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 advise, “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 (November 2023) at Premier Chess Academy, North America(Canada & USA)!
1. Sreejith Gorrepati
” Sreejith is 12 years old and is in 7th grade. He lives in Parker, Colorado. He started learning the basics of Chess from his friend and we heard about PCA at the same time. His favorite game is Chess now and he never gets tired of playing it for long hours. We are extremely thankful to coach Tejas for helping Sreejith, making the class very interesting and teaching new strategies in every class. “
Coach feedback on Sreejith :
” Sreejith is an exceptional chess player, showcasing a distinctive prowess that sets him apart within the realm of the game. His acute analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail serve as invaluable assets during his matches. Sreejith consistently exhibits a disciplined approach and an insatiable hunger for refining his skills, portraying a true student’s dedication to the game’s nuances. One of Sreejith’s standout qualities lies in his comprehensive understanding of chess strategies and tactics. Continually seeking new openings and variations, he gains a significant edge over his adversaries. Fearlessly embracing challenges, Sreejith showcases a remarkable ability to adapt swiftly and learn effectively in the face of adversity. Sreejith’s technical finesse is complemented by his mastery of timing and tempo. He maneuvers with precision and efficiency, adeptly capitalizing on his opponents’ weaknesses and exploiting their mistakes to secure advantages. Given his unwavering commitment, Sreejith stands on the verge of even greater accomplishments in the future. As his coach, I take immense pride in his achievements and eagerly look forward to witnessing his continuous growth and evolution as a chess player. “
Few games of Sreejith :
https://lichess.org/P1jsvQzL/black
https://lichess.org/2kkXNKu5/black
2. Jaswanth Nunna
” Jaswanth is 12 years old and studying 7th grade. While excelling in his academics, he is also very passionate about social studies, always curious and exploring maps and learning new things in geography, building legos, and his fast Rubik’s cube solving skills. He also participates in a lot of school clubs ranging from board games to badminton to set designs. Jaswanth enjoys learning and playing chess and constantly thrives to learn new techniques. A big thanks to Coach Subhayan for his teachings, constant guidance, and support. “
Coach feedback on Jaswanth :
” Jaswanth is a talented child who displays great enthusiasm when playing chess. He possesses the admirable quality of always being eager to solve more puzzles and actively participates during class with a lot of energy. I have noticed that he regularly practices and solves puzzles with dedication. I wish him all the best and encourage him to continue working hard.”
Few games of Jaswanth :
https://lichess.org/9CAxwg0q#49
https://lichess.org/7BxXvvJJ/black#51
https://lichess.org/6pJBbD52/black#32
3. Neev Shah
” Neev Shah is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. Since he joined Premier Chess Academy a few months ago, his interest in chess and enjoyment in learning and playing the game has increased, with the excellent teaching and guidance of Coach Subash. He thoroughly enjoys the chess classes, practice sessions, and tournaments. His other interests include swimming and tennis.”
Coach feedback on Neev :
” Neev is a very passionate and enthusiastic kid. He loves to learn chess. I can see his improvement by attending Practice sessions. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. I wish him a very bright future Ahead.”
Few games of Neev :
https://lichess.org/Sn7LJZeS/black
https://lichess.org/ESoxQRWJ/black
4. Saikrisha Manikandan
” Saikrisha is a 5 year old Kindergartner from Maryland, USA. Saikrisha is exceptionally inquisitive by asking a multitude of questions to understand the world around her. She has interest in puzzles, games, or activities that challenge her mind. Her passion towards Chess started 6 months ago when she started showing keen interest in learning Chess pieces and their moves. And that’s when Saikrisha joined PCA. We are fortunate to have Mr.Sibin as Saikrisha’s coach. Mr.Sibin groomed Saikrisha very well and always motivates her to play more puzzles and games. Other than playing Chess Saikrisha loves to draw and pretend and play. “
Coach feedback on Saikrisha :
” Saikrisha is an amazing student who displays exceptional learning ability at such a young age. She solves puzzles fast and she is an active listener. She plays chess regularly and is very passionate about chess. These are some qualities that are seen usually in older kids but Saikrisha is already way ahead of the crowd at such a young age. Her parents take the effort to make sure Saikrisha is regular in class and that she plays and practices chess regularly. I Am happy to be a part of her long and amazing chess journey. “
Few games of Saikrisha :
https://lichess.org/GyJBZCrK/black
https://lichess.org/6XhMYyH3/black
5. Indiv Kota
” Indiv Kota is in 2nd grade and lives in Tampa, Florida in the United States. He is a fun loving, energetic, curious and obedient kid who has a unique perspective on life , he enjoys playing soccer , chess & drums . He is curious to learn new things and a very outdoor person . He has fallen in love with chess over summer and showed interest to join PCA in July . He is highly enthusiastic to participate in tournaments and to attend his classes . Coach Viraj and Shiva are very supportive to him and helped him to learn from his mistakes .He is very competitive and PCA provided him the edge. “
Coach feedback on Indiv :
” Indiv is excited to learn new things. He always looks forward to attending the class & always active to answer first. He actively participates in practice sessions & plays a lot of games so far. He is good at solving puzzles & playing games. He tries to learn from mistakes & try to not repeat them. I am very happy with his progress. Congratulations Indiv for being star kid of the Month.”
Few games of Indiv :
https://lichess.org/zeH3lYaR/black
6. Sai Daniel Kannan
” Sai Daniel is 10 years old and he is currently in the 5th grade. He is a very smart, kind-hearted kid who started learning chess just 5 months ago. His interest in learning and “bringing his rating up” developed into something extraordinary as soon as he started committing his every second of free time into doing what he loves the most; chess! Every day, he has a new checkmating sequence to share and a new favorite opening he is going to try out on his next game. We are so happy for his newfound passion and his driven personality. Chess brings out the best in him. We are so thankful for Coach Sarthak Dutta, Sai’s chess mentor, who taught him everything he knows today. Thank you, Coach! Sai’s incredible progress wouldn’t be possible without you.”
Coach feedback on Sai Daniel :
” Sai Daniel is a very focused and enthusiastic boy who is very keen to solve every obstacle. Few days back Sai Daniel was struggling with the games he was playing in the practice sessions but he didn’t let this thing affect his spirit to learn and grow and now he is doing well in his games, showing a good understanding of the game and has come up with more confidence. With this attitude and continuous effort, he will for sure become a fine chess player. Good luck to him…!! “
Few games of Sai Daniel :
https://lichess.org/UW6QFicy#90
https://lichess.org/wbcYg9Fk/black#32\
https://lichess.org/4JocRgq5#85
7. Vivaan Dash
” Vivaan is a 7 year old boy, studying in 2nd grade, living in Irving, TX. He loves doing Math, playing basketball and cricket. He enjoys playing chess and he loves to play chess tournaments on PCA. I would like to thank PCA Coach (Mr. Sahil) for supporting and guiding Vivaan to continue his learning and enhancing his interest in chess.”
Coach feedback on Vivaan :
” Vivaan a very passionate, focused and an intelligent kid. He is also fun loving and very respectful. He has shown good signs of improvement in his gameplay in the last few months. He participates regularly in the practice sessions and weekly tournaments and has strong zeal to learn from his past mistakes. He learns everything with dedication and he can grasp things very quickly and easily. His progress has been very fast with consistency. He is doing great and I hope will do great in the future. Being a coach I’m very happy to have Vivaan as my student and my best wishes will always follow his path “
Few games of Vivaan :
https://lichess.org/ZFF0RGck/white#45
https://lichess.org/tmVBAhly/white#28
https://lichess.org/wXGmvBiy/white#16
8. Tuvijat Sai Ramesh
” Hello there! My name is Tuvijat Sai Ramesh. I like to play outside and play Minecraft with my friends. I’m twelve years old. My birthday falls on November 20. I grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. I was familiar with the rules of chess when I watched videos of the game on YouTube. It wasn’t until my aunt arrived that I started to take an interest in chess. Prior to enrolling in the PCA class, I had no “real” experience playing chess. But during the course of the months, my teacher, Mr. Jain really helped me improve and learn a lot. (Although I occasionally make mistakes and mouse slips.) Even though becoming a grandmaster is my ultimate goal, my main objectives are to have fun and possibly earn some medals in the process!”
Coach feedback on Tuvijat :
” Tuvijat is a quick learner who attentively listens to his coach every time, showcasing strong listening skills that contribute to his continuous improvement. He not only enjoys practicing but also relishes playing against formidable opponents. Tuvijat meticulously analyzes each chess position with patience before solving it. In an effort to identify areas of improvement, I challenge Tuvijat by exposing him to opponents significantly stronger than him. I closely observe his matches, seeking to pinpoint weaknesses and helping him overcome these challenges. It is inspiring to see Tuvijat’s dedication to chess, as he consistently practices and hones his skills. I extend my best wishes to Tuvijat for a future filled with achievements and continued success in his chess endeavors. May his passion for the game lead him to even greater heights.”
Few games of Tuvijat :
https://lichess.org/77tQWMXH/black
https://lichess.org/dPAwwRYX/black
9. Aaradharan Pushparajan
” Aaradharan is a 9 yr old enthusiastic and fun loving boy currently in his 4th grade. He likes talking his mind out and love to make new friends and exploring new things to do. He started playing chess with his dad and learnt basic rules. He got more interested on chess after signing up for chess classes due to his mom’s encouragement. He joined the academy on August 2023, and there was immediate improvement in his chess skills within a month. He gained all this knowledge from coach Rinku and Raunak, and now he was able to use his knowledge on school chess club tournaments to get some wins. The coaches were so kind and patient with him that he was able to interact with them with ease. All credits to his interest in chess would go to the coaches and practice sessions. His other interests are soccer, badminton, swimming and piano. He also loves outdoor and scouting trips. Special thanks to Premier chess academy for encouraging kids to do more. Tip to get to the starboard: follow good sportsmanship, do your best and learn from your mistakes..”
Coach feedback on Aaradharan :
“ Aaradharan is a quick learner who consistently stands out with his active participation and impressive performance. He keeps in playing practice tournaments and never misses any classes. He is very friendly and admired by all his chess mates. He keeps on revising all the taught topics and gives his best in solving the puzzles given to him. As a coach I extend my heartfelt wishes to Aaradharan.”
Few games of Aaradharan :
https://lichess.org/6waOs0L0/black#12
https://lichess.org/XJat4k4F/black
10. Sanjay Prakash
” Sanjay is a very fun-loving boy with lots of love and compassion for other people. He makes everyone around him feel happy and included by chatting and making witty jokes. Ever since he started learning chess, he has learned a new world of challenges and motivation and the willingness to learn new things every day. His coach Mr. Narendiran has really been a very polite and encouraging teacher and keeping us informed about my son’s improvement. We would recommend PCA chess.”
Coach feedback on Sanjay :
” Sanjay is always very active in the class. Given any topic, subject or puzzle, he always comes up with unique/different ideas. He’s very curious in asking questions & ready to learn any new topics. Curiosity towards learning will be a great asset for him in the future for both academic & sports. I can see consistent progress in his games. I wish him all the very best for his upcoming achievements. “
Few games of Sanjay :
https://lichess.org/XdRqRnsL/white
https://lichess.org/A7uqKCB2/black
https://lichess.org/IdeX9xWD/black
https://lichess.org/W7UptGPd/white
11. Akshara Boorgula
” Akshara Boorgula is our extraordinary 8-year-old daughter, thriving in the 3rd grade at Green Acres. Her boundless enthusiasm for drawing, colouring, and painting is evident, and chess brings her immense joy. She holds Mr. Kunal, her chess teacher, in high regard for his unwavering support and kindness in nurturing her passion.”
Coach feedback on Akshara :
” In the classroom, Akshara consistently stands out with her active participation and impressive performance. Her adept problem-solving skills shine as she consistently devises unique solutions to puzzles. With a keen interest in exploring various strategic moves for both sides in chess, she demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the game. As she gears up for upcoming challenges, we extend our heartfelt wishes to Akshara for continued success and noteworthy achievements on her journey.”
Few games of Akshara :
https://lichess.org/ad7I42k7/black#66
https://lichess.org/82RxsV0s/black
12. Akshara Shyam
” Akshara is studying second grade in NJ USA. She likes to sing Carnatic music and play keyboard. She is also learning Artistic Roller Skating. In her free time she loves watching Bugs Bunny and Power Puff Girls. Akshara plays Chess with a lot of enthusiasm and interest. She plays chess mostly with her mom and also often in lichess.We are very happy that she is learning chess more professionally from Mr.Hemanth. Our sincere thanks to him and PCA for making the Chess learning more enjoyable. Looking forward to her journey to learn this highly intellectual game.”
Coach feedback on Akshara :
” Akshara is an enthusiastic,focused and active kid. She is very concentrated during sessions and always tries her best. I was really impressed with her performance. Really happy to have a student Like Akshara wishing her all the best.”
Few games of Akshara :
https://lichess.org/SZEmxY9P/black
13. Aadhiran Senthilkumar
” Aadhiran is 7 years old and is in 2nd Grade. His other interests are the ancient martial art forms of Silambam and Kalari/Adimurai. He also loves playing badminton with his older sister and friends, and is an avid runner. After every chess class, Aadhiran enjoys playing with his sister, and is always eager to beat her. He surprises her with his newly learned techniques every time, and teaches her his skills. A big thanks to his coach, Harsh, for his wonderful support.”
Coach feedback on Aadhiran :
” Aadhiran has a sharp mind and a great memory, which allows him to quickly understand and apply complex chess strategies and tactics. One of Aadhiran’s greatest strengths is his ability to think ahead and anticipate his opponent’s moves. He is always analyzing the board and considering different possibilities, which makes him a formidable opponent for players of all levels. Overall, I am confident that Aadhiran has a bright future ahead of him in the world of chess. “
Few games of Aadhiran :
https://lichess.org/RbHA5hkd/black
https://lichess.org/QXffjhO9/black
14. Norah Bhatia
” Norah Bhatia is a 10 year old who is a smart and hard working girl with a very kind heart. She likes swimming, drawing, playing the piano and learning new sports. Norah comes up with innovative ideas for contests and presentations. She loves talking to people and is open to trying new foods and traveling. Ms. Harshita has found herself a dedicated student in Norah who will refuse to get guidance from anytime else. Norah is motivated by her coach and looks forward to her chess lessons every week!”
Coach feedback on Norah :
” Norah is so passionate about chess. She never loses hope nor does she stop herself from practicing chess. She listens to everything that is being taught in the class. She has improved a lot during the time period. The way she deals with the tactical situations is quite good. I hope she will be doing great in upcoming times. I really want to see her progress in the upcoming chess tournaments and I wish her all the very best for her bright future..!!”
Few games of Norah :
15. Daivik Kumar
” Daivik turned 6 this year. He is very passionate about all the things he does. Chess is his newly found passion. Kudos to coach Harjee’s teaching he is very interested in the game and is improving everyday. He is always enthusiastic about all the classes, practice sessions and tournaments. Aside from chess he loves playing on XBOX, Reading books, Mathematics and Solving Puzzles. He likes to play Soccer. Even though he is a bit shy, he is very popular for his kindness and very easy to get along with. He is in Second grade. He likes to go to school everyday and loves to learn. Daivik is an always happy kid and loves to conquer the challenges. As parents we are proud of this fine young man and with PCS team we are looking forward for Daivik to become an International Chess Athlete soon. ”
Coach feedback on Daivik :
” Its great to teach a student who is equally interested in chess as you are , Daivik is one of them and is most consistent student ,He is always enthusiastic about chess ,He completes all his work on time and is Always curious to know more and more .It’s really great to have a student like Daivik. “
Few games of Daivik :
https://lichess.org/MECiJeFV/black
16. Sharvil Vanam
” Sharvil, a 5-year old in kindergarten, dives into chess with excitement, especially during animated matches with his mom and dad. Beyond the chessboard, he enjoys math, Rubik’s cubes, and expressing himself through art and drawing. Alongside his interests in gymnastics and swimming, Sharvil’s curiosity for chess shines. He always looks forward to his chess class. Thanks to his coach Mr. Devansh for fostering a positive and enjoyable learning environment. “
Coach feedback on Sharvil :
” Sharvil Loves to play chess and he loves to solve puzzles too. He is a very smart kid and has improved a lot since he joined, Sharvil likes to play rapid games and he also sets targets for him to reach and achieve them. He is very attentive in class, being a 5-year-old and always ready with some good discussion and good plans. I am hoping his interest in chess will remain the same and he will keep getting better in chess as well in life.”
Few games of Sharvil :
17. Sathvik Reddy Gaddam
” Sathvik is 7 years old, second grader from Albany NY. He is very passionate about chess. He likes to solve puzzles every day in chess. He analyses games with his father to learn from his mistakes. He has been in Premier Chess Academy for more than a year. He is learning very nicely in chess. He got trophies a couple of times in local (Albany NY) chess tournaments in kids category. Thanks to his coach Danish Pathania and premier chess Academy for teaching. He is very much interested in learning new things in chess. Apart from chess, he is learning martial arts and swimming. He really enjoys swimming. “
Coach feedback on Sathvik :
” Sathvik is a dedicated and inquisitive young chess enthusiast, known for his hard work and insightful questions. He is skillfully guided by his supportive father, enhancing his chess skills. Sathvik prefers the Italian Game when playing white, and the Pirc Defense with black, showcasing his strategic understanding and adaptability in chess. His passion and approach indicate his potential to become an accomplished player. “
Few games of Sathvik :
18. Damon McKagan
” Damon is turning 8 this Dec. He has started 2nd grade and his friends like playing with him at school. Outside school he is spending most time on soccer, chess and some video games like a little boy usually does. We are happy that he stays interested in chess. Thanks to coach Ankush for helping him grow and being patient with him. “
Coach feedback on Damon :
” Damon is extremely talented and is very good at solving chess puzzles. He is a very regular kid, never misses classes or practice sessions. His performance in this month is very good, he has shown very good improvement in his performance. He has increased his lichess rating and is showing constant improvement in learning which really makes him a worthy star of this month. Hope he continues to perform well and achieve his dreams in the long run. Wishing him a successful life.”
Few games of Damon :
https://lichess.org/ao5d6XBY/black
19. Kabir Maini
” Kabir is a 6 yr old, curious, fun-loving, high energy first grader from NY, USA. He is a kid who loves to play chess, solve puzzles, build Legos & play Roblox. He enjoys basketball, swimming and bike riding. He learned the basics of chess from his dad & brother which led to his keen interest in learning more about it, that’s when he joined PCA and under the coach Aniket’s guidance, he developed the patience and skills to play tournaments by himself and is getting better everyday in it. “
Coach feedback on Kabir :
” First of all I’m impressed by Kabir’s ability to stay composed under pressure, a valuable skill that separates the best from the rest. His consistency in practice is paying off, evident in the significant strides you’ve made in your chess journey. Participating in tournaments not only hones his skills but also adds valuable competitive experience to your repertoire. His passion for chess is palpable and contagious, creating a positive and inspiring atmosphere within Chess Class.”
Few games of Kabir :
https://lichess.org/bxe7VRAH/black
https://lichess.org/9K9UI00t/black
20. Tejas Niranjan Anumukonda
” Tejas Niranjan Anumukonda is 12 years old, studying in 7th grade. He is very enthusiastic, energetic and very athletic. He developed an interest in learning chess a couple of years ago. We have seen him improving his talents in this field drastically. Along with playing chess, Tejas also plays Soccer regularly as a centre back. He is also interested in solving different types of Rubik’s cubes – 3×3, windmill, Pyraminx and Megaminx. Tejas can solve the 3×3 Rubix cube in 25 sec. Tejas is also very good at studies. He is in advanced and accelerated classes. Tejas can chant some of the Bhagavad Gita slokas. He is a fun-loving kid who concentrates on whatever he is doing. He also loves to eat Indian food and likes to play board games. Thanks to Coach Adarsh for providing continuous support and helping Tejas in developing his chess skills day to day. “
Coach feedback on Tejas :
” Tejas Niranjan Anumukonda stands out as an exceptionally disciplined individual among the youngsters I have encountered. Within a brief span, Tejas has left a positive imprint, showcased his critical thinking skills, and delivered impressive moves. His remarkable patience and proactive approach to addressing both minor and major doubts have significantly elevated his performance in the game. His evolving understanding of the game is evident, and he continues to make strides in improvement with each passing day. In summary, Tejas is making commendable progress, and I extend my best wishes to him for continued success in his endeavors. “
Few games of Tejas :
https://lichess.org/qHjDy9r3/black
Selection Criteria – November 2023:
- 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.
- Over all – Passion is evident in class, practices, puzzle solving etc.
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