Born and raised in New York, Herminio Baez has been playing and teaching chess for over 30 years. He is a national expert who has taught in the New York area for over 12 years including 7 years in National Summer Chess Camps. Throughout the years, Herminio has had numerous students on the top 100 list. He is also very active in promoting chess in schools, evident by his involvement in the Harlem Education Activities Foundation.