Wizard of the Month Spotlight - August 2026 - Orn Backstrom

Our employee of the month is Orn Backstrom from Illinois!

 

Orn Backstrom is an outstanding instructor from Illinois who is deeply committed to both his own professional growth and the continued success of Chess Wizards. He has attended more Educational Webinars than any other instructor showing a real passion for learning and teaching. In his summer camp this year he went the extra mile to plan and work with a team of two other instructors for a group of over 30 kids.

 

Orn, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!

To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.

 

Cheсk out our interview with Orn below:

 

1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going? 

I am Orn Backstrom. I’m a Finnish American U.S citizen. My family emigrated to the U.S. when I was 4. I am 69 years old and semi-retired. I was an active-duty Captain in the US Army Corps of Engineers. I also worked in the construction and architecture industry, as well as publishing. 

 

2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards? 

11 months

 

3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? 

To engage with the students on their level. To make learning fun and stress free. To help the students build confidence in their ability to learn and enjoy games. 

 

4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?

I’ve played almost 800 tournament games of chess. I was an average adult tournament player, but I’ve had some spectacular upsets over high-rated players. I’ve also suffered upsets at the hands of lower rated players. I’ve enjoyed watching my students play chess games. They sometimes surprise and inspire me with their resourcefulness, competitive spirit and sportsmanship. 

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

I teach them that winning and losing are not important. What is important is to improve incrementally, by learning basic skills. I also teach them to keep chess in perspective. It’s a recreational game. If they can enjoy the learning process, they can succeed at anything. 

 

6.  If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?

Pretty much what I do now. But I would probably spend more time in Miami at my sister’s house. 

 

7.  What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’? 

Sometimes the students need a break from chess. I offer them alternative activities like magnetic blocks, wood block towers, or drawing and designing chess sets. I do most of the lesson material at the beginning of class. The second half of class is for individual chess games, tournaments and/or alternate chess related activities. 

                                                                                                                                     

8. What is an unusual place you have been to? 

I went to the Intel Grand Prix Quick Chess tournament at the Tribeca Theater in Manhattan (as a spectator). I got to meet all the best players in the world including Gary Kasparov. The event was designed for the audience. The players mingled freely with the audience after their matches. 

 

9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about? 

I came in 6th place at the Albacore Midwest sailing competition in 1978. It was the Hobbleman Regatta at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. 

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?

Let each student know that chess is their game. It can be enjoyed no matter what level you play at. It can be enjoyed in different ways.  I enjoy playing through historic Grandmaster games in order to learn how the Grandmasters approach the game. 

 

11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards? 

I play golf and go kayaking. 

                                                                                                                                                                           

12.  If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess, what would you do? Who do you think would win? 

I would take a picture. The kangaroo would win by using patience. 

 

13.  Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame? 

I like them both but prefer Star Trek. It’s slightly more realistic. 

 

14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards? 

The opportunity to teach young people chess and a good attitude towards learning.