American Chess Academy

♟️ About American Chess Academy

American Chess Academy (ACA) is a chess academy and tournament organizer based in Glendale, California, serving young players and families across the greater Los Angeles area. Founded in 2008, ACA combines structured chess instruction with competitive preparation, scholastic programs, private coaching, camps, club activity, and US Chess-rated tournaments. Its main academy is located on North Louise Street in Glendale, while additional programs operate through schools and chess locations elsewhere in Southern California. ACA teaches players from beginner through advanced tournament level. Its Glendale program includes separate beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups, while the academy also runs after-school enrichment programs designed to develop tactical understanding, calculation, strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and practical tournament skills. Moreover, ACA students regularly participate in state, national, and international competitions. The academy’s current tournament program includes recurring West Hills and Encino events, scholastic championships, and larger open competitions. Armen Ambartsoumian is the founder, President, and Head Coach of American Chess Academy and remains its primary public contact. An International Master with decades of coaching experience, he also plays a central role in ACA’s major tournament projects. In 2026, the academy is organizing the Southern California Open in Glendale, while its autumn calendar also includes the L.A. Back to School Championships and recurring club tournaments in West Hills and Encino.

📜 History and Development

American Chess Academy was established in 2008 by Armen Ambartsoumian after his earlier coaching work in Southern California. Ambartsoumian had already developed extensive experience as a chess instructor before founding ACA, including coaching work dating back to the 1980s. The academy quickly developed a strong emphasis on junior chess. In addition to regular classes, ACA expanded into after-school programs and tournament organization. By 2011, it was already staging larger open events in Glendale alongside its established scholastic activities. Over time, the academy broadened its coaching team and geographic reach. Its current staff includes experienced competitive players and instructors, while the Glendale headquarters continues to offer classes throughout the week. ACA also maintains programs and tournament activity in other parts of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

🎓 Chess Education and Scholastic Programs

Chess instruction remains a central part of ACA’s work. The academy offers group classes, private coaching, after-school programs, tournament preparation, and seasonal chess activities for children at different levels of experience. At its Glendale location, students are separated into beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups. Advanced sessions include players with established tournament ratings, allowing stronger juniors to train in an environment geared toward competitive improvement. ACA also works with schools throughout Southern California. Its after-school curriculum combines formal lessons with practical play and covers fundamental rules, checkmating patterns, development, pawn structures, tactics, exchanges, and endgame concepts. The academy continues this scholastic work during the 2026–2027 school year. In addition, its tournament calendar includes the 2026 L.A. Back to School Championships, scheduled for September 27 in Glendale.

🏆 Tournament Activity

American Chess Academy organizes both scholastic tournaments and open competition. Its 2026 calendar includes monthly tournament activity connected with the West Hills Chess Club and a new Encino Chess Club program, with events scheduled through the end of the year. ACA is also involved in larger chess events in Glendale. On August 28, 2026, the Southern California Open program includes a special simultaneous exhibition with Grandmaster Levon Aronian at the Center for Armenian Arts. These activities connect ACA’s educational program with regular competitive opportunities. Therefore, students can progress from academy instruction and scholastic events into stronger US Chess-rated tournaments without leaving the organization’s broader tournament network.

🌟 2026 Southern California Open

The academy’s principal current tournament project is the 2026 Southern California Open, scheduled for September 4–7, 2026 at Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale. American Chess Academy and dot818 are organizing the tournament, following the successful 2025 Glendale edition that attracted more than 300 players. The 2026 event again has more than 300 players registered in advance. The tournament offers a $60,000 guaranteed prize fund and seven sections: Open, U2300, U2100, U1900, U1700, U1500, and U1300. The Open, U2300, and U2100 sections are FIDE rated. In addition, US Chess designates the event as a 200-point Grand Prix tournament. A separate Southern California Blitz tournament on September 7 offers another $2,000 guaranteed prize fund. Armen Ambartsoumian serves as the published organizer and tournament contact.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Armen Ambartsoumian leads American Chess Academy as President and Head Coach. He founded ACA in 2008 and continues to oversee both its educational activities and major tournament projects. The current coaching team also includes Jerry Yee, Arman Mikaelyan, Timothy Abadilla, Michael Yee, and Artiom Ambartsoumian. Together, the staff supports ACA’s combination of group instruction, competitive training, after-school chess, and tournament preparation. Ambartsoumian remains the most appropriate primary contact for the organization. He is also the published organizer contact for the 2026 Southern California Open and other ACA tournament activity.