In a remarkable display of resilience, talent, and the transformative power of chess, the Chess In Slums team, led by founder Tunde Onakoya, has taken the world stage by storm at the 12th Annual Chess and Community Conference in Athens, Georgia, held in March 2025. This USCF-rated tournament, themed “Future Forward: Game Changers”, brought together young players from across the globe, but it was the children from Nigeria’s underserved communities who left an indelible mark, proving that greatness can indeed emerge from the smallest of places.

Just six months ago, Mary Victor Zira was one of countless forgotten souls in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Adamawa, Nigeria, her family having narrowly escaped the horrors of Boko Haram. In a place where dreams often wither, she found an unlikely lifeline in chess. Fast forward to March 2025, and she stood proudly on the podium in Athens, clutching a silver medal and $100 in prize money for her second-place finish in the middle school championship category. Playing four games without a single loss, Mary’s strategic brilliance shone through, a testament to the hope and opportunity fostered by Chess in Slums. Her story is one of redemption, a reminder that even in the darkest corners, potential waits to be unlocked.

Ferdinand Mehunu, a young boy from Makoko—Africa’s largest floating slum—knows adversity all too well. Living with cerebral palsy, he was once mocked as an “imbecile” and bullied by peers in his community. But chess became his battleground, a place where physical limitations dissolved, and his mind reigned supreme. At the Chess and Community Conference, Ferdinand not only competed against USCF-rated players but taught them lessons in resilience and skill. His outstanding performance earned him the coveted Young Genius Award, presented by American actor Khary Payton, known for his role in The Walking Dead. From the waters of Makoko to the world stage, Ferdinand’s journey embodies the Chess in Slums mantra: it is indeed possible to do great things from a small place.

Ivie Urieto, a USCF-rated player and Youth Ambassador for Gift of Chess, added to the team’s accolades with her stellar performance. Contributing to the team’s second-place finish in the tournament, Ivie played four games undefeated, securing a silver medal and $100 in the middle school championship category. Her achievements extend beyond the board—she recently earned a spot on the list of the top 100 chess players in her category for March 2025. Ivie’s success highlights her growing influence in the chess world and her role in inspiring others through her ambassadorship with Gift of Chess, an organization dedicated to spreading the game globally.

Jamiu Ninilowo emerged as the tournament’s standout star, clinching the gold medal as the best player overall. His victory was not just about his prowess on the chessboard but also his ability to articulate a vision for global citizenship. Jamiu’s inspiring essay and speech earned him a $500 scholarship, a reward that will fuel his educational journey. Mentored by Tunde Onakoya, Jamiu represents the next generation of leaders Chess in Slums aims to nurture—thinkers who use chess as a springboard to broader horizons.

At the heart of this extraordinary team is Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums and a celebrated figure in the chess world. Known for breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in 2024, Onakoya has turned his personal triumph into a global mission. Through Chess in Slums, he has empowered children from Nigeria’s most marginalized communities, using chess as a tool to enhance critical thinking, build confidence, and open doors to education. His leadership has not only elevated these young players to international acclaim but also garnered support from partners like Adire Teems, who provided stunning Adire Kimonos, and Adeleye Oluwako, who outfitted the team in style.

The Chess in Slums team’s performance in Athens was nothing short of historic. Finishing the tournament as the 2nd Place Winner without losing a single game, they showcased the depth of talent nurtured in Nigeria’s slums. Their success is a collective triumph, blending individual brilliance with a shared purpose. From Mary’s silver to Ferdinand’s genius, Ivie’s rise, and Jamiu’s gold, each achievement underscores the organization’s mission to unveil royalty in every child. As the team donned their Adire Kimonos—symbols of cultural pride—and stood tall on foreign soil, they sent a powerful message: chess is more than a game. It’s a lifeline, a bridge, and a beacon of hope. Under Tunde Onakoya’s guidance, Chess in Slums continues to rewrite narratives, proving that from Makoko to Adamawa, and now to the world, the smallest pawns can become kings and queens.