Tom Shupe is the Founder and President of MVP Chess, a local not-for-profit dedicated to developing skilled, confident, and passionate chess players. Driven by a lifelong passion for chess, Tom coaches students in Alexandria schools, creates educational content on YouTube, and competes in over-the-board tournaments.

Tom began his chess journey as an adult at the Marshall Chess Club in New York City, playing his first tournament at 29. Despite balancing career, family, and a physical disability, he achieved a USCF rating over 2000 through years of dedication and study.

Before founding MVP Chess, Tom spent over 15 years in the finance industry, including roles in regulatory oversight and investment banking at major institutions. He holds a master’s degree from UPenn and a bachelor’s from Syracuse, and lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, daughter, and their cat, Chess.

Tom’s notable chess accomplishments include:

• USCF 2025 peak rating and 1st Category Title

• Chess.com Coach of the Month (July 2024) and Certified Coach

• D.C. Chess League - Emory Tate, Jr. Board Prize (2016)

• Chess Journalists of America - Best Historical Article (2022)

• Chess.com Author, Top Blogger, and Blog of the Month (April 2022)