American Chess Academy was founded by Armen Ambartsoumian, former head coach of Armenia's national chess team, and its Glendale club on North Louise Street is the flagship site. Children can start in group classes or after-school chess programs and move into private coaching as they improve. The academy also runs summer chess camps and youth tournaments, and it organizes the Southern California Open. The coaching staff is Armenian, and the Armenian Mirror-Spectator has reported Armenian enrollment of roughly 70 to 80 percent, which makes the club a familiar place for Armenian families. An Encino site at the Armenian Cultural Center is listed for the 2026 to 2027 year. Class levels and registration are set out on the academy website.