Coach Colton

Michael Colton was born and raised just south of Chicago. At the age of 4, his dad taught him how to play chess and his love for the game began. After taking lessons, he began doing the tournament circuit in Illinois at the age of six. He left the competitive scene after a few years and now pursues it as a love instead of a competition.

Colton spent his high school years as a swimming teacher and a lifeguard, before shipping off to join the army at the age of 18. Now, back in school, he is pursuing two undergraduate degrees in mathematics and anthropology. Colton works as a research assistant to a bio-archeologist performing statistical analysis on excavations from the North Coast of Peru. Colton enjoys the logical, analytical nature of chess paired with the empathetic work of teaching to bring chess into as many people's lives as possible.