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Media Stories
“Lifechangers” changing lives in West Philly
The Black community is full of success stories in chess, but oftentimes the works of hardworking pioneers go unnoticed and underappreciated. Mikyeil El-Mekki is one of those figures tapping potential in Philadelphia youth in a city also known for prowess in athletic pursuits. El-Mekki presents founded the Paul Robeson Chess…
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Central America
Costa Rica’s Tania Hernandez renewed chess passion
Tania Hernández Álvarez was a prominent player in the Cuba’s women’s circuit haven competed in the national championship several times. However, she joined a large migrant population of chess players and she settled abroad in Costa Rica and renewed passion for chess. A few years ago, she obtained Costa Rican…
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The Chess Drum
What is Somalian “Ciyaarta Shataranjiga”?
In a country will so much turmoil in the past five decades, it becomes important to try to find a way to bring normalcy to ever-present social challenges in Somalia. Chess is played in more than 200 countries with federations in more than 180. Somalia has also ushered in “Chess…
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Drum Majors
Brazil’s rising star Ryan Wesley Caetano
Ryan Wesley da Costa Caetano of Brazil is an aspiring Grandmaster and was the 2019 Brazilian Junior Champion. Aged 19, he currently has a FIDE rating of 2243. Five months ago, Ryan was profiled in an interview on chess.com where he discussed his beginnings, inspirations, and aspirations. Here is the…
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Drum Majors
Jerald Times… 2021 “Chess Educator of the Year”
Good Times in South Africa!! Jerald Times with some of the members of his Guguletu team. Photo courtesy of Jerald Times. It can be said that Jerald Times has a story to tell. Having trod the stony roads of Harlem, New York, and the pastures of South Africa, he has…
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The Chess Drum
Levon Aronian to play for U.S. after emigrating
Levon Aronian has completely started a new chapter in life. He is with his new love, Ani Ayvazyan and dog “Ponchik“. Photo by Armenian Aravot Shocking report out of Armenia today as the chess world is grappling with news that Levon Aronian, the country’s top player will emigrate to the…
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The Chess Drum
GM Román Hernández… Afro-Cuban trailblazer
During “Black History Month” in the U.S., there is a lot of pride taken in the pioneers who made proud accomplishments while fighting against the odds. Of course, this is an American invention, but we would do justice to extend accolades to the greater African Diaspora. Cuba is one such…
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The Chess Drum
20th year for The Chess Drum!
Twenty years. Yes… 20 years for a website. It seems unreal that so many years have passed. It seems unlikely (in these times) that a chess website can last this long. However, many years ago I rationalized this project by thinking, “If The Chess Drum did not exist, it would…
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The Chess Drum
“Black Squares” leaps into action
IM-elect Justus Williams has been known to The Chess Drum audience since he was a pre-teen aspiring to great feats. Now a young collegiate, he is seeking to make a difference in his community, and has launched an initiative called “Black Squares.” The idea is to promote the Chess-in-Schools (CIC)…
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Media Stories
New in Chess (2020/8)
New in Chess is still going strong as we go into a new year. Of course, the coverage has changed in format with the emphasis being on the online platform and of course some novel stories such as the impact of the coronavirus and also TV series “Queen’s Gambit.” The…
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