Write a 150 word essay that tells us what your coach does for your club and why your coach has made the club the best. If you have any pictures of your coach or your club that would be great. Then the U S Chess Federation will recognize these wonderful people on our website.

Mario Martinez has been an outstanding coach for us for the past eight years. During that time he has won the Miami-Dade County Championship eight years in a row. His Miami-Jackson teams have won 4 state championships, tied for 1st once, finished 2nd twice and third once. He has won the USCF National High School Championship (1999) and produced two state champions and 2 national champions.

Juan Berry - 1997 Florida State Champion

Marcel Martinez - 1998 Florida State Champion

Marcel Martinez - 1998 USCF National High School Champion

Rodelay Medina - 2000 USCF National High School Champion

Marcel Martinez - 2000 USCF Juniors National Champion

In addition, Coach Martinez was the first to use chess as the tool to teach the Critical Thinking elective course that counts towards graduation. Most of the Miami-Jackson team takes this course giving them 5 hours of instruction during the week, (2 - 2.5 hour blocks) before their daily 3 hour practices after school.

The chess season lasts from Septermber until the end of May. Coach Martinez is only paid the usual $600 club stipend. Dedication like this is very difficult to find. This picture shows coach Martinez (2nd from the left) with his team. It is very difficutl to find him anywhere else.

You may e-mail your essays to feedback@uschess.org or send by surface mail to

My Coach is the Best
US Chess Federation
3054 NYS Rt 9W
New Windsor, NY 12553