Grace Brooks & Warigi Chess Academies spark young talent at invitational tournament

Grace Brooks Academy, in collaboration with Warigi Chess Academy, staged a vibrant junior chess invitational on Saturday.

The tournament drew an impressive 172 participants from 21 schools across Kenya. 

Young players traveled from as far as Kitui County, reflecting the sport’s growing nationwide appeal. 

Although top-rated Kenyan prodigy and International Master Jason Simiyu did not compete, his remarkable achievements were acknowledged throughout the day as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of players aiming for Grandmaster status.

Tournament organizer Lawrence Kagambi of Warigi Chess Academy celebrated the strong turnout and announced plans to extend similar events countrywide in partnership with the Chess Kenya Federation.

 “Our goal is to create more opportunities for young players to sharpen their skills and compete at higher levels,” Kagambi said.

Grace Brooks Academy senior teacher Sammy Otieno added that chess fosters discipline and critical thinking, applauding parents and educators for nurturing the sport.

The Grace Brook Academy Junior Open Chess Tournament 2025 crowned winners across multiple age groups.

In the Under-6 Open category, Jeremy Mburu of Riara Primary School claimed first place, followed by Yuvaan Shankar and Dhruv Singh Bisht of St. Bakhita School.

The Under-6 Girls category saw Mitchelle Wambui of Thome Kindergarten take top honors, with Daniella Hera of Membley Titans and Dorothy Lukundo of Grace Brooks Academy finishing second and third.

Reagan Jabali of Mavens Chess Club triumphed in the Under-8 Open, ahead of Lincoln Lemaiyan and Joe Steve Jnr from Kitengela International School, while Hailey Wangari of Riara Primary led the Under-8 Girls, followed by Mushila Arya of Light International School–Karen and Ella Riziki of Sunrise C.G & Junior School.

In the Under-10 Open, Jeremy Aden Duke of Rophine Field Group of Schools won first place, with James Kamanda of Moi Forces Academy–Nairobi second and Jesse Tunje of Riara Springs Academy third.

The Under-10 Girls winner was Zhanna Naitore of Laser Learning Hub, ahead of Melanie Mutheu and Alecia Otamo, both of Waridi Chess Academy. Njoroge Nigel Ngige of Mavens Chess Club topped the Under-12 Open, while Will Maina of Riara Primary and Jabari Mwangi of Riara Springs followed.

Iris Azzurri of Riara Springs led the Under-12 Girls, with Samantha Hawi and Valin Amolo, both of Riara institutions, placing second and third.

Maxier Barasa of Sunrise C.G & Junior School captured the Under-14 Open title, followed by Aviah Mutua of the same school and Rusheel Valluri of SCLP Samaj School.

The Under-14 Girls category was won by Onyango Shirlyn Gathoni of NACHA, with Grace Mwendwa of Good Shepherd DOJGS–Kitui and Chelsea Maina of Sunrise C.G & Junior School completing the podium.

In the Under-16 Open, Mushila Ayaan of Light International School–Karen took first place, while Chazima Terence Shaka of Mavens Chess Club finished second.

Team honors went to Riara Primary School, with Sunrise C.G & Junior School and Riara Springs Academy taking second and third places respectively.

Mavens Chess Club earned Best Private Club recognition.

The successful event underscored Kenya’s rising chess culture and set the stage for broader nationwide tournaments, offering young players an opportunity to develop critical thinking and compete on the international stage.