“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 2026) at Premier Chess Academy, North America (Canada & USA)!
1. Kinjal Pramod Shinde
” Eleven-year-old Kinjal Pramod Shinde from Seattle, Washington, has been nurturing her love for chess for the past 2-3 years with Premier Chess Academy. What began as an interest inspired by watching her father play has grown into a wonderful learning journey. Under the guidance of Coach Abhishek Kumar, Kinjal continues to strengthen her chess skills, improve her strategic thinking, and gain confidence through regular practice and tournaments. She enjoys the challenge of exploring new strategies and especially loves playing chess with her dad in her free time. We are grateful to Coach Abhishek Kumar and Premier Chess Academy for their continued guidance and encouragement in helping Kinjal grow as a player. Beyond chess, Kinjal has been learning Bharatanatyam for several years and has performed on stage multiple times. She also enjoys painting, swimming, cycling, soccer, and skating, balancing her passion for extracurricular activities with her education. We are proud of her enthusiasm, dedication, and eagerness to learn, and we look forward to seeing her achieve many more milestones in her chess journey. Congratulations to Kinjal, our Star Kid of the Month! Keep learning, keep shining, and keep making those brilliant moves!”
Coach feedback on Kinjal:
”Kinjal is a very enthusiastic kid who is always eager to learn new things. She loves participating in matches and consistently experiments with creative moves on the chessboard. She excels at solving puzzles and quickly grasps new concepts. She applies the tactics taught in class with great determination. She is punctual and attentive, and she also enjoys interacting with other students in the class. I am truly impressed with her progress. Best wishes to her, keep it up, Kinjal!”
Few games of Kinjal:
https://lichess.org/game/wQ4uWWGJ/black
https://lichess.org/game/8Qncc1Tk
https://lichess.org/game/ODmLADaW/black
2. Rudran Saravana
” My son is a 12-year-old seventh-grade student at Horner Middle School. He is a very friendly, kind-hearted, and helpful child who always enjoys supporting others. As his mother, one of the things I admire most about him is his willingness to help people and treat everyone with kindness and respect. He is a caring person who enjoys making others feel happy and included. He has a strong passion for soccer and dreams of playing for a great soccer team in the future. He is a true team player who understands the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He also loves playing chess and enjoys challenging himself with different strategies. He has excellent problem-solving skills and a genuine interest in mathematics. Apart from soccer, chess, and academics, he enjoys playing the piano, spending quality time with our family, and playing video games with his friends. He values his relationships with family and friends and enjoys making wonderful memories with them. One of the qualities that makes me especially proud of my son is his love for helping others and serving his community. He has participated in volunteering activities and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his volunteer service. He has also been involved in a civics program, where he has learned about ways to support his community and make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am proud to see him develop a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and community involvement at such a young age. Throughout his school journey, he has received several awards and prizes for his achievements. As a mother, I am proud not only of his accomplishments but also of the kind, thoughtful, and responsible person he is becoming. I always encourage him to work hard, believe in himself, help others, and continue pursuing his dreams. I am truly grateful that my son has been selected as the Star Kid of the Month for October 2026. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to his teachers and the school for recognizing his efforts and giving him this wonderful honor. This recognition means so much to our family, and I sincerely appreciate the encouragement and support the school provides to help him grow academically, socially, and personally. As a mother, my greatest wish is to see my son grow into a successful, compassionate, and responsible young man who follows his dreams while always remembering the importance of kindness, family, and helping others. I am incredibly proud of him and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things he will accomplish in the future.”
Coach feedback on Rudran :
”Rudran is very curious about learning new things. He is focused, attentive and has a great interest in chess. He plays games with patience and has good intuition in chess. He follows the instructions and tries to implement them in games. His growing skills in chess will surely help him to be a good chess player. I wish him a very bright future ahead.”
Few games of Rudran :
https://lichess.org/cHsDX5W5
https://lichess.org/q1IZZHzp
https://lichess.org/lEPiYYkL
3. Aaryan Thovarayi
” My name is Aaryan! I am an 11-year-old who started chess 1 year ago. I have improved a lot in the past year, thanks to my coach Adarsh. He has helped me learn more openings so I can be a better chess player. I really like how PCA helps kids to be good chess players. Other than chess I love swimming, soccer and tennis. I am also an active member of the orchestra team at school.”
Coach feedback on Aaryan :
” Aaryan Thovarayi stands out as an exceptionally disciplined individual among the youngsters I have encountered. Within a brief span, Aryan 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 Aryan is making commendable progress, and I extend my best wishes to him for continued success in his endeavors.”
Few games of Aaryan :
https://lichess.org/game/3brGlrMu/black
https://lichess.org/game/SP6fcfgS
4. Shiv Gurugubelli
” Shiv is a curious and enthusiastic boy who enjoys chess, Taekwondo, swimming, and soccer. He first became interested in chess at age six and loves playing with his dad and brother. His curiosity, dedication, and eagerness to learn make him a wonderful student. We have seen him grow significantly and truly appreciate the guidance from Coach Ajnas, who is exceptionally patient and provides great tips to help Shiv improve his game.”
Coach feedback on Shiv:
”Shiv is a very good student who brings enthusiasm to his chess lessons. He is highly interactive and enjoys participating, making him a pleasure to teach. He especially loves solving challenging puzzles and is always eager for another one. His willingness to take on a challenge reflects his curiosity and eagerness to learn. Shiv is excited about playing in tournaments and hopes to win prizes. It is encouraging to see his enthusiasm for taking his chess journey further. He will be moving to the next level soon, and I look forward to supporting him as he continues to learn and improve.”
Few games of Shiv:
https://lichess.org/wIEFeZ8g#0
https://lichess.org/KrlNYiEk#39
https://lichess.org/sDqHX46Q/black
5. RIAAN ROHAN CHOWLKAR
” Meet Riaan, a five-year-old who loves chess, soccer, and drawing. He began learning chess under the guidance of Ashish Singhal Sir and we are happy to see his progress. Whether he’s planning his next chess move, chasing a soccer ball, or creating a colourful picture, Riaan finds joy in doing what he loves. We sincerely appreciate Ashish Sir’s dedication and efforts in making every chess class enjoyable and engaging for him!.”
Coach feedback on RIAAN:
”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 RIAAN:
https://lichess.org/d9KjLGi9?pov=Riaanc21
https://lichess.org/59GCHG0R?pov=Riaanc21
https://lichess.org/1uoDoI25?pov=Riaanc21
6. Taneesh
”Taneesh is a 10-year-old student in 5th grade who began his chess journey this year with Premier Chess Academy under the guidance of Coach Mr. Jeet Singh. Since this is his first year learning chess, we are happy to see how much he enjoys the game and how his interest in chess continues to grow. Thanks to Coach Jeet Singh’s guidance, patience, and encouragement, Taneesh is developing a greater love for chess and is always excited to learn new things and improve his skills. We sincerely appreciate Coach Jeet Singh’s dedication and the effort he puts into making each lesson engaging, enjoyable, and insightful. We are also thankful to the entire PCA team for providing such a positive learning environment and encouraging young minds to learn, grow, and develop their talents. We are happy with Taneesh’s experience so far and look forward to seeing him continue learning, improving his chess skills, and enjoying his chess journey with Premier Chess Academy.”
Coach feedback on Taneesh:
”Taneesh is a passionate and talented chess player who loves to play chess in class. At such a young age, he has shown potential to perform well in practice sessions. He is a hard-working kid who takes interest in learning new concepts in chess. He learned fast and good things he never gave up. 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. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career and keep it up.”
Few games of Taneesh:
https://lichess.org/dXxgfIKB/black#0
https://lichess.org/KzPDn0I8/white#0
https://lichess.org/fVs19kcS/black#0
7. Yash Nayak
”Yash is a kind-hearted, curious, and determined 11-year-old who discovered his love for chess at the age of seven. What started as a simple interest quickly grew into a passion, and over the years we have watched him become more confident, focused, and resilient through the game. When Yash finds something he enjoys, he gives it his full effort and is always eager to learn, improve, and challenge himself. It has been wonderful to see his growth, not only as a chess player but also as a person. We are incredibly grateful to the Academy for the guidance, encouragement, and support that have played such an important role in his journey. Beyond chess, Yash enjoys reading and playing badminton, and he brings the same enthusiasm and curiosity to everything he does.”
Coach feedback on Yash :
”Yash is a dedicated learner and exhibits immense passion when playing chess. He diligently absorbs all the topics covered in class, striving to understand them thoroughly, and then applies them diligently in his practice sessions and games. With his flourishing understanding of the game, Yash is emerging as a notable player to watch for in the future. My best wishes are steadfastly with Yash. I firmly believe that with proper training and encouragement, Yash will go on to achieve significant accomplishments in the future.”
Few games of Yash :
https://www.chess.com/game/live/185357190741?username=yynayak
https://www.chess.com/game/live/185355989397?username=yynayak
https://www.chess.com/game/live/184216375778?username=yynayak
8. Siddharth Dhanasekaran
”Eleven-year-old Siddharth is a 6th grader and who does everything with great involvement. He loves to play chess. He is a quick learner and excels in studies. He is interested in Math, Science and Soccer apart from Chess. Chess he wants to achieve great things and go international level. His coach Chirag gave him full support to train his skills in chess. We are grateful to him.”
Coach feedback on Siddharth :
”Siddharth is an absolute joy to coach. His natural curiosity and habit of always asking the right questions in class truly set him apart. What makes him a standout player is his relentless drive to reach the next level. Whether it is stepping up to play practice matches every single weekend or consistently finishing his assignments well ahead of time, his progress and dedication to improving his game are highly commendable. I am looking forward to seeing him carry this same fantastic attitude and enthusiasm into every other aspect of his life. Wishing you continued success both on and off the chessboard, Siddharth. Keep up the brilliant work!.”
Few games of Siddharth :
https://lichess.org/usE2XXMu/black#110
https://lichess.org/BTeO80Oi#103
9. Siyona Mahinder
” Siyona is a 12-year-old 7th grader. Her chess journey began four years ago when an injury kept her in bed for three months. She fell in love with chess right from the start and mostly taught herself chess basics from online tutorials. However, under Coach Suvradeepta’s guidance, her chess skills have grown significantly. We are so thankful to Coach Suvradeepta, as many of these skills—like thinking quickly and staying calm under pressure—reach far beyond the 64 squares of the chessboard. Outside of chess, Siyona loves swimming and plays piano at an advanced level. She also plays soccer and basketball for her school teams and represents her school in Math and Science competitions.”
Coach feedback on Siyona :
” Siyona is a great girl, and persistence towards her goals, she never backs down against tough players and always likes to fight till the end, this persistence is helping her to learn new skills and day by day she is improving his playing style. She is very talented, a quick learner and very good at chess puzzles and always surprises me with some innovative moves. She grasps the topic quickly and always tries to implement those learning in chess matches, with this consistency she definitely has a bright future in chess. Best wishes for her. Keep it up my CHAMP!”
Few games of Siyona :
https://www.chess.com/game/live/181744101493?username=siyonathegreat
https://www.chess.com/game/live/181742901347?username=siyonathegreat
https://www.chess.com/game/live/175162312933?username=notmv_maha01
10. Sashwath Raja
”Sashwath Raja is a 4th-grade student from Florida who is passionate about chess, STEM fairs, science quizzes, and tennis. His curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and interest in exploring new ideas keep him motivated to take on new challenges. Whether he is developing his chess skills, exploring the wonders of science, participating in STEM activities, or enjoying a game of tennis, Sashwath approaches each activity with excitement and a desire to improve. Since joining Premier Chess Academy, Sashwath has been developing his chess skills by learning new strategies, techniques, and concepts. His passion for chess inspires him to think critically, make thoughtful decisions, and continuously improve his gameplay. He enjoys applying the techniques learned from his coach, Mr. Danial, and learning from every game he plays. Warmest congratulations to Sashwath Raja on being selected as the “Star Kid of the Month”! We are proud of his achievements and enthusiasm and wish him continued success in chess, science, STEM activities, tennis, and all his future endeavors. May he continue to learn, grow, and shine in everything he pursues!”
Coach feedback on Sashwath :
”Sashwath has shown remarkable tactical awareness and analytical ability throughout his chess training. His skill in recognizing patterns and solving complex puzzles with precision has been a defining aspect of his growth. He participates actively in lessons, bringing genuine enthusiasm and a strong grasp of fundamental tactical concepts. In recent sessions, Sashwath has excelled in mixed puzzle exercises, earning praise for his accurate solutions and sharp thinking. His performance reflects a mature understanding of tactics such as checkmate patterns, pins, and discovered attacks. He approaches challenges methodically and remains focused even under time pressure. Looking ahead, the emphasis will be on refining his ability to navigate complex tactical scenarios—particularly advanced pin positions and piece restrictions. With his solid foundation and consistent work ethic, Sashwath is well‑prepared to progress into deeper strategic concepts and competitive play. His commitment to verification and self‑checking sets a strong example for peers, and his continued dedication promises exciting milestones in his chess journey.”
Few games of Sashwath :
11. Shashank Dasara
”Kid full name : Shashank Dasara, Shashank is a 7th grader in Maryland and has been playing chess for almost two years. In spare time he loves to play chess, cricket and keyboard. He has a pet dog Biscuit. He also loves watching college football, NFL and Cricket..”
Coach feedback on Shashank :
”Shashank is a strong chess player who shows a great ability to calculate variations and understand complex concepts with ease. He is always punctual for his classes and brings enthusiasm and energy to every session. He especially enjoys playing chess games during class, which reflects his love for the game and his eagerness to put his skills into practice. His strong calculation skills and ability to grasp difficult ideas are wonderful strengths that will help him grow further as a player. I wish him all the very best for a bright and successful future in chess!.”
Few games of Shashank :
https://lichess.org/pN5dR1PE/black
https://lichess.org/zikbk0Nn/black
12. Pradyut Kathirvelu
”Ten-year-old Pradyut is an enthusiastic young chess player who is always eager to learn and improve his game. Under the guidance and encouragement of Coach Harshita, he continues to develop his chess skills while learning the importance of patience, concentration, and strategic thinking. Coach Harshita’s support makes his chess journey enjoyable and helps him grow in confidence with every lesson. Beyond the chessboard, Pradyut loves playing soccer, enjoys fishing, and has a special place in his heart for his pet parakeets, Chikoo and Chikee, with whom he loves spending time at home. Chess is helping him sharpen his problem-solving skills, build discipline, and think a few steps ahead—skills that are valuable both in the game and in everyday life. We are grateful to Coach Harshita and the Premier Chess Academy team for their dedication and encouragement in nurturing Pradyut’s passion for chess. Best wishes to Coach Harshita and the entire PCA team!”
Coach feedback on Pradyut :
”His overall performance is encouraging. He is building a solid foundation in chess fundamentals. With regular practice, careful analysis of games, and increased tactical training he has improved a lot. He has a positive approach to learning and showed good potential. Keep developing your calculation skills, opening principles, and endgame techniques. Stay patient and enjoy the learning process. I really want to see his progress in the upcoming chess tournaments and I wish him all the very best for his bright future.!!.”
Few games of Pradyut :
https://lichess.org/v51ePKbs/black l
https://lichess.org/RKOrPa0g/black
13. Avyaan Verma
” Avyaan’s chess journey with Premier Chess Academy began four years ago, and his dedication, passion, and determination have helped him grow into a promising young chess player. He has progressed through Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate Level 1, and is now learning at Intermediate Level 2. In just the past year, his online USCF rating has climbed from 0 to an impressive 1447, while his over-the-board rating stands at 882. He has also won three awards at local scholastic chess championships and earned recognition as the top member of his school’s chess club. For Avyaan, chess is more than just a game—it is a dream for the future. He aspires to become a titled player, pursue chess professionally, and one day become World Chess Champion, with the ultimate ambition of holding the title longer than anyone in history. Receiving the October Star of the Month Award from Premier Chess Academy is a proud milestone in his journey, and we look forward to seeing his dreams unfold, one move at a time.”
Coach feedback on Avyaan:
” Avyaan is a dedicated, enthusiastic, and ambitious chess player who has shown excellent progress over the years. His passion for the game, willingness to learn, and determination to improve are truly commendable. He has developed a good understanding of chess fundamentals and continues to strengthen his tactical vision, calculation skills, and positional understanding. With consistent practice, discipline, and hard work, he has the potential to achieve great heights in chess. Keep shining, Avyaan! . Congratulations on being named the October Star of the Month! Keep dreaming big, working hard, and enjoying the journey, Avyaan.”
Few games of Avyaan:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/185364389009
https://www.chess.com/game/live/185365589157
https://www.chess.com/game/live/185363190223
14. Lakshan Anbalagan
”We are very happy and proud to see Lakshan’s interest and progress in chess at Premier Chess Academy. With the guidance and encouragement of Coach Karthik, Lakshan has been improving his chess skills and gaining confidence in his game.Lakshan Anbalagan has been interested in chess since he was 5. We as parents taught him some basics, but he never really got any formal training. When we joined him in Premier Chess Academy under Mr. Karthik K a couple of years ago, he felt really happy and we could see him get very excited. We have seen him grow a lot and we really appreciate all the guidance from the Academy and his coach Karthik Sir.Mr. Karthik is an inspiring chess teacher who makes every lesson enjoyable and insightful.”
Coach feedback of Lakshan :
” Lakshan 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 PCA Chess Sessions, which is highly appreciable. I wish him very good luck for his Chess Career…!”
Few games of Lakshan :
https://lichess.org/KUBiT8Uj/black
https://lichess.org/L0ZMpHaM/black
https://lichess.org/DC1RupLC/white
https://lichess.org/kUzuAYNv/white
15. Sainath Harish
” Sainath is an enthusiastic and curious child who loves learning new things and exploring challenges. His favorite subjects are Mathematics and Science, and he enjoys playing soccer, swimming, and building creative LEGO structures. His passion for LEGO sparked an early interest in robotics, technology, and engineering. Introduced to chess through his school’s Chess Club, he developed a strong interest in the game and joined Premier Chess Academy to enhance his skills. He has participated in several over-the-board and online chess tournaments. At the Indiana State Chess Tournament, his school team secured 4th place overall, while Sainath achieved an impressive 7th place in the individual competition. He looks forward to improving his chess skills, learning from every game, and taking on new challenges.”
Coach feedback on Sainath:
” Sainath is a bright and active student who is always eager to participate in class discussions. His enthusiasm and willingness to learn make him a wonderful student to work with. With regular practice, focus, and continued effort, he can make excellent progress in chess and achieve great heights in the future. Wishing him all the best for his chess journey!”
Few games of Sainath:
https://lichess.org/i4OZmqOg/black
16. Poshitha Lakshmi Sri Tanvi Khaja
”Poshitha Lakshmi Sri Tanvi Khaja, lovingly called Poshi, is a bright, mature, and hardworking 10-year-old girl in 5th grade at Willcox Middle School in Willcox, Arizona. She was born in Hyderabad, India. She is very smart and intelligent in her studies and is loved by all her teachers for her sweet nature, good manners, and eagerness to learn. Poshi loves challenges and always wants to learn at a level higher than her age, never shying away from something new or difficult. Since she started playing chess, we have seen a wonderful change in the way she thinks. She has become a true critical thinker and problem solver who carefully thinks before she acts, weighs every option, and can clearly judge between right and wrong decisions. Poshi is truly passionate about chess and practices at least 35 hours every week. Chess has helped her build focus, patience, concentration, and confidence, which shine through in her studies and everyday life as well. Poshi is a true fighter who never gives up. She learns from every game and always strives for perfection in everything she does. With her determination and maturity, she dreams of becoming a leader one day. Poshi is fun, active, and encouraging, always cheering on her friends and spreading positivity wherever she goes. She enjoys playing softball and basketball, and she loves visiting beaches and Disneyland. She loves reading books and is also a proud member of the Girl Scouts, where she enjoys learning new skills, serving her community, and making friends. She is a wonderfully talented artist who shines in painting, drawing, and crafts. She has won many ribbons for her art and other hobbies, and she was honored with an Honorable Mention award for her paintings across all of Cochise County. She also enjoys gardening, nurturing her plants with care, and has recently started cooking, which she loves! Her favorite foods are Hyderabadi chicken Dum biryani and Pani puri, and her favorite treats are the Dairy Queen Peanut Butter Parfait and a bean and cheese burrito. Poshi has a kind and caring heart, especially toward animals, and she adores dogs and cats. She dreams of becoming a scientist and inventing medicines to cure diseases and help people live healthier lives. She would also love to work as a veterinarian part-time so she can care for the animals she loves so much. Her big dreams show how much she cares about making the world a better place. Poshi is an only child and shares a very special bond with her mom. Even after losing her dad, she has shown remarkable strength and courage, and we know he would be so proud of her. She tells her mommy “I love you” and sends her kisses at least ten times a day, filling our home with love and warmth. She is a lovely, heart-touching kid who brings joy to everyone around her. We are so proud of you, Poshi! Keep shining and keep dreaming big. A heartfelt thank you to Coach Piyush Snehi and Premier Chess Academy for their guidance, patience, and constant support in helping Poshi grow both as a chess player and as a wonderful young person.”
Coach feedback on Poshitha:
”Poshi is a smart, sincere, and dedicated chess student who approaches her lessons with focus. She is soft-spoken, follows instructions carefully, and learns new concepts quickly. She responds well to feedback and consistently puts effort into improving her game. Her positive attitude and steady progress give her a strong foundation for future growth.”
Few games of Poshitha:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/185448989063?username=zoozoo777
https://www.chess.com/game/live/184530313986?username=zoozoo777
https://www.chess.com/game/live/184844910989?username=zoozoo777
17. Omar Abdelrahman
“Hello. My name is Omar Abdelrahman and I am 11 years old. The experience at these chess classes has been really nice. It’s super fun getting to hang out and play against the other people every week, and everyone here is really nice. I’m actually getting much better at chess, and I enjoy learning new checkmates, openings, and strategies. I appreciate the efforts from coach Shiva and all the staff to make me better at chess.”
Coach feedback on Omar :
” Omar 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. 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 Omar :
https://lichess.org/SXD89HVZ/black
Selection Criteria – October 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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