About Us

Yali Dancig-Perlman was raised in San Francisco and began playing chess at a young age, quickly growing into a serious tournament competitor. He went on to win the CalChess State Championship and earn strong results in regional competitions across California. For more than a decade, Yali has taught chess to children and adults through private lessons, group classes, after-school programs, and camps. His teaching is rooted in the belief that chess can build confidence, focus, patience, and creative problem-solving far beyond the board.

As president of his school chess club, he helped create a welcoming community where students could learn, compete, and share their love of the game. As Executive Director of MarinChess Foundation, Yali is focused on expanding access to high-quality chess education for students in schools across the Bay Area and beyond. Through One World Chess, a separate international initiative of MarinChess Foundation, he hopes to bring that same opportunity to children around the world, using chess to help them build confidence, purpose, and belief in their own potential.

Outside of chess, Yali is a varsity Cross Country and Track athlete, enjoys playing basketball, and loves spending time with his family.

Tenzing Lasker grew up in Mill Valley, California and learned chess when he was seven years old. In eighth grade, Tenzing taught after-school chess classes for six-to-nine-year olds at his elementary school, Marin Horizon. With this experience, he discovered his love for chess teaching and he continues to educate kids across Marin County. Chess taught Tenzing foresight, creativity, focus, and an invaluable logical framework that he carries beyond the game. Tenzing aims to impart these life skills in his students.

As the Director of the Marin Chapter, Tenzing coordinates teacher assignments and logistics, and maintains relationships with chess teachers, schools, and other organizations where Marin Chess Foundation operates. Tenzing has overseen these operations for the last four years.

Outside of chess, Tenzing is a pianist and competitive rock climber, and treasures time with friends and family.