About Wilberforce Chess Adepts
Developing Strategic Thinkers Through Chess
Wilberforce Chess Adepts was founded to help people of all ages develop confidence, skills, and strategic thinking through the timeless game of chess.
What began as intense battles and informal coaching between family, friends and strangers evolved into a structured program after more than 50 individuals benefited from instruction over the years — many of whom continued to stay in touch long after lessons ended. Their encouragement played an active role in inspiring the creation of Wilberforce Chess Adepts.
Today, Wilberforce Chess Adepts provides personalized chess lessons for complete beginners, youth players, intermediate competitors, and adults seeking competitive thrill, offered locally in Wilberforce and throughout Greene County and the Miami Valley Region.
Founder & Head Coach – Noble Seyoum
I bring over 15 years of experience playing and studying chess, with more than 10,000 hours dedicated to gameplay, analysis, and improvement.
My teaching approach is rooted in the same structured methodology I used to elevate my own skills which have yielded me:
Chess.com Ratings:
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- 1800 Rapid
- 2100 Blitz
- 2250 Bullet
Tournament Results:
- Consistently placed in the top 10% of formal tournaments
- 2nd Place – 3rd Annual HBCU Chess Classic in 2025 (4–1 record)
Current USCF Ranking:
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- National: 7,064 out of 73,062 (90th percentile)
- Ohio: 234 out of 2,133 (89th percentile)
I don’t encourage memorization, I want you to build a strong foundation of understanding essential chess concepts.
Students learn how to:
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- Build clear plans
- Calculate accurately
- Convert advantages
- Navigate complex positions
- Develop their confidence under pressure
My Teaching Philosophy
I’m a musician by training. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Music from Tennessee State University in 2012, and I bring many of the foundational principles of music directly into chess instruction — including pattern recognition, timing, structure, creativity, harmony, etc. Just as music teaches melody, harmony, and rhythm, chess teaches logic, foresight, and decision-making. This blend allows students to approach chess not merely as a game, but as a powerful tool for personal development. My goal is to give students the tools to discover and express their innate brilliance through chess with structured learning, encouragement, and practical application.
Our Method
Wilberforce Chess Adepts uses a personalized, results-driven approach that combines:
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- Classical chess principles
- Tactical pattern training
- Real-game analysis
- Interactive puzzles
The system that transformed my own play, with some amendments, is now used to guide students step-by-step towards measurable improvement. Early students report increased confidence, sharper calculation, and stronger focus both on and off the board.
Who We Serve
We work with:
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- Complete beginners building foundations
- Youth students developing focus and discipline
- Intermediate players seeking competitive growth
- Adults sharpening cognition and strategic thinking
Instruction is available locally in Wilberforce and surrounding communities as well as online, with a strong emphasis on personal attention and long-term development.
A Personal Invitation
Chess strengthened how I think, plan, and approach challenges.
I invite you to experience that same transformation.
Join Wilberforce Chess Adepts and begin building skills that have use value far beyond the board.