Chess Program
A strategic thinker both on and off the board, Nico Tenoch Rizo serves as the Director of Operations and Coach Mentor for the Urban Warriors Chess Program. With over 10 years of chess experience, he brings a deep understanding of the game and a passion for teaching, mentoring, and empowering youth through critical thinking and strategy. Currently a senior at Little Village High School, Nico will graduate in 2025 and is set to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to pursue a law degree. His commitment to education, leadership, and community growth is reflected in his work with Urban Warriors, where he helps develop young players into confident, strategic, and resilient competitors. As a mentor, Nico understands that chess is more than just a game—it’s a tool for discipline, problem-solving, and decision-making, skills that he hopes to carry into his future career in law. His journey is an inspiration to the next generation of Urban Warriors, proving that knowledge is power—both on the chessboard and in life.