Contact the Chess Program

Chess Program Staff

Jim Stallings – Director

James “Jim” Stallings became director of the UT Dallas Chess Program in 2006. His current responsibilities include team recruiting, expanding chess in the greater Dallas area and administering the program components: the team, the club and education initiatives.

He joined the program in 2004 as associate director for chess and education. In this capacity, Stallings’ primary focus was outreach to the local area and state school districts in assisting them with chess instruction to improve their students’ academic performance.

A Dallas native, Stallings has played successfully in Texas and at collegiate chess events. He received his MBA in marketing from DePaul University in Chicago.

Contact Information

Email: Jim Stallings
Office Phone: 972-883-4899
Cellphone: 214-793-4967
Fax: 972-883-2896


Julio Catalino Sadorra – Coach

Julio Catalino Sadorra

Julio Catalino Sadorra was named coach of the UT Dallas chess team in 2019. As a member of the UT Dallas Chess Team, he achieved the title of Grandmaster and helped the UT Dallas Chess Team win numerous collegiate championships.

After graduating from UT Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2013, Sadorra competed in numerous chess tournaments, including the World Cup Chess Championships and World Chess Olympiads.

Since becoming the team coach, he has collaborated with numerous top players and trainers. In 2023, he received the title of FIDE Trainer from the World Chess Federation.

Contact Information

Email: Julio Catalino Sadorra
Office Phone: 972-883-2898
Fax: 972-883-2896


Tim Steiner – Program Coordinator

Tim Steiner

Tim Steiner became program coordinator in early 2020. He handles daily organizational and clerical duties for all members of the Chess Team.

Steiner’s previous experience includes a 20-year career teaching chess, developing that business model in two different cities, and a short duration in the medical field.

Originally from Kansas City, Steiner made Dallas his home in 2015. He has over three decades of chess experience, earning the Candidate Master title and winning state championships multiple times. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas State University.

Contact Information

Email: Tim Steiner
Office Phone: 972-883-2898
Fax: 972-883-2896


Alexey Root – Lecturer

Alexey Root

Dr. Alexey Root is the author of Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators (Teacher Ideas Press, 2006). Root has a PhD in education from the University of California, Los Angeles (1999).

Since joining UT Dallas in 1999, Root has taught education classes, tutored prospective teachers for certification exams, supervised student teachers, and created and taught online education courses that explore the uses of chess in classrooms.

Root teaches chess at elementary and middle schools, and at summer chess camps. Root was the winner of the 1989 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship.

Contact Information

Email: Dr. Alexey Root
Office Phone: 972-883-2323


Phil Roth – Communications Manager

Phil Roth

Phil Roth is the media contact for the UT Dallas Chess Program.

Contact Information

Email: Phil Roth
Office Phone: 972-883-2193


Get In Touch

Mailing Address

The University of Texas at Dallas
800 West Campbell Road, FO55
Richardson, Texas 75080-3021

Office and Team Room

Our office and team room are located on the first floor of Founders Building — rooms FO 1.506 and FO 1.508.

Phone

972-883-2898

Fax

972-883-2896