Student Spotlight: Discover Their Journey

At Chesscolastics, we are dedicated to fostering a deep passion for chess in our students, helping them not only improve their technical skills but also gain the strategic mindset necessary for success in competitive chess. Our approach goes beyond simply teaching the rules of the game; we work closely with each student to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, all of which are essential for excelling in tournaments.

We provide a supportive environment that encourages a love for the game while honing practical skills, such as opening theory, tactics, endgame strategies, and time management under pressure. By participating in various tournaments and competitions, our students get the opportunity to apply what they have learned, gain invaluable experience, and build the confidence needed to thrive in high-stakes environments. Chesscolastics helps each student unlock their full potential, empowering them to not only succeed in tournaments but to develop a lifelong passion for chess that extends beyond the board.

Get to Know Riyon Leelaratne: Chess Enthusiast from Winnipeg, Manitoba

“The first time I played chess was at our house in Toronto, playing with my dad. I still remember how I used to push all my pawns two squares, but it always ended with me losing. The way I kept losing repeatedly sparked a small flame in me, urging me to embrace and fully understand how to play chess so I could finally break the endless cycle of defeat.

It felt fun and exciting to finally start learning chess. After a while, I got old enough to join the provincial chess tournament, which includes students from grades K-12. I placed second in both 2018 and 2019, which was an amazing achievement for my younger self.

I love the intricacies of the different possible moves that can be played. I find myself immersed in a sea of possibilities, wondering what my opponent will do. It is very satisfying when you think of a complex checkmate, and it works! It is like sliding the last puzzle piece into a huge puzzle. After some time of not practicing, I got rusty and started losing games, so I joined Chesscolastics. Thanks to their excellent teachers, I began to understand new openings that had previously been difficult for me to understand.”