“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 (April 2026) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Reyansh Vishnuvarthan
“Reyansh is a bright and curious 10-year-old in 4th grade who brings the same focus and dedication to everything he does. His passion for chess goes beyond the classroom — he loves sharpening his skills through online play and is always eager to learn and grow as a player. Outside of chess, Reyansh is a natural athlete. He excels in cricket as a talented batsman and fielder and recently took on a new challenge by joining his first soccer season this spring — showing the same discipline and determination he brings to the chessboard. In school, Reyansh is a standout in mathematics and is known among his teachers and peers as a calm, hardworking student who leads by example. At home, he is equally admirable — kind, caring, and deeply devoted to his family. He takes it upon himself to tutor his younger brother in academics and even coaches him in soccer and cricket, reflecting a maturity well beyond his years.”
Coach feedback on Reyansh:
“Reyansh is a quick and attentive learner who approaches combinations with impressive precision. He grasps new concepts swiftly and applies them effectively during games. What truly sets him apart is his ability to learn from his mistakes and ensure they aren’t repeated, demonstrating remarkable growth through consistent effort. His competitive spirit drives him to excel. Keep up the excellent work, wishing you continued success.”
Few games of Reyansh:
https://lichess.org/tG54Jb3J/black#66
https://lichess.org/Uvohf5dX/black#36
https://lichess.org/aiuWPa3i#45
2. Anayara Bakshi
“Anayara is a cheerful 2nd grader who really enjoys playing chess and learning new things in the game. She loves practicing, solving puzzles, and trying her best in every class. It has been so nice to watch her interest and confidence grow little by little. We are truly happy to have her learning with Premier Chess Academy. The academy has given her such a positive and encouraging environment to grow. A heartfelt thank you to Coach Ankush Sahoo for his patience, support, and guidance. His teaching has made Anayara’s chess journey even more enjoyable and meaningful.”
Coach feedback on Anayara:
“Anayara is a smart, intelligent, and highly interactive child. She is a quick learner with a strong passion for chess, and her consistency in attending sessions is commendable. She has good gameplay skills along with excellent puzzle-solving ability. Her progress so far has been impressive and with her dedication and enthusiasm, she is well on track to achieve great success in the future.”
Few games of Anayara:
https://lichess.org/8upwcPa2#71
https://lichess.org/IkVJAA4R#16
https://lichess.org/phjucYwV/black#51
3. Madhura Karthic
“Madhura Karthic is a bright and studious eight-year-old currently in the 3rd grade, where she consistently excels in both mathematics and English. She has a natural curiosity and a strong love for learning, which is reflected in her academic achievements. Beyond the classroom, Madhura enjoys reading a wide range of books, expressing her creativity through drawing, and sharpening her thinking skills by playing chess. She is an energetic and active child who approach Yes, everything she does with enthusiasm. Her cheerful nature and vivid imagination shine through in her artwork, which is full of color, creativity, and personality. Madhura’s combination of academic strength, creativity, and positivity makes her a well-rounded and inspiring young learner.”
Coach feedback on Madhura:
“Madhura has shown great consistency and hard work. But more than that she has a lot of interest in the game which makes it even amazing. She has performed quite well in a lot of tournaments making everyone proud. Apart from her skills in chess, she is very polite and a good learner. I wish her the best.”
Few games of Madhura:
https://lichess.org/o4acL9AQ/white
https://lichess.org/YYFfZefx/white
https://lichess.org/JkItXKgS/white
4. Augustus Pala
“Augustus Pala is 10 years old and is in 4th grade. He started attending Premier Chess Academy less than a year ago under the tutelage of Mr. Karthik. Mr. Karthik is an inspiring chess teacher who makes every lesson enjoyable and insightful. Dedicated, knowledgeable, and always encouraging—truly a fantastic chess coach. He brings out the best in Augustus with his clear guidance and deep understanding of the game. For Augustus, chess isn’t just about the board — it helps him understand everything better.”
Coach feedback on Augustus:
“Augustus is really performing better every day; I have seen him rectifying himself whenever we find any mistakes with his games. He keeps learning new things and memorizing them. He tries to practice in his available time. It clearly shows his love and passion towards the game. He is very focused in regular sessions & always tries to implement the concept in his own games. He is very active and a Regular Student of Chess Sessions, which is highly appreciable. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career…!”
Few games of Augustus:
https://lichess.org/tltOVD3O/black
5. Svara Aakuthota
“Svara has been playing chess for over a year now. It is a fun experience, learning different openings and how to strategize in my games. Ever since she joined these chess classes she has been having more fun playing chess. Playing games with people who have a higher rating than her makes her learn many new things. Thank you coach Baivab for teaching her chess.”
Coach feedback on Svara:
“Svara has shown excellent consistency and dedication throughout the month of April. Her attendance has been regular, and she stays attentive and involved during every session. She has made steady progress in understanding chess concepts, especially in calculation, piece coordination, and board awareness. She listens carefully to instructions and makes a genuine effort to apply what she learns in her games. Her positive attitude, discipline, and eagerness to improve truly set her apart. She leads by example and motivates others with her focus and commitment. With continued practice and the same mindset, Svara has great potential to grow further in chess. Congratulations to Svara for being selected as the Star Kid of April.”
Few games of Svara:
https://lichess.org/GJXdCz9E/black
https://lichess.org/OGU1IikI/white
https://lichess.org/OfACmNrq/white
6. Heramb Bahl
“Heramb, 11 years old, lives in SFO, is a sincere and disciplined young learner with a strong sense of respect and integrity. He has been actively learning and playing chess for nearly three years, building skills in concentration, analysis, and strategic planning. Known for his polite and cooperative nature, he values teamwork and wholeheartedly supports his friends and family. He shares a close bond with his sister and consistently demonstrates generosity and humility. Heramb enjoys intellectual discussions and brings a unique, thoughtful perspective. His composed mindset and problem-solving approach are clearly reflected in his chess journey, where he continues to grow with dedication and enthusiasm.”
Coach feedback on Heramb:
“Heramb is always a curious and enthusiastic kid. Starting he was losing some games but after that he did hard work and learned fast, he is a disciplined, sincere and hard-working boy and never missed the practice session not class and he is a quick learner & fast kid who learns the concepts well & tries to implement them in his games. Good thing he didn’t leave the game or didn’t give up and this is a very good thing and he always played till the end of game. He used to participate in practice sessions with great effort & always has a positive mindset while playing games. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career and keep it up … Keep it up Heramb!”
Few games of Heramb:
https://lichess.org/aUEgHELo/black
https://lichess.org/tDs9hEdT/white
https://lichess.org/koHM0INw/black
7. Mathias Alexander Burns
“Mathias is our 12-year-old who loves math and reading, so chess feels like a perfect fit for him. He takes every game seriously and gives it his all. We’re so proud of him and thrilled to see him receive this recognition!”
Coach feedback on Mathias:
“Mathias is doing an amazing job in chess and I’m really proud of his progress.
His discipline, focus, and willingness to learn make him stand out as a young player.
The way he thinks calmly and fights till the end shows true champion spirit. Wishing him best for his future achievements.”
Few games of Mathias:
https://lichess.org/hgt1O270/black
https://lichess.org/HOBBoCnM/black
8. Albert Pham
“I’m Albert Pham, I’m 7 years old, and every day I try to be my best self in my own way. I’m pretty smart, but what I’m most proud of is that I’m kind—I like taking care of others and helping whenever I can. I’m also a big foodie—cheese pizza, cheeseburgers, and chicken nuggets are my favorites! I can swim (even if I don’t love it that much yet), but on weekends, I’m always excited to play badminton and basketball. That’s when I have the most fun. Recently, I started playing chess because I watched my brother play. At first, I was just curious, but now I really love it. I like learning new moves and playing with him—it makes me happy. I’m growing every day—becoming more curious, more caring, and stronger in my own way.”
Coach feedback on Albert:
“Albert is an energetic and cool kid who enjoys chess a lot. His passion for chess is growing day by day. He is very attentive and solves combinations very precisely. He tries to learn from his mistakes and makes sure not to repeat them. If he continues with the same approach, then I am sure that Albert will have an amazing chess career ahead. Good luck for your Chess Career…!”
Few games of Albert:
https://lichess.org/Siin3tch/black
https://lichess.org/jTyCEnwF?pov=Albertmtpham
9. ANAV GUPTA
“Our son Anav, 12, is a bright and inquisitive young boy who has discovered a passion for chess. This newfound interest has brought him a sense of delight and fulfillment. Anav also enjoys reading and exploring his musical side, particularly playing different instruments. Witnessing his joy in these activities is truly rewarding. As Anav continues to learn and grow in chess, we’ve observed a remarkable change in his demeanor. He’s become more composed, persistent, and self-assured. His coach has been instrumental in nurturing his growth, offering support and motivation throughout his journey. It’s a pleasure to see Anav develop not only as a chess player but also as a confident and capable individual.”
Coach feedback on ANAV:
“Anav has been exceptional in coping up with different other kids even though joining quite late to the batch. Best part is that he is quite observant and understanding. He has a good thirst to dive and learn forward. I hope he continues to become one of the best chess players.”
Few games of ANAV:
https://lichess.org/TIaMeTcx/black#40
10. Raunak Biswas
“Raunak joined Chess when he started his Kindergarten. I noticed a major shift in his concentration and determination to complete any task…He plays chess whenever he gets an opportunity. and also, he encourages his fellow classmates to start playing chess and a big thank you note to Coach Ritish for teaching such young curious minds and listening to their questions with Great Patience. We really appreciate that!”
Coach feedback on Raunak:
“As Raunak chess coach, I have had the pleasure of working with him and witnessing his development firsthand. I must say that Raunak has shown exceptional dedication and enthusiasm for the game. He consistently comes to our lessons prepared and eager to learn. His commitment to honing his skills and willingness to put in the necessary effort is admirable. Raunak has made significant strides in his understanding of chess concepts and strategies. He has shown a remarkable ability to grasp and apply fundamental principles, as well as tactical and positional ideas. I have seen him grow in his ability to think critically and analyze different move sequences. Thank you for entrusting me with Raunak’s chess education. It has been a pleasure working with him, and I look forward to witnessing his continued growth as a chess player.”
Few games of Raunak:
https://lichess.org/PQVMFJes/black
https://lichess.org/CShIVpwu/black
11. Aadithya parthasarathy
“Aadi developed interest in chess when he was 6 years old and took inspiration from his brother Sid. He is now 7 and he loves Chess, Mathematics, Soccer. Huge thanks to his coaches, especially Mr. Shamim from premier chess academy. He was so patient and extremely supportive with kids.”
Coach feedback on Aadithya:
“Aadi is a joy to have in class. At just 7 years old, his level of enthusiasm and energy is truly remarkable. What stands out most is his genuine interest in the game; he doesn’t just play; he truly enjoys the process of learning. Aadi has a natural talent for tactical awareness and is becoming very skilled at identifying the best moves. His dedication to regular practice is clearly paying off, as his consistency on the board has improved significantly. He is an active, spirited, and promising young player with a very bright future in chess.”
Few games of Aadithya:
https://lichess.org/7lpGcDp8/black#18
https://lichess.org/tournament/IHBbRxN4
https://lichess.org/tournament/nmyWB80x
12. Aadhya Veeravalli
“Aadhya is a bright and well-rounded fifth grader who learns Carnatic music, practices Bharatanatyam, and holds a blue belt in Taekwondo, reflecting her discipline and dedication. She grasps new concepts quickly, has an excellent memory, pays close attention to detail, and analyzes situations thoughtfully with strong logical reasoning. She enjoys reading a wide range of fictional books and brings stories to life by making different voices for characters, showcasing her creativity and expressive confidence. She also loves math and eagerly takes on challenging questions, showing enthusiasm and persistence in solving them. Overall, she brings focus, curiosity, and a genuine desire to grow, making her a joy to guide.”
Coach feedback on Aadhya:
“Aadhya is a very active and consistent learner. She enthusiastically participates in class puzzles and games. She has demonstrated exceptional growth this month, consistently showing a deepened understanding of complex positional play. Perhaps most impressively, Aadhya handles losses with remarkable maturity. Her ability to transition from opening theory into a solid middle-game plan has improved significantly. Wishing her the best for the future!”
Few games of Aadhya:
https://lichess.org/6mOMsASo/black
https://lichess.org/0bvD8Gbz/black
13. Shreyas Reddy Boorugu
“Shreyas Reddy Boorugu is an energetic and enthusiastic 7 years old kid currently in 2nd grade. He lives in Georgia state. He shows lots of interest in learning new things. At the age of 4 years he learned the basics about chess by watching videos and tried to play with us. As per his interest we joined him in Premier Chess Academy at the age of 6 years and he used to enjoy the classes. Last year through school his team stood 1st in the state level tournament. We would like to extend thanks to his coach Sushant Kamble for his supportive teaching. Shreyas is also good at playing soccer, cricket and other board games. He always does amazing research on his interests and tries to understand in detail.”
Coach feedback on Shreyas:
“Shreyas is a smart and enthusiastic student who always shows excitement while participating in games and activities. His puzzle-solving skills have improved significantly over time, reflecting good logical thinking and learning ability. He remains attentive during classes and actively engages in the learning process. Keep up the great work, Shreyas!”
Few games of Shreyas:
https://lichess.org/gfKJvn1s/black
https://lichess.org/bSVRIr0F/black
https://lichess.org/dKdvYIrY/black
14. Ayansh
“Ayansh is a 9-year-old 4th grader from San Diego who is making great progress. After discovering an interest in chess last year, he joined the Premier Chess Academy in January 2026. Thanks to his love for Math, he has been able to learn new moves and strategies very quickly. Outside of his studies, Ayansh stays active by playing badminton with his dad every weekend.”
Coach feedback on Ayansh:
“Ayansh has earned his place as one of our Star Kids this month through his steady commitment and visible growth in his chess journey. His thoughtful approach to the game, combined with a willingness to explore and learn, has made him stand out. Ayansh has demonstrated an increasing depth in his play. He continues to show patience in decision-making, resilience in challenging positions, and a growing sense of confidence at the board. His quiet consistency and eagerness to improve reflect qualities that are essential in long-term development. Ayansh’s progress is a testament to what focused effort and a curious mindset can achieve. We look forward to seeing him continue this promising path, and we are excited for what lies ahead in his journey.”
Few games of Ayansh:
https://lichess.org/j68L3Z2U/black
https://lichess.org/eU9huxci/black
15.Venkata Devanshitha Mythili Jarugu
“Mythili is studying 5th grade in Rochester in NY State. She like puzzles.”
Coach feedback on Mythili:
“Mythili is a great kid. She is a very hardworking kid and always does her homework and also whatever we learn in class she revises at home as well. She loves to try new things and learn new strategies. And the best part is the way she solves puzzles using the technical aspect is great to watch. My best wishes are with Mythili moving forward.”
Few games of Mythili:
https://lichess.org/cxGiSNmY
https://lichess.org/jLEhawnJ/black
https://lichess.org/Vr1eqVgi/black
Selection Criteria – April 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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