Chess is one of the most popular and complex games played in the U.S.. Millions of games are played each day across every platform—from casual games in parks and coffee shops to professional competitions and online tournaments.

The Academy of Music and Fine Arts Chess Club helps students of all ages and levels accomplish their dreams of becoming better chess players and delving deeper into the wonderful world of chess by providing group and individual lessons, organizing competitions, setting up after school chess clubs and even writing chess apps for Mac and Android platforms. Founded in 2016 by International Master Levon Altounian, the mission of the AMFA Chess Club is to provide chess education of the highest caliber in the greater Los Angeles area. It shares many qualities and core beliefs with its sibling— Arizona Chess for Schools, one of the largest chess organizations in Arizona. 

To accomplish our goal of chess excellence at the AMFA Chess Club, we create individually tailored lesson plans and hire only professional chess players and instructors who have great people skills and are devoted to their mission as chess ambassadors. 

Our students have won more than 100 State and National Championships with more than 20 students earning the prestigious title of “Chess Master”. Castlehill Country Day School was the National Champion in 2004 and Foothills High School won the National Championship 8 times between years of 2005 and 2018.

International master Levon Altounian

The AMFA Chess Club is headed by International Master Levon Altounian. Altounian is a 7-time California State Champion and the reigning Arizona State Champion for the past 12 consecutive years. He is among the top 50 highest ranked chess players in the U.S. and is extremely passionate about his profession. Altounian has worked with thousands of chess students all across the country and organized and taught chess clubs in more than 50 schools.