Contact the Chess Program
Chess Program Staff
Julio Catalino Sadorra – Director and Head Coach
FIDE Title: Grandmaster; FIDE Trainer
Peak rating: 2611
Grandmaster Julio Sadorra earned his GM title in 2010 while pursuing his undergraduate studies. As a key member of the UT Dallas Chess Team from 2009 to 2013, he helped lead the team to multiple national collegiate titles, including three consecutive Pan-American Intercollegiate Championships (2010, 2011, and 2012).
Internationally, Sadorra has competed in numerous prestigious competitions such as the Asian Individual Championships, the FIDE World Cup, and the World Chess Olympiads.
He graduated cum laude in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas.
Now serving as Program Director and Head Coach, Sadorra is committed to cultivating a high-performance, student-centered environment—one that empowers chess scholars to thrive both competitively and academically.
Contact Information
Email: Julio Catalino Sadorra
Office Phone: 972-883-289
Mikhail Antipov – Coach and Trainer
FIDE Title: Grandmaster; FIDE Trainer
Peak rating: 2626
A Moscow native and accomplished Grandmaster, Mikhail Antipov joined the Comets chess program as head coach in April 2025. A former World Junior Champion (2015), Antipov has claimed top honors at major international tournaments, including the World Open, U.S. Masters, and Chicago Open. During his collegiate career, he led the University of Missouri to a national championship title.
In 2024, he served as team captain and coach of the U.S. national team at the Chess Olympiad, guiding them to a silver-medal finish on the world stage. His experience as both a top-level competitor and strategic leader makes him a transformative presence for the Comets.
Committed to player development, Coach Antipov inspires chess scholars to reach new heights in their pursuit of competitive excellence.
Contact Information
Email: Mikhail Antipov
Office Phone: 972-883-289
Tim Steiner – Program Coordinator
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
Stephen Fontenot – Communications Manager
Stephen Fontenot is the media contact for the UT Dallas Chess Program.
Contact Information
Email: Stephen Fontenot
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
Fax
972-883-2896