About Me

"Chess learning is a gateway to uncovering one's creativity and developing diligence along the way."

Vishnu Vanapalli, Founder & Coach

Vishnu learned how to play chess at the age of 4, and began playing in tournaments soon after. With much dedication, he earned his National Master (NM) title in 2021 and his FIDE Master (FM) title in 2022. He is a multiple-time State and National Champion, and has competed in international youth events. He serves the community to this day through multiple non-profits, working toward becoming an International Master (IM).

Achievements

Bronze Presidential Community Service Award Recipient
FIDE Master (FM) & National Master (NM)
#1 ranked in NC (scholastic)
#6 Ranked 16-Year Old Worldwide (based on USCF rating)
2400+ USCF, 2300+ FIDE
2022 National High School Co-Champion
2023 US Cadet Championship 3rd Place
- Invitational tournament for top 8 U16 players in US
2023 Denker National Tournament of HS State Champions 6th Place
2023 National High School Tied 10th Place
2023 & 2024 NC State (K-12) Champion
2022 NC State Co-Champion
2015 World Youth Cadet (U8 Open) Tied 5th Place
2021 North American Youth (U14 Open) Tied 6th Place
2021 North American Junior Tied 7th Place
2023 Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools-Sponsored National Competitor
2016 (K-3) Elementary Nationals Co-Champion
2017 (K-5) Super Nationals Tied 2nd Place
2018 (K-5) National Jr High Tied 6th Place
2018 & 2019 NC (K-12) State Co-Champion
2021 NC State (K-12) 2nd Place
2020 NC State (K-12) 3rd Place

"Every chess master was once a beginner."

Irving Chernev, Chess Author, World Chess Hall of Fame Inductee