Ruben Ondangan
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
University of Manila, Philippines 1993
Recipient of Chess Scholarship Award 1989-1993
Varsity Player, University of Manila Chess Team
Recipient of Chess Scholarship Award 1993-1995
Varsity Player, Philippine College of Criminology
Winner of numerous chess tournaments
in the Philippine Islands from 1990-1997
Hawaii Chess Teacher and Coach 1997-2003
Hawaii State Rapid Chess Champion 1999
Western States Open Reno, Nevada Champion 2000
Hawaii State Open Champion 2004
Founder : CHECKMATE Chess School's Lancaster, CA 2006-present
National Master Title Awarded : January 2011
Santa Monica FIDE Qualifier Los Angeles Chess Club Champion January 2011
Antelope Valley 1st Easter Open 2011 Champion
Glendale, CA 1st Summer Open 2011 Champion
Antelope Valley 1st Spring Open 2012 Champion
Los Angeles FIDE Qualifier Metropolitan Chess Club Champion June 2012
Antelope Valley 1st Beat A Master Chess Tournament Champion May 2013
Los Angeles Chess Club Saturday Intermediate Class Lecturer June 2013 - present
Antelope Valley 4th Christmas Classic tied for 1st December 2013
Antelope Valley 3rd Spring Open 2014 Champion
Antelope Valley 2nd Easter Open 2014 Champion
West Valley Chess Club All Winter Long Swiss 2014 Champion
Antelope Valley 5th Christmas Classic 2014 Champion
Quartz Hill 2nd Beat A Master Open Champion October 2014
Antelope Valley 1st Winter Open in Quartz Hill 2015 Champion
Original Life Master Title Awarded : March 2015
Ruben Ondangan
chessguru77@outlook.com
(661) 917-7628
Ruben is a wonderful teacher. The qualities that most impress me are his passion, his patience and his ability to customize a lesson unique to the needs of each student. He is humble... but watch out!!! The chess board is his battlefield and he is in command of his army. I can't recommend him enough!
~ Peri Rogovin
"Ruben is wonderful….patient, gentle, kind, and truly a master. His knowledge and memory are amazing, and he makes learning the game fun, interesting and exciting.”
~ Pat Barkley
Master Ruben is an excellent teacher ... he speaks with passion and clarity. His words simply sparkle with ideas and concepts that are easily understandable. Having him as a coach for two years now benefits my chess understanding tremendously. Highly recommended !
~ Chris Hamilton
About Ruben
"I began playing chess when I was young but did not begin taking formal lessons or playing in tournaments until well into adulthood. I have had several instructors over the past several years but I can say Ruben Ondangan stands at the top not only in his ability to explain chess concepts but also in his ability to motivate , inspire and promote the game of chess. Because of his excellent interpersonal skills he is an excellent teacher for both children and adults."
~ Dr. Sheldon Brooks