MARK PLOTKIN
Co-Founder
Mark Plotkin is a distinguished Canadian chess player and coach, holding the FIDE title of International Master and ranking 16 th among active players in the country.
Mark’s journey in the world of chess began with the aid of his father, Victor Plotkin, a strong FIDE Master and captain of several Canadian Olympiad teams. His early exposure to the game laid the foundation for a notable career that would see him rise to prominence in the chess community.
Mark pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, getting a degree in Political Science and Journalism, where he not only sharpened his academic skills but also joined the Hart House Chess Club and contributed to the university team’s victory in the Canadian University Chess Championship.
After his graduation, Mark added another feather to his cap by clinching victory at the Canadian Banff Chess Tournament, one of the first tournaments that were played during the pandemic. The following year, he finished fifth in the Titled Tuesday Tournament, where he competed against a very strong field of 340 titled players, and beat several top grandmasters.
The onset of the pandemic-induced chess boom saw Mark make a significant shift, embracing a full-time role as a chess teacher. His passion for teaching has helped produce several Canadian Champions, as well as a few select individuals getting FIDE titles.
In 2023, Mark made his first successful attempt as a chess organizer and arbiter by hosting a junior event in Richmond Hill. This experience inspired him to embark on a new venture.
As Mark is entering the 25 th year of his life, excitement surrounds his co-founding of the Toronto Chess Centre, marking a new chapter in his journey and a commitment to fostering a love for chess within the community.
MARK PLOTKIN
Co-Founder
Mark Plotkin is a distinguished Canadian chess player and coach, holding the FIDE title of International Master and ranking 16 th among active players in the country.
Mark’s journey in the world of chess began with the aid of his father, Victor Plotkin, a strong FIDE Master and captain of several Canadian Olympiad teams. His early exposure to the game laid the foundation for a notable career that would see him rise to prominence in the chess community.
Mark pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, getting a degree in Political Science and Journalism, where he not only sharpened his academic skills but also joined the Hart House Chess Club and contributed to the university team’s victory in the Canadian University Chess Championship.
After his graduation, Mark added another feather to his cap by clinching victory at the Canadian Banff Chess Tournament, one of the first tournaments that were played during the pandemic. The following year, he finished fifth in the Titled Tuesday Tournament, where he competed against a very strong field of 340 titled players, and beat several top grandmasters.
The onset of the pandemic-induced chess boom saw Mark make a significant shift, embracing a full-time role as a chess teacher. His passion for teaching has helped produce several Canadian Champions, as well as a few select individuals getting FIDE titles.
In 2023, Mark made his first successful attempt as a chess organizer and arbiter by hosting a junior event in Richmond Hill. This experience inspired him to embark on a new venture.
As Mark is entering the 25 th year of his life, excitement surrounds his co-founding of the Toronto Chess Centre, marking a new chapter in his journey and a commitment to fostering a love for chess within the community.
