“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 (October 2025) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Ishaan Prasanna
“Ishaan is 8 years old and developed interest in the game after hearing about Gukesh winning the world championship. He has improved vastly under the guidance of coach Abhishek. We are really appreciative of the efforts from the coach in making sure the kids understand the game plan, moves and different strategies. Thanks to Premier Chess Academy for this great program and coach Abhishek for all the efforts. Wishing all the best.”
Coach feedback on Ishaan:
“From the beginning, it was clear that he had a passion for the game. His initial curiosity and enthusiasm have now transformed into a deep understanding of chess strategies and tactics. He has shown remarkable improvement in several key areas like – following opening fundamentals, and ability to assess the position, spotting the tactics, Composure & Patience. His progress is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and passion for the game. Keep up the excellent work. Remember, every game is an opportunity to learn and grow. I’m excited to see how far he will go with chess, and I’m here to support him every step of the way. Keep pushing your limits, and most importantly, keep enjoying the game!”
Few games of Ishaan:
https://lichess.org/iVTNF7ek/black
https://lichess.org/3zAyY1HM/black
2. Arjun Arunnithya
“Arjun is a calm, friendly, and focused learner full of enthusiasm. When he started chess, he didn’t even know the piece names! Now he loves the game, and the queen is his favorite piece. He also enjoys soccer and playing the violin, showing creativity and teamwork. Big thanks to Coach Abhinandan Ganguly for helping Arjun grow in skill and confidence!”
Coach feedback on Arjun:
“Arjun 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 Arjun:
https://lichess.org/8ZqOfd6D/black
https://lichess.org/rOUMGOZK/black
3. Ariana borra
“Ariana is 7-year-old, bright, creative, and enthusiastic. She has a curious mind and loves exploring new ideas, whether it’s through reading, building with Legos, or working on arts and crafts. Ariana also enjoys activities like dancing, swimming, and playing violin. Her journey with chess began at home with casual games, and her interest quickly grew into a passion. Since joining PCA, and with the thoughtful guidance of Coach Aniket, Ariana has shown tremendous growth in her focus, patience, and strategic thinking. She’s now confidently playing tournaments and continues to improve with each game. We’re proud of her progress and excited to see where her love for chess takes her next.”
Coach feedback on Ariana:
“Ariana stands out as an exceptionally focused and motivated individual among the young talents I have encountered. In a short span of time, she has made a notable impact through her thoughtful approach, strong work ethic, and consistent performance. Her ability to remain composed under pressure, coupled with a proactive mindset, has played a key role in her steady progress. Ariana’s growing confidence and understanding of her craft are evident, and she continues to evolve with each opportunity. She is on a promising path, and I look forward to seeing her continued growth and success in all her future endeavors.”
Few games of Ariana:
Arianaborra vs AbhinavIsCalmDown: King’s Pawn Game: Busch-Gass Gambit • lichess.org
Ayan6784 vs Arianaborra: Queen’s Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation • lichess.org
Arianaborra vs sdsriyan: French Defense: Knight Variation • lichess.org
4. Noah Varghese
“Noah is a 5-year-old kindergarten student living in Seattle. He started playing chess at PCA about two months ago and has been thriving ever since. He really enjoys his chess classes and participating in tournaments. His chess coach, Aniket, has been extremely supportive of his growth and helpful in identifying areas of focus. Outside of chess, Noah loves building with Legos and practicing taekwondo.”
Coach feedback on Noah:
” Noah is an enthusiastic and active learner who consistently brings creativity and originality to every topic, subject, and challenge he encounters. His natural curiosity and eagerness to ask thoughtful questions reflect a strong desire to explore and deeply understand new concepts. This inquisitive mindset is a significant strength that will undoubtedly serve him well in both academics and sports. I have observed steady and impressive progress in his gameplay, and I sincerely wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.”
Few games of Noah:
https://lichess.org/nf4DY1E0/black
https://lichess.org/aXBLKHKu/black
5. Shivaan Singh
“Shivaan is a bright and friendly 9-year-old from New Jersey who brings great enthusiasm to everything he does. Beyond his love for chess, he enjoys playing soccer and has a strong passion for Math—his favorite subject. Shivaan’s determination and focus extend beyond the chessboard as he works toward earning his Taekwondo black belt. His curiosity, sportsmanship, and positive energy make him a wonderful teammate and a rising star in both chess and life.”
Coach feedback on Shivaan:
“Shivaan is energetic, brings lively vibes in the class, loves to play while giving commentary and instant analysis of his games and gets really excited watching or playing games. I love his personality and vibes. He will surely achieve more heights in chess”
Few games of Shivaan:
6. Ketan Agarwal
“Ketan is a very smart and talented kid currently in grade 8 staying in Minnesota. He is very smart in playing chess and very quickly guesses the opponent’s mind. He is a black belt in karate and wanted to become good chess player.”
Coach feedback on Ketan:
“Ketan is a fast learner, adapting to the concept at a rapid pace. His dominant performance makes him quite a challenging student in the class to beat. At a very few classes he grasped lots of concepts, and most importantly he is great at applying them in his games. His puzzle racer score is also very impressive, for he does better than many kids two levels upper than him. Best of luck to Ketan for his chess journey!”
Few games of :
https://lichess.org/YOvDtjru/black
https://lichess.org/6s8DtRgU/black
7. Anika Bhavanam
“Anika Bhavanam, a 5th grader from Nashville, TN, is a creative, energetic, and artistic young girl who’s always eager to learn and explore more. She has developed a strong interest in mastering new concepts and strategies in chess, and we truly appreciate the continuous support and guidance from her coach, Harshraj Gupta.
Beyond academics and chess, Anika finds joy in playing soccer and expressing herself through piano, balancing both her athletic and artistic sides with ease. She also showcases her entrepreneurial spirit at a young age through her very own brand — “Crochet Bliss: Knotty & Nice”— where she combines creativity and craftsmanship to bring her handmade designs to life.
We are incredibly proud of all that Anika has accomplished and look forward to watching her continue to learn, grow, and reach new heights.”
Coach feedback on Anika:
“Anika has been an exceptional learner who always brings focus and enthusiasm to every chess session. She quickly grasps new concepts, applies them confidently, and shows great improvement in her tactical and positional understanding. Her calm attitude, consistency, and love for the game make her a wonderful example for other students. Keep it up, Anika — your hard work and determination are truly shining through!”
Few games of Anika:
https://lichess.org/QKlEpFNp/black
8. Aarush Chougule
“Here’s write up about Aarush Chougule: “Curiosity, discipline, and determination drive 13-year-old Aarush, a passionate chess player who began his journey by learning from his sister and dad. He embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow, whether it’s solving puzzles on the board or exploring robotics, computers, and software games. Aarush’s punctuality and dedication reflect his champion mindset, while his love for cricket, tennis, and time with friends show his balance of focus and fun. With creativity, obedience, and a never-quit spirit, Aarush is not just playing chess—he is shaping himself into a true leader and lifelong learner. We thank PCA and his coach Mr. Jeet Singh for all their support in inspiring and encouraging Aarush to take on new challenges and being more curious in learning.”.
Coach feedback on Aarush:
“Aarush is a smart-working boy who enjoys every moment of learning new concepts. He is a confident player who doesn’t mind taking risks while playing a game. He is very punctual in class and joins every class on time. He used to participate in practice sessions with great effort & always has a learning attitude while playing games , good thing he has so much curiosity with chess . I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career and keep it up…Keep it up Aarush !!”
Few games of Aarush:
https://lichess.org/FxN3YtBR/white
https://lichess.org/XVi12tXB/white
https://lichess.org/ARAxQVC4/white
9. MURARI AMMINENI
“Murari Ammineni, aged 8 and currently a second-grade student, began his chess journey with Premier Chess Academy a year ago under the expert guidance of Coach Karthik. Through dedicated training and mentorship, he has achieved commendable progress and demonstrated remarkable growth in his game. Beyond his achievements in chess, we have observed significant development in his critical thinking, decision-making, and overall confidence. These positive changes are a testament to the academy’s structured approach and the unwavering efforts of Coach Karthik and his team. We extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Premier Chess Academy for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to nurturing young minds.”
Coach feedback on MURARI:
“Murari is really performing better and 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. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career…!!”
Few games of MURARI:
https://lichess.org/TTSUEzD7/white
https://lichess.org/eIuK53vG/black
https://lichess.org/8Gw9XVug/white
10. Garv Nayyar
“Garv, a 10-year-old Fifth grader, was first introduced to chess through his school’s chess club in the fall of 2023. Passionate about both basketball and chess, Garv has continued to advance his skills since joining the chess academy, where his enthusiasm for the game has grown remarkably. Under the dedicated mentorship of Coach Keshav, he has developed a deeper understanding of strategic play and enjoys exploring complex positions and new techniques. We appreciate Coach Keshav for fostering Garv’s continued growth and love for the game.”
Coach feedback on Garv:
“I am really happy with Garv’s performance in chess. He is promoted to the next level in chess. He is doing very well. He calculates tactics and variation so well. Also he asks questions in class . He likes to play rapid games Congrats for your star of the month dear Garv and I wish you a very all the best for all success. Keep it up”
Few games of Garv:
https://lichess.org/6LWQ0xef/black
https://lichess.org/B1ZI1T1o/black
11. Aradhy Ashish Kumar
11.“Aradhy is 9years old and has a curious, creative mind. He loves building with LEGO and enjoys exploring and creating in Minecraft, where his imagination really shines. Academically, he has a strong interest in math and enjoys solving problems and discovering patterns. He tends to excel in whatever he chooses to do, approaching new challenges with enthusiasm and focus.”
Coach feedback on Aradhy:
“Aradhy is a truly talented and quick-thinking player who shows great enthusiasm for chess. He understands new concepts rapidly and applies them effectively, especially in finding complex tactics during games. His strong performance in both matches and puzzles reflects his sharp thinking and growing confidence, particularly in how confidently he articulates his questions and doubts. With this dedication and natural ability, Aradhy has the potential to reach much higher levels in chess. Keep shining, Aradhy!”
Few games of Aradhy:
12. Advaith Medipally
“Advaith Medipally is 11 years old and studying in 6th grade. He joined Premier Chess Academy last month and he had learnt offline chess for three months before joining PCA. He’s very passionate about playing chess most of the time and try to increase his ranking in Chess portals. In addition, he likes to play soccer in his free time. We would like to thank PCA for showing continuous improvement and exposing kids to various tournaments. Thank you.”
Coach feedback on Advaith:
“Advaith was very active in the class. He’s clever, smart, intelligent and a quick learner. He’s always hungry to solve the hardest puzzles. He loves to compete in tournaments. He’s very punctual throughout his academic career & has shown a brilliant performance. I wish him all the best and great success in his upcoming tournaments.”
Few games of Advaith:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/154599399857?username=advaithisproinchess
https://www.chess.com/game/live/154512404847?username=advaithisproinchess
https://www.chess.com/game/live/153993397569?username=advaithisproinchess
13. Aishani
“Aishani is a 13-year-old puzzle enthusiast from California who can’t quite get her puzzle rating to reach 2000. Her dad first sparked her interest in chess during the pandemic and she, determined to beat him, started playing. Besides playing chess and solving puzzles, Aishani also enjoys reading, playing with her cat, doing gymnastics, crocheting, and exploring the outdoors. A big thanks to her coach, Prabhat sir for rekindling her interest in the game and motivating her to get her USCF rating up to 1200.”
Coach feedback on Aishani:
“Asihani stands out for her hard work, cheerful spirit, and constant drive to improve. She’s a wonderful example of what focus and persistence can achieve. Keep shining, Asihani!”
Few games of Aishani:
https://lichess.org/ynhYPHqO/black
14.HANSHITHA RANJITH
“Hanshitha is an outgoing and enthusiastic learner who relishes taking on challenges and the process of figuring things out with determination. She has shown great progress and focus in chess, always eager to learn new strategies and improve her game. She’s a quick thinker who delights in solving puzzles and exploring creative strategies on the chessboard. She approaches every game with focus and confidence, reflecting both her passion for chess and her commitment to improving every day. Beyond the board, she’s naturally curious and explores new ideas with confidence and joy. She demonstrates remarkable focus, creativity, and problem-solving ability, which helps her shine in everything she pursues. Hanshitha enjoys swimming, learning new languages, solving mathematical problems, and reading fantasy novels, which highlights her well-rounded nature and creativity.”
Coach feedback on HANSHITHA:
“Hanshitha is a brilliant kid who loves playing chess and always trying to get better at it. she is very responsive in her class assignments and actively participates in tournaments. I’m truly proud of the progress she has made in her chess journey so far. Her focus, discipline, and creative thinking sets her apart. she studies the games of great players and challenges herself to get better. Stay confident and trust your instincts over the board. The best is yet to come! Wishing Hanshitha all the best for her future.”
Few games of HANSHITHA:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/154523801103?username=hanshiranjith
https://lichess.org/9UTMLPzd/black
15.NEEL RANJAN
“Neel is 14 years old and currently studying in 9th grade. He began learning chess as a fun hobby but soon discovered a deep interest in strategy and problem-solving. Over time, Neel’s understanding of tactics and board vision has grown tremendously — he now approaches every game with structure, patience, and critical thinking.Outside of chess, Neel enjoys science, technology, and math, often connecting those interests with logical thinking on the chessboard. He is also talented in music, playing the violin with passion, and has been running his own YouTube channel for the past two years, showcasing his creativity and confidence. Beyond academics, Neel enjoys reading, coding, and swimming, embodying the spirit of a true all-rounder who balances intellectual curiosity with physical fitness and artistic expression. His ambition reaches far beyond the board — Neel aspires to become the President of the United States, a goal that reflects his leadership mindset and determination to make a difference in the world.”
Coach feedback on NEEL:
“Neel is really performing better and 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. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career…!!”
Few games of NEEL:
https://lichess.org/4rei14gU/black
16.Kabir Bansal
“Kabir is a bright and highly driven student with diverse talents. Although he only started playing chess about a year ago, he has quickly picked up many tactics and even won a recent regional tournament hosted by a Hindu temple community. Beyond his success in chess, Kabir demonstrates a strong aptitude for academics, earning a spot in his school’s advanced math class. An active kid who constantly seeks new pursuits, he is also an enthusiastic tennis player.”
Coach feedback on Kabir:
“Kabir Bansal has shown remarkable growth and passion throughout every chess session. His sharp thinking, discipline, and steady improvement reflect his strong dedication to mastering the game. Kabir’s positive attitude and calm presence create a great learning atmosphere for everyone around him. He listens attentively, applies new strategies with confidence, and never hesitates to take on challenges. His focus and commitment truly make him stand out. Congratulations to Kabir Bansal for being awarded the Star Kid of October”
Few games of Kabir:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/155213203123?username=kikubansal&move=0
https://www.chess.com/game/live/154601196465?username=kikubansal
17. Tunishq Madanagopal
“Tunishq is a talented and energetic 7th grader with a wide range of interests beyond the classroom. His love for chess began during the Covid lockdown, when he started playing regularly with his father. What began as a way to pass time soon grew into a deep passion for the game, sharpening his ability to think strategically and stay focused under pressure.
He is also an expert at solving the Rubik’s Cube, amazing family and friends with his speed and problem-solving skills. Alongside this, Tunishq is nurturing his creative side by learning the keyboard, steadily mastering melodies with patience and discipline. On the field, his enthusiasm shines through in soccer, where he continues to develop teamwork and athletic skills. What makes Tunishq special is not just his talents, but the dedication and joy he brings to every pursuit. Whether it’s a puzzle, a game, or a new skill, he embraces each challenge with curiosity, focus, and determination.”
Coach feedback on Tunishq:
“Tunishq is an exceptionally bright and enthusiastic student who brings energy and curiosity to every session. He approaches each puzzle and chess position with genuine interest and creativity. His consistency and focus are truly admirable—he never misses a class and always participates with great enthusiasm. I really appreciate his positive attitude and eagerness to learn. Special thanks to his parents for continuously supporting and encouraging him—together, they are helping Tunishq grow into a confident and skilled young mind.”
Few games of Tunishq:
18. Mahith Gonuguntla
“Mahith is 11 years old and is in 6th grade. He started chess less than a year ago with a dual mind, but his coach Sahil’s techniques to keep kids engaged has helped him to focus and learn new skills. Since then he enjoys playing and also look forward for the classes and tournaments. He is very focused in chess now and progressed well since the start. Apart from chess he likes to play Tennis, Swimming,Video games and Biking with his friends. We are very happy with coach Sahil’s teaching methods and the way he encourages kids to challenge themselves.”
Coach feedback on Mahith:
“Mahith a very passionate, focused and an intelligent kid. He is also fun loving and very respectful. He has shown tremendous improvement in his rating 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 Mahith as my student and my best wishes will always follow his path”
Few games of Mahith:
https://lichess.org/kswEyzwk/white#43
https://lichess.org/pUreKkgu/white#56
https://lichess.org/PzwDsEx8/white#28
19. Rithik Arjun
“Rithik Arjun, 13, is a talented and curious learner whose passion for strategy and problem-solving shines through his love for chess. Strong in math and science, he enjoys hands-on learning and recently developed an interest in robotics, aiming to compete in upcoming competitions. Outside academics, Rithik plays basketball, loves doing dance performances with friends, and has performed in stage shows. He also loves reading and was selected to represent his school in inter-school Battle of the Books competitions. Rithik’s creativity, energy, and determination make him a proud member of the Premier Chess Academy Hall of Fame.”
Coach feedback on Rithik:
“Right from our first session, Rithik has shown great promise in chess. His interest in strategy and problem-solving comes through clearly in the way he approaches each game—with focus, clarity, and confidence. His understanding of openings is strong, and his puzzle-solving skills are exceptional for his age. It truly reflects the well-rounded and driven student he is. He keeps the class interesting too. I’m proud to have worked with him and excited to see all that he will accomplish, both on and off the chessboard.”
Few games of Rithik:
https://lichess.org/zdIg56P3/black
20. Adhrith Srikkant
“Adhrith has been passionate about chess since he was 5 years old. He is currently 10 with his coach Soumyajit’s guidance he is improving his skills and growing to be a very skilled chess player. He is also passionate about building Legos, playing football, badminton, and watching cartoons. He’s always on the move and eager to explore things. He is fun to be with and loves to make new friends with similar ideologies!! We are very proud of how he is becoming on and off the chessboard.”
Coach feedback on Adhrith:
“Adhrith is really performing better and 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. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career…!!”
Few games of Adhrith:
https://lichess.org/FZoBToiS/black
21. SHRIHAN KHANDAPPAGOUDAR
“A bright young mind, Shrihan, Age 8 yrs old, 2nd grade from Plano TX, is passionate about math and logical thinking, which reflects beautifully in his chess strategies. He is a quick learner who loves taking on new challenges and constantly strives to improve his game. Beyond chess, Shrihan enjoys spending time outdoors—playing soccer, cycling, and exploring new activities with great energy and curiosity. His dedication to learning, both in academics and hobbies, makes him an inspiring example for his peers. Way to go, Shrihan! Keep shining and keep learning—your passion and focus are truly remarkable!”
Coach feedback on SHRIHAN:
“Shrihan 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 SHRIHAN:
https://lichess.org/ADyg6ItK/black
https://lichess.org/xaMJzzop/black
https://lichess.org/ADyg6ItK/black
22. Rishi Arun
“Rishi is a bright and kind-hearted 6-year-old from Fremont, California. He has a strong love for math and science and discovered a passion for chess last year, spending much of his free time honing his skills at the board. Rishi also enjoys playing the piano, building with Lego, and exploring nature. Above all, he loves spending time with his friends and discovering new things about the world around him. We are grateful to his coach, Omkar, for inspiring him to play his best while always keeping the game fun and enjoyable.”
Coach feedback on Rishi:
“Rishi is a talented young kid; He takes active participation in class. He has shown remarkable progress since day one in his playing skills; He works quite a lot on his game and continuously tries to improve. I wish him the best for his future chess journey”
Few games of Rishi:
sonusrispk vs risharun: Borg Defense: Borg Gambit • lichess.org
AkshajSodum vs risharun: Zukertort Opening • lichess.org
23.Yuga Satish
“Yuga is an 8yr old 3rd grade student. Yuga’s favorite hobbies are chess, cricket and soccer. Yuga is a fun-loving kid who is a happy-go-lucky little guy, he makes everyone around him laugh and lights the room up! He also keeps an interest in music, by learning piano and guitar! We are so glad that Yuga is a part of Premier Chess Academy. We heard about it through a friend, and onboarding was so easy! With flexible schedules available and wonderful coaches, Yuga is thoroughly enjoying playing and learning Chess. He absolutely loves his coach Ms Prakrati! I allude to his progress to her consistent encouragement and coaching.”
Coach feedback on Yuga:
“Yuga is always eager to learn new concepts, and he brings great energy to every class. His strategic thinking and ability to anticipate opponent’s moves are developing well, and it’s exciting to see him grow stronger with each game. I really like how he is always ready to take on challenges and give his best. I am very proud of his progress and hope he keeps learning and growing in chess with the same energy and interest. What I appreciate most is his curiosity and the fact that he never hesitates to ask questions, which reflects his genuine interest in understanding the game deeply. His enthusiasm is a joy to see, and I hope he continues with the same consistency and passion. Wishing him all the best for a bright future in chess.”
Few games of Yuga:
https://lichess.org/tjU9TypV/black
24. Devansh Kalamadugu
“Devansh recently celebrated his 8th birthday on July 14th. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and is currently a 3rd grader at Willa Cather Elementary. Devansh has a deep interest in current affairs and history. He enjoys thoughtful discussions and often dives into YouTube videos and books to explore the past and understand the world around him. His curiosity makes him a natural learner and a great conversationalist. Soccer is one of Devansh’s favorite activities. He lights up when playing with his school friends and looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo as his soccer hero. His energy and enthusiasm on the field are contagious! Math and history are Devansh’s favorite subjects. He sharpens his math skills using platforms like IXL, Xtramath, and Best Brains, always striving to improve and challenge himself. Devansh holds a special place in his heart for India. He dreams of returning there when he grows up to help those in need and contribute to making India a developed and thriving nation. Chess is another passion of Devansh’s. Inspired by his sister, he began playing with a competitive spirit and now aims to win trophies and beat his toughest opponents—including her! With guidance from his coach Rajat, Devansh has steadily improved and currently holds a USCF rating between 450 and 500.”
Coach feedback on Devansh:
“Devansh is an exceptionally focused and dedicated student in class. He consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of concepts and applies them with precision. In chess, he stands out as a true champion — always maintaining the top position and showing remarkable strategic thinking and discipline. His commitment to improvement and competitive spirit set a great example for others. I am confident that with his continued hard work and focus, he will achieve even greater heights. Keep it up, Devansh!”
Few games of Devansh:
https://lichess.org/CWshhl3o/black
https://lichess.org/ehCwcI8k/white
https://lichess.org/4T7Sfc5Q/white
25. Annika Komirelli
“We are so incredibly proud of the wonderful person our daughter, Annika Komirelli, is becoming. It fills our hearts with joy to see her thriving as a 10-year-old 4th grader in Pittsburgh. It’s wonderful to see how her activities are shaping her character. On the soccer field, she learns about teamwork and perseverance, while in art, her creativity shines. These experiences are teaching her valuable lessons that go far beyond the classroom and will undoubtedly help build a strong foundation for her future. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to her chess mentors, especially her current coach, Rakesh. His guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in building her confidence and fostering a genuine love for the game. We are so proud of the person she is becoming and can’t wait to cheer her on as she continues to grow and explore her passions.”
Coach feedback on Annika:
“Annika is a young talented, disciplined, hardworking and enthusiastic kid who pursues to keep on improving herself. She too has a great focus and learning ability, enabling her to perceive new concepts and ideas very quickly. She always actively gets involved in the class activities with full focus and also does her given assignment very well. She too shows great enthusiasm toward chess and learning in class. Personally, I feel that her greatest ability is her focus and enthusiasm toward learning new things while pursuing to understand the subject matter as clearly as possible by clearing her doubts and continuing improving herself. Annika’s parents are also very positive toward chess and keeps on supporting her to learn and practice chess. I am very much happy with her improvement. I too wish her a very bright future toward her upcoming chess journey and in real life.”
Few games of Annika:
26. Aditi Meesala
“Aditi is a bright and enthusiastic 7-year-old and loves spending time with her family and friends. She has been playing chess for the past year and a half and enjoys challenging herself with new strategies. She also loves playing with her sister, sharing laughter, and exploring new games together.”
Coach feedback on Aditi:
“Aditi is a sincere and passionate chess learner who enjoys exploring new strategies in every class. Initially, she found it challenging to manage her emotions after a loss, but through consistent effort and dedication, she turned that weakness into her strength. Now, she approaches every game as a learning opportunity, applying new tactics with focus and determination. Her hard work, curiosity, and positive mindset will surely help her become an excellent chess player in the future.”
Few games of Aditi :
https://lichess.org/PRoPD3xC/black
https://lichess.org/D2wlESVf/black
https://lichess.org/gIhj5nqC/black
27. Radhesh Mandapaka
“Radhesh Mandapaka is a curious 11-year-old in 6th grade. He has been learning chess for about four years and is currently at the Intermediate 2 level. Radhesh has a deep passion for his chess lessons and is always excited about his tournaments. He has won multiple trophies in local chess competitions. His confidence and competitive spirit have grown, thanks to the dedication and support of his coach, Sarthak Dutta. In addition to chess, Radhesh has a wide range of interests. He enjoys playing soccer, solving Rubik’s cubes, and excels in math. Always eager to learn new things, Radhesh’s determination and curiosity make him a strong chess player who enjoys experimenting with different openings and strategies.”
Coach feedback on Radhesh:
“I’m really happy to share that Radhesh is our Star Kid of the Month for October 2025. He has been quietly putting in the work, showing up consistently, and thinking deeply about the game and it is starting to show in the way he plays. What stands out most is not just his progress on the board, but the calm and focused way he approaches every challenge. If you follow his games, you will see a young player who is starting to build a solid style of his own. It has been great to watch his confidence grow each week. He is thoughtful, humble, and never afraid to ask questions — all signs of someone who truly wants to learn. Well deserved, Radhesh — keep going strong. We are all cheering you on!”
Few games of Radhesh:
https://lichess.org/e5gxJxO1/black
https://lichess.org/hyfumLNw#39
28. Ansh Goel
“Hi, I’m Ansh Goel, a 6th grader who loves playing chess and basketball in my free time. I’m also passionate about music, playing the tuba, and practicing Hinduism. When I’m not busy with school, you can find me swimming or relaxing in the water. One of my favorite things to do is challenge my dad to a game of chess – he’s a tough opponent, but I love trying to beat him! In gym class, I enjoy playing pickle ball and basketball with my friends. My academic interests include pre-algebra, science, language arts, and social studies. When I have some downtime, I love reading – my favorite book is “Framed,” the first in a series.”
Coach feedback on Ansh:
“Ansh is a great boy, and persistence towards his goals, he never backs down against tough players and always likes to fight till the end, this persistence is helping him to learn new skills and day by day he is improving his playing style. He is very talented, a quick learner and very good at chess puzzles and always surprises me with some innovative moves. He grasps the topic quickly and always tries to implement those learning in chess matches, with this consistency he definitely has a bright future in chess. Best wishes for him. Keep it up ANSH!”
Few games of Ansh:
https://lichess.org/HSMSlhTW#105
https://www.chess.com/game/live/154596405603?username=anshg-9&move=0
29. Sunsaar Grewal
“Sunsaar is a bright and determined 9-year-old from California whose love for chess began at the age of five. What started as a simple curiosity quickly grew into a true passion for the game’s strategy and challenge. By age seven, he joined his school’s chess club and team, where his focus and sharp tactical play quickly stood out. At eight, he began competing in local tournaments and has consistently placed among the top six players in his division. His favorite opening is the Blackburne Shilling Gambit, known for its bold and tactical play. When he’s not deep in a chess match, Sunsaar enjoys shooting hoops, playing Roblox, and diving into math, where his strong logic and love for patterns continue to shine.”
Coach feedback on Sunsaar:
“Sunsaar is a bright, focused, and enthusiastic young chess player with a natural flair for tactics and strategy. His love for bold openings like the Blackburne Shilling Gambit, combined with consistent practice on Lichess, shows his creativity and sharp thinking. He approaches every training session with curiosity, discipline, and a positive attitude, quickly applying feedback and learning from each game. Sunsaar’s adaptability, eagerness to explore new ideas, and resilience in competitions are truly impressive. By continuing to work on endgames and time management, he will only grow stronger as a player. Wishing Sunsaar all the very best in his chess journey and every success in everything he does!”
Few games of Sunsaar:
https://lichess.org/9fEIX1dL/black#112
https://lichess.org/uaXwVX9K#59
https://lichess.org/UwU3sXQV/black#66
30. Cassidy
“Cassidy is 6 years old and will be entering 2nd grade. She has always had a love for chess and began practicing seriously six months ago. Five months ago, she joined formal coaching at Premier Chess Academy, where she has been thoroughly enjoying the classes, practice sessions, and tournaments. Under the guidance of Coach Uvais, Cassidy has gained confidence and made noticeable improvements in his chess skills.”
Coach feedback on Cassidy:
“Cassidy is a dedicated and sincere student who brings focus and enthusiasm to every class. Her strong commitment to learning is clear in his consistent attendance, active participation, and readiness to embrace challenges. She demonstrates a genuine curiosity, often asking thoughtful questions that reveal a deeper understanding of the game. Cassidy approaches each position with patience and logical thinking, carefully considering his options before making a move. She has shown significant progress in understanding tactical concepts and applying them effectively in her games. Her positive attitude and eagerness to grow make him a great role model for others. Cassidy likes to watch Pokémon show, trade Pokémon cards and play Pokémon name guessing game with her brother. She also likes ‘climbing activities’, like at her gymnastics class or the monkey bars at the park.”
Few games of Cassidy:
https://lichess.org/gHxBb3Fp/black
https://lichess.org/olwjXye9/black
Selection Criteria –October 2025:
- 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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