Our Team

Meet the leaders bringing chess to life across Chicago

ABOUT

team

Meet Our Leaders

David Heiser

Co-Founder & CEO Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation

David Heiser is a nationally recognized leader in scholastic chess who has brought transformative chess programs to tens of thousands of Chicago students.

📧 Email: daheiser@cps.edu
📱 Cell: 773-844-0701

Sheila Heiser

Co-Founder & Vice-President Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation

Sheila Heiser is the visionary behind Renaissance Knights. Her passion for empowering youth through education and enrichment has shaped the organization’s mission from the very beginning.

Arlecia Taylor

Manager Academic Competition Chicago Public Schoools

Arlecia Taylor serves as the Academic Competition Manager for Chicago Public Schools, overseeing programs that support student growth through scholastic competitions, including chess.

📧 Email: ajtaylor@cps.edu

Darrell Ivy

Academic Competitions Coordinator Chicago Public Schools

Darrell Ivy is the Academic Competitions Coordinator for Chicago Public Schools, supporting the management and implementation of district-wide scholastic programs and events.

📧 Email: divy10@cps.edu
📱 Cell: 773-414-2691