MEET OUR ADMINS
Wendell Chess Club is committed to growing a strong and welcoming chess community. Through our love of chess — and our passion for teaching and learning alongside the community — our admins work to bring in players from across the Triangle: Raleigh, Wendell, Knightdale, Zebulon, Wake Forest, and even Durham. Together, we’re building a club that’s not only a local favorite, but a recognizable, must-visit chess destination on the national stage.
Aaron Massey
President
Aaron began playing chess in 2022 after a friend introduced him to the game—and handed him his first two losses. Those early defeats sparked a competitive drive to improve, and he quickly fell in love with the depth and strategy of chess, immersing himself in learning the game. In November 2025, he founded the club with the goal of creating an inclusive chess community in Wendell and sharing the game with players of all levels. He is thrilled by the club’s early success and looks forward to expanding its reach. Outside of chess he enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, and carpentry. Ask him for a game, just go easy on him!
Liz Sayachack
Vice President
Liz has been hooked on chess since 2018, but it wasn't until 2021 that she started playing seriously, which then turned into a full-blown competitive obsession! In her spare time she makes custom chessboards as a hobby, has dabbled in live streaming chess games, and is infamous amongst her friends for asking the important ice-breaker question when she meets someone new, "Do you play chess???" Be warned, win or lose, she is always down to play chess!