The people at the board.
A founder who started with one idea, and the coaches who show up for kids every week.
Founder and coaches.
- JE
Jehlan Eustache
Founder and CEOStarted Imagine That as a small idea and grew it into a program teaching chess across dozens of New York City schools and in Haiti. Teaches in inner-city neighborhoods to bridge the divide.
“Youth are extremely important to the health of our community and it's been a labor of love, just like a small chess move to change the whole picture.”
- BDL
Brandon De La Rosa
Chess coachRaised in Harlem and started playing at 13. Has competed at state tournaments in several states. Studies Civil Engineering at City College.
The coaching staff is larger than two names. Every coach who teaches for Imagine That in a school goes in here with a line about where they are from and how they came to the game.
Coach with us
Where
New York City and the Tri-State area.
What
Teaching the game in schools, in the day and after school, and coaching teams.
How
Send a message with your rating, where you have taught, and your availability.
Press and public record.
The Haitian Times
Local chess organization helps connect communities in New York and Haiti
“We're at 40 schools right now, teaching in inner-city neighborhoods to bridge the divide.”
July 20, 2022
Class Reunion, a podcast
Chaturanga?! Imagine That!
“Dr. Dia and former student Jehlan Eustache discuss entrepreneurship, chess, and all things life.”
January 13, 2026
MS 366, The Science and Medicine Middle School
Imagine That Chess Program
“The program's motto is "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance."”
School program page
Imagine That
Coach with us.
If you can teach the game and show up for kids, send a message with where you have taught and when you are free.
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.