Jonathan Schroer, the lead coach and founder of Dragon Knight Chess, is an International Master with a lifelong passion for chess. Born in 1963 in Urbana, Illinois, Jonathan’s journey has been marked by a deep engagement with chess, law, and education. Growing up on Long Island, New York, he discovered his love for chess at an early age and quickly ascended through the ranks, ultimately earning the prestigious title of International Chess Master.
Jonathan’s intellectual pursuits led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he double majored in Political Science and Russian. He later earned a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and advocacy.
In parallel to his legal career, Jonathan’s passion for education led him to explore the Montessori approach. He began as a pre-K teacher and eventually assumed administrative roles. Jonathan uses many of the techniques he learned in Montessori to teaching chess, which enriches each student’s experience!
Jonathan’s commitment to chess education remains unwavering. He continues to play and coach chess, both privately and at local schools. His impressive chess career includes multiple victories in the NC state championship and a legacy as one of the youngest international chess champions in the U.S.