Every Champion Begins at the Cornerstone
Our Academy Story
About Us
At Cornerstone Chess Academy, we don’t just build players — we forge thinkers. Co-founded by National/FIDE Master Derek Wu and guided by a vision for excellence, Cornerstone Chess Academy was created to provide a serious, structured training environment for students who want more than casual lessons. From our foundational tier system to our elite instructor roster, every detail is designed to develop disciplined, resilient, and strategic minds — both on and off the board.
Our Mission
Cornerstone Chess Academy exists to raise the standard of chess education. Our mission is to cultivate excellence, discipline, and purpose in every student — through elite instruction, strategic rigor, and a growth-focused environment. We believe chess is more than a game; it’s a training ground for the mind and a foundation for future leaders.
Our Story
One Mission
At Cornerstone Chess Academy, we don’t just build players — we forge thinkers. Co-founded by National/FIDE Master Derek Wu and guided by a vision for excellence, Cornerstone Chess Academy was created to provide a serious, structured training environment for students who want more than casual lessons. From our foundational tier system to our elite instructor roster, every detail is designed to develop disciplined, resilient, and strategic minds — both on and off the board.
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Cornerstone Chess Academy exists to raise the standard of chess education. Our mission is to cultivate excellence, discipline, and purpose in every student — through elite instruction, strategic rigor, and a growth-focused environment. We believe chess is more than a game; it’s a training ground for the mind and a foundation for future leaders.
