Christopher Toolin

National Master Christopher Toolin is a chess educator, tournament organizer, and competitive player who has helped cultivate one of Texas’s most active training communities.

He is a co-founder of the North Texas Chess Academy (NTCA) in Carrollton (founded 2016), a key “pre–Texas Chess Center” predecessor that hosted major events—including tournaments featuring 20+ grandmasters, Pro Chess League activities, and a simultaneous exhibition with GM Nigel Short.

Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Toolin has long blended high-level competition with instruction and chess entrepreneurship. A published profile credits him with accomplishments such as Pan-American Co-Champion (2001), National High School Team Champion (2003), and membership on the UT Dallas chess team (2004–2008). He earned a B.A. in Business Administration (2008).

Beyond playing and coaching, Toolin also contributes to chess writing and historical coverage, with multiple bylined articles for the Texas Chess Association.