The young champions of Chess in Slums, a non-governmental organization founded by chess master Tunde Onakoya to empower children from disadvantaged backgrounds, have achieved a groundbreaking victory on the global stage.
Competing at the prestigious 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference in the United States, these remarkable players demonstrated their skill, resilience, and determination. Their participation was more than just a game—it was a testament to the power of opportunity and the ability of chess to transform lives.
The competition, held under the theme “Future Forward: Game Changers,” brought together young minds, merging strategic thinking with technology to inspire future leaders. It featured high-stakes chess matches, robotics competitions, and even a unique Kids vs. Police Chess Challenge, proving that chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for change.
Among the standout participants was Ferdinand, a young boy whose journey has been nothing short of inspiring. His exceptional performance earned him the Young Genius Award, which was presented by American actor and The Walking Dead star, Khary Payton.
Jamiu, another rising star from Chess in Slums, emerged as the best overall player of the chess tournament, winning a gold medal along with a $500 scholarship for his compelling essay and speech on global citizenship.
Meanwhile, Ivie showcased incredible skill in the middle school championship, securing a silver medal and a $100 prize. The most astonishing feat of all was that the entire Chess in Slums team completed the tournament without a single loss—a powerful statement that talent, when nurtured, can overcome any obstacle.
Their journey, however, extends beyond this single competition. These young chess prodigies are currently in the United States for the Chess and Community Ubuntu Cultural Exchange, where they will compete in Athens, Georgia, as well as at New York City and Harvard University.
Their participation represents more than just personal victories—it is a symbol of hope for millions of underprivileged children around the world. The Chess in Slums initiative has given these children a platform to showcase their brilliance, despite the hardships they have endured. As they travel across the U.S., they are not just playing chess; they are rewriting their own narratives and proving that no dream is too far-fetched.
Before their departure, Tunde Onakoya shared an emotional reflection on their journeys, underscoring the challenges these children have faced. “Typing these words fills my eyes with tears all over again because I know their stories,” he wrote.
He recounted the struggles of Ferdinand, a child with cerebral palsy who was often bullied but found his strength through chess. “When he plays chess, the world stands still.” He spoke of Mary, a girl whose family narrowly escaped Boko Haram attacks and was left to survive in an IDP camp in Northern Nigeria.
“Forgotten in a place where dreams go to die. But hers didn’t.” Mabel, radiant with promise, had no opportunity to attend school when Onakoya met her in Ikorodu seven years ago. Today, she stands as a fierce chess queen, aspiring to be a doctor.
And then there is Jamiu, abandoned by his father, forced to watch his mother die in Onakoya’s arms, and left homeless—yet undefeated in chess and already one of the best players in his age category.
These children, once written off by society, are now representing those like them—children who have been told they are invisible. Their success is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education and opportunity.
As they continue their journey, competing against some of the best minds in the world, they carry with them the dreams of countless other children who dare to believe in a future beyond their circumstances.
Tunde Onakoya and Chess in Slums have shown that talent is universal, but opportunity is not—and when given the right chance, even the most unlikely champions can rise.
