Challenge yourself, learn from the best, and experience the thrill of competing against top-level players.
David Hubbard
Wayne David Hubbard is the Founder and President of SVCC who has positively impacted the Shenandoah Valley region as a nonprofit leader, educator, and former US marine over the last ten years. In his day job, David works in air traffic management for the FAA.
Brad Pratt
Brad is a lifelong chess player and a world language teacher with Frederick County Public Schools. His current mission is to expand chess programs in local school systems. You can find him on the basketball court, making his hoop dreams come true when he is not playing or teaching chess. Brad was a chemist, reptile showman, and plumber in previous lives.
Rene Picota
Rene Picota was born and raised in a family that nurtured his passion for the game. He is an accomplished chess player and especially talented in blitz and bold gambit-style play. He uses his talents in digital promotion, event organization, and community engagement to strengthen SVCC and grow the regional chess community. He is married to his lovely wife Amber and they have 3 children together. Rene has helped to raise the club's profile and attract new members.
Janis Barreda Rios
Janis Barreda Rios discovered her love for chess in elementary school, and the game has been her bridge to thoughtful, curious people ever since. As the newest board member of the Shenandoah Valley Chess Club, she’s proud to mentor young women in chess and help make the game feel welcoming, confidence-building, and enjoyable for all.
Sam Sabbagh
Sam Sabbagh is a finance manager for Children’s Services of Virginia. He is an avid chess player and can often be found playing 5 minute blitz games with friends at Starbucks. His other primary passion is astrophotography, where he enjoys catching ancient photons with his telescopes and cameras, and integrating them into beautiful pictures of the cosmos.
Amy De Luise
Amy serves as the adult Program Director for SVCC’s youth-led chess program, The Pawn Project. Founded in August 2025 by her 11-year-old son with the support of SVCC members, The Pawn Project empowers youth leaders to serve students in grades K–12 through chess coaching, guidance, and encouragement. The program meets monthly in Purcellville, Virginia, in partnership with Purcellville Library, providing free access to chess for local youth. Amy enjoys planning and organizing and currently uses those interests to support the local homeschool community. She coordinates and leads many homeschool co-ops, field trips, and community events fostering opportunities for youth to explore their interests. She is passionate about helping youth thrive in their areas of interest and guiding them to recognize that they can use their talents and passions to make a positive difference in their communities.