“At Premier Chess Academy (PCA), our vision is to transform kids into the world of chess & support them along the transition. Each and every kid at PCA deserves a special appreciation but we have shortlisted (selection criteria below) the students. Friendly advice, “for student’s those who didn’t make it through – you will make it one day and for those who are the stars of the month – continue the practice as your bar goes up”.
Here we go to recognize the stars of the month (July 2026) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Vaibhav Sundaresan
” Vaibhav currently studying 4th grade and started learning chess in the last 2 years. Vaibhav and his dad used to play together in the early days. He learnt the basic skills on his own by watching YouTube videos and developed his interest in chess through self-learning. He won many trophies at Wisconsin State Scholastic Tournaments (WSCF) by taking coaching and learning through Premier Chess academy mentors. His coach Mr. Narendiran and Mr. Suvradeepta Das significantly helped him to improve his tactics, analytical skills and advanced techniques. It helped a lot to shape his progress in chess and gain higher ratings at regular phase. Vaibhav also enjoys playing basketball, Soccer and other outdoor games along with his chess classes. Chess has become his daily routine to keep him engaged outside his school and outdoor sports activities. He aims to improve higher ratings every day in both lichess and chess.com.”
Coach feedback on Vaibhav:
”Vaibhav is a very passionate, focused, and intelligent kid. He has shown tremendous improvement in his rating over the last few months. He participates regularly in practice sessions and weekly tournaments, and he has a strong zeal for learning from his past mistakes. He approaches everything with dedication and is quick and eager to grasp new concepts. His progress has been consistent and fast. He is doing great, and I believe he will continue to do so in the future. As his coach, I am very happy to have him as my student, and my best wishes will always follow his path.”
Few games of Vaibhav:
https://lichess.org/BUKRPNzP/black
2. Aryan Dhooper
” Aryan is 14 years old and very passionate about learning chess. It’s truly a proud moment that he has been selected as the Star Kid of the Month. His interest in chess has grown as he has gotten older, and he is very dedicated to learning more and competing in tournaments. Joining Premier Chess Academy has been one of the best steps toward achieving his goals under Coach Harjee Singh’s guidance. Coach Harjee continues to teach him patience and teamwork, which will help Aryan become even better at chess. Aryan also plays the violin at school, and his favorite pastime is solving different types of Rubik’s cubes. I can’t wait to see him achieve even more in chess!.”
Coach feedback on Aryan:
”Aaryan demonstrates a strong commitment to learning chess, exhibiting both enthusiasm and remarkable problem-solving skills. His outstanding performance in Puzzle Racer on Lichess, where he has attained notable scores, underscores his concentration and resolve. I take pride in observing his significant advancement and eagerly anticipate his continued success and the attainment of new milestones in his chess endeavors.”
Few games of Aryan:
https://lichess.org/rfjlpfXO/black
3. Satvik Barde
” Satvik is a rising middle school student who is curious, hardworking, and eager to learn. He enjoys playing soccer, chess, and running, and likes staying active. His favorite subjects are Math and Science, where he enjoys solving problems and exploring new ideas. He is a responsible and kind student who works well with others, follows instructions, and is always willing to help his classmates.”
Coach feedback on Satvik:
” Satvik is a very enthusiastic kid. He loves to learn chess. I can see his improvement with his strong mindset. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. I wish him a very bright future ahead.”
Few games of Satvik:
https://lichess.org/8emsHRi7/black
4. Arnav Singla
”Arnav is eleven years old but has been an avid chess player for 6 years. He has been in love with the game ever since his father introduced him to chess. The different openings and styles of the game have always captivated him. Arnav has played in two open chess tournaments and discovered PCA through them. Through online resources, he always seeks to improve his game. His favorite chess players are Levy Rozman and Magnus Carlsen. Outside of chess, he enjoys playing basketball and piano, solving math equations, and playing games online with his friends. Over the past year at PCA, he has learned many different tactics, which have made his enthusiasm for the game grow tremendously. He would like to sincerely thank his two coaches, Vaheeb Shafi Hassam and Harshraj Gupta, for their amazing guidance and patience throughout his journey as a growing chess player.”
Coach feedback on Arnav:
” Arnav has shown impressive focus and steady progress in his chess journey. He listens carefully, learns from his mistakes, and applies new ideas thoughtfully in every game. His logical thinking and calm approach under pressure highlight his growing maturity as a chess player. Keep going, Arnav! Your consistency, curiosity, and dedication are truly commendable — you’re building a strong foundation for great success ahead! ♟.”
Few games of Arnav:
https://lichess.org/YOKntgn0/black
https://lichess.org/rDurLMzI/black
5. Nishk Mendonza
” Nishk is a rising seventh grader from Delaware, USA, who is deeply engaged in both his academic and extracurricular pursuits. He discovered his passion for chess in third grade and has been training with Premier Chess Academy (PCA) for the past three years. Under the guidance of Coach Bhaskar Anand and the PCA coaching team, he continues to elevate his game by competing in online and in‑person tournaments across Delaware and Maryland, earning numerous accolades along the way. In early August 2026, Nishk will proudly represent the state of Delaware at the 16th Annual Dewain Barber National Tournament of Middle School State Champions in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Last year, he also founded a chess club at his school to inspire interest in the sport among his peers. Beyond chess, Nishk plays in an Under‑12 travel soccer league in central Delaware and is an enthusiastic piano player. In his free time, he enjoys reading, skiing, traveling, and—most of all—being a wonderful big brother to his younger sibling. Many thanks to the coaches and staff at PCA for providing a supportive platform where young minds like Nishk can learn, grow, and help advance the game for the next generation.”
Coach feedback on Nishk:
” Nishk is a really very nice and calm kid. He is always eager for new things and is very patient while learning. He is good at interaction and also very sharp. He always completes his assigned tasks. He always deals with all his mistakes very calmly; he never gets upset rather focuses on the mistake and improvises it. Being a coach I’m really very happy to have him and my best wishes will always follow his path. Good Luck Nishk!”
Few games of Nishk:
https://lichess.org/dkSeOTCS
https://lichess.org/mghStxlc/black
https://lichess.org/tGUQEzfn
6. Pranavamithran Bharathi Sankar
”Hi! My name is Pranav and I am 10 years old. I am interested in soccer, chess, and playing video games. My favorite opening in chess is the Vienna Gambit. I have been playing chess since I was four years old when my parents introduced me to chess during Covid 19. Since then, I have been participating in multiple tournaments throughout the years. My aim is to become a Grand Master. To me, chess is my passion and I would really enjoy it if chess becomes my career. I would like to thank my coach, Arya Bhakta, who has been sharing challenging puzzles, and guiding our class in games.”
Coach feedback on Pranavamithran:
” Coaching Pranav is a delight! Every session reveals his enthusiasm for chess, and it’s amazing to see how committed he has been since he began playing. His curiosity and passion for the game are evident in his appreciation for solving difficult puzzles and his interest in openings like the Vienna Gambit.
Pranav has shown a lot of dedication by competing in tournaments and constantly trying to get better. I’m sure he will keep making great progress because of his upbeat outlook, diligent work ethic, and aspirational aim of becoming a Grandmaster. Pranav, keep up the fantastic work!.”
Few games of Pranavamithran:
https://lichess.org/mvVi8aSA/black
https://lichess.org/9P4Tko6t/black
7. Sathvika Shankar
” Sathvika Shankar started her chess journey at Premier Chess Academy 2 years back under coach Karthik K. She was very new to chess at the time of admission. Thanks to the academy and coach Karthik who taught her the basics and rules. Initially she did not have the courage to handle puzzle racers and online tournaments but with constant encouragement and help from the coach, she is able to play it independently under guidance. Mr. Karthik is an inspiring chess teacher who makes every lesson enjoyable and insightful. She achieved remarkable achievement with her coach’s effort. All thanks to the academy and coach. We couldn’t ask for more and completely satisfied with her progress. Best Wishes to the team and Coach Karthik!”
Coach feedback on Sathvika :
” Sathvika is really performing better every day; I have seen her rectifying herself whenever we find any mistakes with her games. She keeps learning new things and memorizing them. She tries to practice in her available time. It clearly shows her love and passion towards the game. She is very focused in regular sessions & always tries to implement the concept in her own games. She is very active and a Regular Student of Chess Sessions, which is highly appreciable. I wish her very good luck for her Chess Career…!”
Few games of Sathvika:
https://lichess.org/zF8BZ9lB/black
https://lichess.org/KPVbz5MX/black
8. Srinika Prabu
”At just eight years old, Srinika Prabu has already developed a remarkable passion for chess. She approaches every class with curiosity and enthusiasm, eagerly learning new concepts, solving puzzles and applying them confidently in her games and tournaments. With consistent practice and steady guidance from her coach Narendiran, Srinika continues to strengthen her strategic thinking, patience and overall understanding of the game. Beyond the chessboard, Srinika is a multi‑talented and energetic learner. She enjoys swimming, karate and drawing, each of which reflects her creativity, discipline, and love for exploring new challenges. Whether she’s mastering a new tactic or trying a new activity, Srinika brings focus, determination and a joyful spirit to everything she does. Her family is incredibly proud of her dedication and growth. They are grateful to Premier Chess Academy and her coach for nurturing her skills and inspiring her to keep learning. Being recognized as Star Kid of the Month is a wonderful encouragement for Srinika and look forward to celebrating many more milestones in her chess journey!”
Coach feedback on Srinika :
” Srinika is a quick learner and as always active in the class. She had shown a consistent performance. Very punctual in attending the classes, submitting assignments etc. She’s very interested in learning new tactics and likes to solve puzzles and always comes up with different variations. I wish all the very best for her upcoming achievements in this chess journey.”
Few games of Srinika :
https://lichess.org/TdU1lMwc/black
9. Mayank Reddy Vustepally
” Mayank is a friendly, curious, and enthusiastic 3rd grader who enjoys learning new things. He likes puzzles, games, and activities that challenge him to think. He is patient, eager to improve, and responds well to encouragement. While he may take a little time to build confidence with new skills, he is determined and keeps trying. We’re excited for him to learn chess, develop his strategic thinking, and most importantly, have fun along the way.”
Coach feedback on Mayank:
” I am really happy with Mayank’s performance in chess. In class and in tournaments he is doing very well. He loves playing rapid games in class and also puzzle racer. Congrats for your star of the month dear Mayank and I wish you all the best for all success. Keep it up.”
Few games of Mayank:
https://lichess.org/WaJRiLZ2/black
10. Vidhyuth Arun kumar
” Vidhyuth is an 11-year-old boy with a passion for both chess and cricket. He enjoys learning new chess strategies, discovering clever tricks, and solving challenging puzzles that help sharpen his thinking skills. Alongside his love for chess, he is also enthusiastic about playing cricket and spends a lot of his free time practicing and improving his game. Currently, Vidhyuth is highly focused on participating in chess tournaments and is determined to achieve success in them. He works hard to improve his skills, learn from every game, and compete at his best. With his dedication, curiosity, and strong interest in continuous learning, he is steadily progressing toward his goal of winning tournaments.”
Coach feedback on Vidhyuth:
” Vidhyuth has shown remarkable dedication and enthusiasm towards learning chess throughout the month of July. His consistent effort, positive attitude, and eagerness to improve have been truly commendable. He has made noticeable progress in tactical awareness, calculation, and decision-making, while also showing a strong willingness to learn from his mistakes. His growing confidence and determination during classes and games have made his progress especially impressive. Vidhyuth’s hard work, discipline, and continuous improvement have earned him the well-deserved recognition of Star Kid of July 2026. Congratulations, Vidhyuth! Keep learning, improving, and enjoying the game!”
Few games of Vidhyuth:
Selection Criteria – July 2026:
- Regular in class and practice sessions.
- Displaying improvement in practices to reach top 3 positions.
- Puzzle solving and tactics findings in regular class.
- Generate quest in chess and regular in assignments.
- Overall – Passion is evident in class, practices, puzzle solving etc.
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