan, Chess Player and Dad from Alameda, CA (2007)
"My older son Rishab absolutely loves it."
~ Roopa Agarwal, Chess Mom from Santa Clara, CA (February 2012)
"I must say you do spend a lot of your weekends and evenings promoting the local chess culture, I am assuming at the expense of your invaluable family time. We are indeed lucky to have you amongst us here in the Bay Area."
~ Sharmila Vijay, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (January 2012)
"You [Salman Azhar] do a lot for chess and your efforts are much appreciated. The chess community in the Bay Area would be much poorer without your involvement."
~ International Master John Donaldson, Captain of the US National Team in six Chess Olympiads, Director of Mechanics Institute, and International Chess Celebrity (January 2012)
"I have so much admiration for people like you who dedicate a big portion of their lives to what they really enjoy which is helping people find their aspirations. If it were not because of your tournaments, we probably would not have the chance to get so good at chess in such a short time."
~ Abu Taghizadeh, Chess Dad of an Expert 9-year-old Player and repeat National Champion from Foster City, CA (January 2012)
"What a great event! Thanks again for everything & congratulate your son for a good game!"
~ Kimberly Tredway-Mosser, Chess Mom from Southern California on SoCal Grade Level Championship (January 2012)
"Thanks to your local tourneys and time, we dont need to go far to find challenging tournaments for him [my son] due to his longer time control needs. Appreciate you pitching in and playing a rated game [when his opponent did not turn up on Friday]."
~ Sharmila Vijay, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (January 2012)
"There is no one who can run large tournament and set new attendance records year after year like Dr. Salman Azhar and his entire professional team."
~ Anonymous Chess Parent from Weibel Elementary School in Fremont (December 2011)
"You have blessed me greatly. Few would take the time to reply when traveling... your diligence resulted in our being able to get all the enjoyment we hoped out of that tournament."
~ Robert Russo, Chess Player and Parent from Citrus Heights, CA (December 2011)
"Thank you for your nice comments and for all your efforts at organization. You are one of the few people who manages to maintain high quantity and quality in anything, let alone a labor-intensive task like tournament organization."
~ Nikunj Oza, Chess Player from San Jose, CA (December 2011)
"As always we sincerely appreciate the opportunities you give the kids by conducting these events frequently and in convenient locations."
~ Vijaylakshmi Abhijit, Chess Parent from Regnart Elementary School (December 2011)
"Great championship yesterday!"
~ Sztaray Family, Chess Parents and Players from Stockton (December 2011)
"My children (daughter and son) and I play chess and have participated in the chess tournaments conducted by the Bay Area Chess Federation. More than the results (sometimes good and some times not), we like the friendly congenial atmosphere in which the tournaments have been conducted. We have enjoyed ourselves in these tournaments and have made several friends. I thank Dr.Salman for making this possible with his sincerity, dedication and also the efficiency with which the tournaments are conducted at Bay Area Chess Federation. All the best in his endeavors. We will come back for more!!!"
~ Venkata Nandula, Chess Dad and Chess Player (December 2011)
"Thank you for running another State Championship Tournament. Successful California chess coaches are indebted to you for providing a stage for better trained players to excel on." ~ Chris Torres, President TCAMA and One of the Top California Coaches (December 2011)
"I had participated in the tournaments of Cal Chess Academy and I was amazed to see the kids trained by Dr.Salman excel in every game. Dr.Salman is a man of great dedication and he will get his students to the International Arena shortly. All the best in his endeavours!!!"
~ Chandrasekaran Ramanan, Chess Player from India (December 2011)
"I am very impressed by how on top of details you are. This was of special help when we wanted to add him to the tournament at the last minute."
~ Robert Russo, Chess Player and Parent from Citrus Heights, CA (December 2011)
"I thank the support of Bay Area Chess for helping Milind to succeeded in chess. Without the support of Bay Area chess, this was not possible. All the quads and swiss conducted by Bay Area Chess helped Milind a lot to improve his game. I really mean it... "
~ Chandan Maiti, Chess Dad of National Champion Milind Maiti from Cupertino, CA (November 2011)
"We have read many great reviews of you and your organization (Bay Area Chess). Your prompt feedback is another reflection of your dedication for the chess community. We truly appreciate you helping us understand where William should start now."
~ Julie Xie, Chess Mom from Gomes Elementary in Fremont, CA (November 2011)
"I am proud that I started playing in foreign soil only under you and this only has given me more courage to go ahead. All the best to you and your kids for all your future endeavours."
~ Chandrasekaran Ramanan, Chess Player from India (November 2011)
"Dr. Salman and his team have worked very hard to bring some national tournaments to Bay Area to make it accessible to more Bay Area kids. A ton of thanks to Dr. Salman!
Wish Bay Area Chess and Bay Area kids even greater success!"
~ Gang Xiong, Chess Dad from Foster City, CA (October 2011)
"Just want to give a positive feedback. The tournament was very successful. It got an overwhelming response and it wasn't easy to handle that big crowd and your team did a perfect job on having everything on time and as planned. Keep up the good work. I think you would have got very tired by now but you should be very happy on the way it went."
~ Srinivas Susarla, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (October 2011)
"Since 2008, my son Chris Xiong and many other Foster City kids have started playing serious chess from Bay Area Chess tournaments, organized by Dr. Salman. They started from the very first level Booster, gradually growing to Premier, Champs, Elite, Star, and SuperStar, under the guidance and coaching of many excellent coaches."
~ Gang Xiong, Chess Dad from Foster City (October 2011)
"My son seems to be enjoying learning chess and I wanted to express my thanks for making it interesting for these little kids."
~ Radha S, Chess Mom from San Jose, CA(October 2011)
"The kids and the parents not only enjoy the tons of fun in playing chess, exercising their brain for accurate calculation, making friends in Bay Area and outside of Bay Area, but also more importantly learning how to handle wins and losses that will be met frequently in their future life."
~ Gang Xiong, Chess Dad from Foster City, CA (September 2011)
"Thank you Zarina, and thanks to the coach that work in La Entrada. It was fun, they learned a lot and they cannot wait to join again in fall. We wish you all a great summer."
~ Carmen Patino, Chess Mom from La Entrada School in Menlo-Atherton, CA (June 2011)
"Thanks Salman for going the extra mile and getting the [replacement] rophy for Ethan. You are a man with a good heart."
~ Mr. Robert Pau, Chess Dad from Irvine, CA (June 2011)
"Thank you, it's a great pleasure to have the chess club here... We are beginning to look at next year and would like to continue the chess class at our school."
~ Ms. Pam VandeKamp, Principal at Hillside Elementary School in San Lorenzo, CA (May 2011)
"I am very grateful for the opportunities you have extended to our students and community. You have been very flexible and understanding."
~ Mr. Jose Cortez, English and Spanish Teacher at Adelante Academy in San Jose, CA (May 2011)
"We have thoroughly enjoyed having Bay Area Chess and Chuck and Ethan at our school this year. Their students are always excited to attend the program."
~ Ms. Pam VandeKamp, Principal at Hillside Elementary School in San Lorenzo, CA (May 2011)
"Chess is an excellent addition to our school experience. I hope to continue our partnership into the future. I am indebted to the generosity of both yourself and your organization."
~ Mr. Jose Cortez, English and Spanish Teacher at Adelante Academy in San Jose, CA (May 2011)
"Let me say, as I have said before, there was only one person who could carry on the tradition of a super-state championships and that was Dr. Salman Azhar."
~ Dr. Alan Kirshner, California's Most Respected and Experienced Organizer on State Championship 2011 (April 2011)
"Thank you Salman for the tremendous work putting this huge event together. Indeed it is the hardest scholatic chess event of the year."
~ Hua Zhang, Chess Mom from San Jose, CA (April 2011)
"I just wanted to congratulate you on putting together such a great event that was very well organized, started on time and was enjoyable for both the players and parents."
~ Dr. Rajiv Nayar, Chess Dad from Danville, CA (April 2011)
"Salman deserves loads of Kudos for pulling it off again this year despite his over commitment. The vast majority of people loved the event and are excited to return next year."
~ Dr. Alan Kirshner, California's Most Respected and Experienced Organizer on State Championship 2011 (April 2011)
"We love your program!"
~ Patrinia Donelly, Chess Mom from Menlo-Atherton, CA (April 2011)
"It was a lot less stressful than other similar tournaments we have been to. Thanks so much."
~ Dr. Rajiv Nayar, Chess Dad from Danville, CA (April 2011)
"(As always) Amazing turnaround Salman and team! My hats off to you all. "
~ Nishad Somalwar, Chess Dad from Santa Clara, CA (March 2011)
"I wanted to tell you that my husband, Michal, was very impressed by how the tournament yesterday was conducted. It was the first time he came back with rave reviews on how organized it was run and how great the venue itself was - Thank you. It is quite a trek for him and my son to get to these tournaments (yesterday's trip was 2.5 hours each way) so he really appreciated the efficiency and smoothness of how things were run. My son had a great time... Great Job!"
~ Maribelle L. Warzecha, Chess Mom from Placerville, CA (February 2011).
"... People's tournament was very well attended, very high-level, and fun."
~Dr. Zachi Baharav, Chess Player and Dad from Palo Alto, CA (February 2011)
"Well done on a great tourney this past weekend. Hunter got to play chess 3 out of his 5 days off school so it was a great weekend for him."
~ Becky Burwell, Chess Mom from Palo Alto, CA (February 2011).
"I very much appreciate all the time and your expertise that you have taken with Josh and all the kids..... I wonder if he will find that he misses it at some point and then we'll be back!" ~ Ms. BethAnn Goldberg, Parent of After School Enrichment student who is taking a break from Chess at Laurel Elementary School in Atherton, CA (January 2011)
"Please give me a chance to give back to your organization for Alina's happiness in the past several years." ~ Perry Ma, Chess Dad from San Jose, CA (November 2010)
"I wanted to thank you one more time - my son absolutely loved his chess camp experience and looking back to classes during the school year!" ~ Ms. Ellen Boucher, Parent of Summer Camp and After School Enrichment student at The Harker School in San Jose, CA (August 2010)
"I would like to thank you guys for providing such a wonderful program - if I knew it would be so good, I would sign my son into chess since Kindergarden. I got so used to receiving weekly updates from Glenn and knowing that my son LEARNS the game..."
~ Dr. Sophia Chernikova, Lead Parent Cipriani Elementary School in Belmont, CA (April 2010)
"Dr. Azhar was extremely helpful, supportive and encouraging as we set up and launched the BayAreaChess program this year at St. John the Baptist. The instructors have been top notch - the kids really like them, and are making excellent progress."
~ Matt Boxberger, Parent Leader at St. John the Baptist Chess Club in Milpitas, CA (March 2010)
"I think you all are doing a great job. The kids were having a lot of fun playing chess today and there was remarkable improvement in the kids' games. Thanks!"
~ Usha Kizhakekara, Chess Mom from San Ramon, CA (November 2009)
"My son Daniel really enjoyed the chess camp. I see tremendous improvement in his game, and it's thanks to the teachings of Eric and Ed: openings, tricks, but most importantly how to play in a strategic way. Thanks to all of you!"
~ Ofer Mendelevitch, Chess Player and Dad from Redwood City, CA (September 2009)
"Our son Hunter attended two weeks of Bay Area Chess Camp this summer and loved every minute of it. The coaches were engaging and knowledgable, and kept him interested with open-ended discussions. In addition to his expert tutoring on chess openings, Eric Schiller's insights into the role of linguistics in the 'Dark Arts' of advertising have helped our son see how his chess skills are relevant to both academic and real world pursuits. It was a great camp and we hope to do it again next summer."
~ Becky Burwell, Chess Mom from Palo Alto, CA (August 2009).
"The last week of chess camp in Palo Alto was fantastic. My son got a great run with Eric and Ed, which I think renewed his interest in the game."
Dr. Thomas Weber, Ph.D., Chess Player and Dad and Professor at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA (August 2009)
"My children really enjoyed the chess camp. I hope you'll continue the program next year. And also keep me posted on the after school programs."
~ S. Fong, Chess Mom from Los Altos, CA (July 2009)"
"I'm the mother of Danny Keane. He tells me this camp has been the best for him. Danny is having a fantastic time in chess camp. We owe this to Sasha. He is an inspiration to all the kids."
~ S. Keane, Chess Mom from Menlo Park, CA (July 2009)
"The chess camp is great. Both of my kids had a good time so far - they challenged their dad on the first day home."
~ S. Fong, Chess Mom from Los Altos, CA (July 2009)",
"Just a quick note to tell you how well I thought the chess class was run last Friday. The initial organization and engagement of the kids was just great to see. The instructors had command of their audiences both in the large group setting and the small. I thought it was run so well. Thank you for bringing your fabulous program to our school. "
~Ms. Kate Canessa, Chess Mom from Atherton, CA (September 2008)
"BayAreaChess is a haven for chess aficionados of all ages and cultures as well as a great service to the community. It is one of my favorite places to play chess."
~Alex Radu, Chess Player from San Jose, CA (July 2008)
"The dedication of you and your whole team is par excellence."
~Ms. Sayantee Dutt, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"My son, and occasionally I too, have been participating in BayAreaChess tournaments for the last 2 years. Salman Azhar is the best tournament organizer around. He does not shirk from taking on extra work. He introduced additional rating sections, and even when a participant has a bye, Salman will try to provide an extra-rated game. He is always soliciting feedback to improve the organization and logistics."
~Bharat Kalyanpur, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"Both Pranav and Chinmay loved the chess camp. They haven't stopped playing chess ever since."
~Shree Murthy, Chess Mom from Cupertino, CA (July 2008)
"My son, who will be starting 3rd grade in Fall, has been a regular in the BayAreaChess tournaments. Whether he wins a trophy or a medal matters little to me because he is enjoying the game. I am happy to note that the results have been positive so far."
~Ms. Sayantee Dutt, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"The summer chess camp this year was innovative mixing in Mathematics and Language Arts to keep the instruction more interesting and educational. My son enjoyed it thoroughly. Salman loves kids and the game. As a chess parent, I am grateful for his service."
~Bharat Kalyanpur, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"My son talks about the chess camp a lot and told his Mom that this is the best Summer camp ever. BayAreaChess rocks!"
~Mr. Scott Huang, Chess Dad from San Jose, CA (July 2008)
"I would like to thank you for the good work you are doing for promoting chess among kids in the Bay Area."
~Ms. Sayantee Dutt, Chess Mom from Fremont, CA (July 2008)
"I have tried many activities for my children but through his lessons at BayAreaChess, he has become smarter and developed lifelong friendships, and so have I."
~Mr. Leo Lo, Chess Dad from Fremont, CA (May 2008)
"BayAreaChess develops children with chess in after school programs, group lessons, scholastic events, and adult tournaments. Their approach to kids and families makes chess a fun activity for all."
~Dr. Zachi Baharav, Chess Player Dad from Palo Alto, CA (2007)
"I have seen my son develop in self-confidence and intelligence through BayAreaChess coaching more than any other activity!"
~Dr. Valery Shchelik, Chess Dad from Cupertino, CA (2007)
"Salman has really turned his passion for chess into what can only be described as selfless service that is benefiting so many children."
~Dr. G. "Neel" Neelakantan, Chess Player and Dad from Alameda, CA (2007)
"They are contributing and well respected figures in California's chess arena who conduct their chess activities, teaching and tournaments with the utmost professionalism and friendly manners."
~Dr. Zachi Baharav, Chess Player and Dad from Palo Alto, CA (2007)
"He [Salman] has recruited the best people to help him. Thank you, Salman!"
~Dr. G."Neel" Neelakantan, Chess Player and Dad from Alameda, CA (2007)
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Celebrity Testimonials
You [Salman Azhar] do a lot for chess and your efforts are much appreciated. The chess community in the Bay Area would be much poorer without your involvement. ~ International Master John Donaldson, Captain of the US National Team in 6 Chess Olympiads, Director of Mechanics Institute, and International Chess Celebrity (January 2012)
Let me say, as I have said before, there was only one person who could carry on the tradition of a super-state championships and that was Dr. Salman Azhar. ~ Dr. Alan Kirshner, California's most respected and experienced organizer on State Championship 2011 (April 2011)
Snippets from others!
Highlights
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