♟️ About the Organizer

Sooriya Chess Academy is a chess academy and tournament organizer based in Mambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is affiliated with the Chengalpattu District Chess Association and operates within the Tamil Nadu chess structure. The academy promotes over-the-board chess through children’s events, open competitions, and international FIDE-rated tournaments. Moreover, its public identity uses the motto “Think Fast, Move Smart.”

SNA J. G. Nivedhitha serves as academy president and principal tournament contact. She also directs the organization’s major competitions. FIDE lists her as a licensed National Arbiter and an experienced rated player. Therefore, she brings both competitive and technical experience to the academy’s tournament work.

The academy uses different educational venues for its larger events. In 2025, it held a state-level tournament at Prince Shri Venkateshwara Arts and Science College. Meanwhile, its June 2026 international open took place at Prof. Dhanapalan College of Science and Management. This flexible model allows the organizer to accommodate larger fields across Chennai and Chengalpattu.

🏆 Tournaments and Chess Events

Sooriya Chess Academy launched its main public tournament program with a state-level children’s and open event in August 2025. The competition included separate Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, and Under-15 categories for boys and girls. It also offered an Open section with ₹45,000 in cash prizes. In addition, the organizers announced 200 trophies across the tournament.

The academy then expanded into international rating events. Its first International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament ran from June 3–7, 2026. The nine-round classical event offered a total prize fund of ₹500,001 and used a 90+30 time control. It attracted 150 players from five federations, including 94 FIDE-rated competitors and two International Masters.

Aakash K P won the tournament with an unbeaten 7.5/9 score. IM Girinath P D S also scored 7.5 points and finished second on tiebreak. Moreover, the event awarded trophies across overall, rating, and age categories. The strong field gave local juniors direct experience alongside titled and international players.

The academy’s next major competition is its first International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament for Players Below 1800. FIDE has registered the event for August 28–30, 2026, in Chennai. It will use a 30+30 standard time control and targets a 150-player field. Therefore, the academy now offers both unrestricted classical competition and a focused event for developing players.

Sooriya Chess Academy manages tournament announcements, registrations, participant communication, and technical coordination. It also publishes pairings and results through Chess-Results. In addition, its events appear in the official calendars of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, All India Chess Federation, and FIDE.

🌱 Youth Chess and Player Development

Youth chess forms a clear part of Sooriya Chess Academy’s tournament model. Its first state-level event created dedicated age groups from Under-8 through Under-15. As a result, children could compete against players at a similar stage of development. Separate boys’ and girls’ categories also broadened access to prizes and recognition.

The international open continued this approach through age-category trophies and substantial junior participation. At the same time, the event included strong adult players and International Masters. Consequently, young competitors could experience formal tournament procedures within a demanding classical competition.

By combining children’s tournaments, open sections, and FIDE-rated competitions, the academy provides a practical progression route. New players can begin in age-group events and later enter internationally rated tournaments. Moreover, lower-rated competitors can use the Below-1800 event to gain experience against suitable opposition.

The academy also shares tournament announcements, registration information, results, and event photographs through its social channels. Therefore, players and families can follow upcoming competitions and review earlier activities. This communication supports the academy’s growing role in the Chennai and Chengalpattu chess community.