Silicon Valley Chess Academy

Venkatagiri Acharya is a software engineering professional with a deep passion for chess and the Founding President of Silicon Valley Chess Academy. He has more than 15 years of experience building AI, cloud, and enterprise software platforms, leading global engineering teams, and delivering large-scale systems used by millions. A USCF/FIDE-rated player, Acharya is a former University Chess Champion, winner of the WAC Chess Championship in the Indian Air Force, and a member of the U1900 National Team Championship-winning team. Through Silicon Valley Chess Academy, which has more than 1,000 alumni, he has helped students build confidence, strategic thinking, and a lifelong love for chess. Acharya also started SVC, a nonprofit organization that hosts regular USCF and non-USCF tournaments for both parents and kids, creating a strong positive impact in the community. He also leads the official Silicon Valley Chess Club on Chess.com, which has nearly 800 players and hosts free weekly tournaments. Acharya enjoys exploring the connections between chess, leadership, and engineering, and sharing those lessons with students, families, and technology professionals alike.