Chess Kings & Queens

♟️ About Chess Kings & Queens

Chess Kings & Queens (CKQ) is a chess academy and tournament organizer founded in 2012 in Piscataway, New Jersey, United States. The academy was established by GM Magesh Panchanathan and WFM Anuprita Patil. Today, CKQ operates four physical campuses across New Jersey and North Carolina, together with a nationwide online program. Its New Jersey locations are in Piscataway and East Windsor, while its North Carolina program operates in Cary and Holly Springs. The academy provides group classes, private coaching, chess camps, after-school programs, practice tournaments, US Chess-rated events, and FIDE-rated competition. Its structured curriculum covers nine progressive levels, from complete beginners to players rated above 2000. CKQ places particular emphasis on youth development and practical tournament experience. Its coaching team includes titled players, while its students have achieved state and national success. GM Magesh Panchanathan and WFM Anuprita Patil continue to lead the academy as co-founders. For CKQ’s tournament program in New Jersey, Stephen Lorimor serves as a principal Tournament Director and operational contact. During 2026, CKQ runs a particularly active tournament calendar in Piscataway. This includes weekly Rapid events, practice tournaments, and the recurring CKQ Super Sundays, which now include both US Chess-rated and FIDE-rated sections.

📜 Development of Chess Kings & Queens

Chess Kings & Queens began in Piscataway in 2012. Magesh Panchanathan and Anuprita Patil created the academy around a structured approach to chess education rather than casual instruction alone. The academy expanded its coaching team in 2015 when GM Arunprasad Subramanian joined as Head Coach. He subsequently worked with Abhimanyu Mishra, who later became the youngest Grandmaster in chess history. In 2016, CKQ expanded into North Carolina with programs in the Research Triangle area. Then, in 2020, the academy introduced a structured online program. This development allowed students from across the United States to join its coaching system. By 2026, CKQ reports more than 1,000 enrolled students, four physical campuses, and a coaching team that includes two Grandmasters.

🎓 Structured Chess Education

CKQ organizes its core curriculum into nine progressive levels. Students begin with the rules, basic checkmates, and fundamental tactical ideas. They then progress through tournament preparation, opening development, calculation, strategy, and advanced endgame study. Group classes usually contain small groups of students. Meanwhile, private lessons provide individual preparation for players with specific competitive goals. The academy also runs chess camps during school breaks. In addition, CKQ works with schools through after-school programs and provides online instruction nationwide. Competitive experience forms an important part of the training pathway. Therefore, students can move gradually from internal practice tournaments to US Chess-rated events and stronger FIDE-rated competition.

🌟 Player Development and Achievements

CKQ’s most internationally recognized former student is GM Abhimanyu Mishra. He trained at the academy from a young age under GM Arunprasad Subramanian. In 2021, Mishra became the youngest Grandmaster in chess history at 12 years old. CKQ highlights his development as an example of its advanced coaching pathway. The academy also reports 10+ national champions and more than 50 state champions among its students. However, its programs are not limited to elite players. The same curriculum also supports beginners and developing tournament players. This broad structure allows students to remain within one training system as their playing strength increases.

🏆 Tournament Activity in 2026

Chess Kings & Queens maintains an extensive tournament calendar in Piscataway, New Jersey. The academy runs regular Piscataway Rapids for developing players. These four-round tournaments use a G/30+5 time control and include Under 600 and Under 1200 sections. CKQ also organizes inexpensive Practice Tournaments for beginners. These events allow students to gain tournament experience without affecting their US Chess rating. At a higher competitive level, the academy operates its recurring CKQ Super Sundays. The tournament structure changed in June 2026 to provide clearer progression between rating groups. This mix of practice, Rapid, Classical, US Chess-rated, and FIDE-rated competition gives players several routes into organized tournament chess.

⚡ CKQ Super Sundays

The current CKQ Super Sunday format consists of three sections. The Under 1500 section is US Chess-rated. Meanwhile, the Intermediate and Championship sections receive both US Chess and FIDE rating. All sections use a three-round Swiss system with a time control of G/75 +15. The Championship section is designed for players rated approximately 2050–2600, while the Intermediate section serves players below that level. The tournament offers a guaranteed $1,000 prize fund. Additional junior, senior, and section prizes can be activated when participation reaches specified thresholds. Stephen Lorimor serves as Tournament Director. Upcoming 2026 Super Sunday dates include September 20, October 25, November 15, and December 20 at the CKQ Piscataway campus.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

GM Magesh Panchanathan is a Co-Founder of Chess Kings & Queens. He earned the Grandmaster title in 2005 and was a co-winner of the 2005 World Open. WFM Anuprita Patil is also a Co-Founder and plays a major role in the academy’s educational program. She holds the Woman FIDE Master title. GM Arunprasad Subramanian serves as Head Coach and leads advanced player development. For major New Jersey tournaments, Stephen Lorimor is one of CKQ’s principal operational contacts. He manages registrations, bye requests, tournament questions, and event-day communication for the Super Sunday series and other Piscataway competitions.