In the bustling country of Nigeria, a quiet chess revolution is unfolding. This revolution puts Chess at the epicenter of social and humanitarian efforts.
At the forefront of this is Tunde Onakoya, a chess master, coach, and public speaker who is redefining the game of Chess and shaping it as a tool for education and empowerment.
The Early Moves: Tunde’s Journey to Chess
With a determined and focused mind, there are no barriers to achieving any goal—such is Onakoya’s story.
Born in the late 1990s in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, he picked up the game of chess at a very tender age in a barber’s shop.
His story is ironic because one would not expect a chess talent from such a location.
Coming from an underprivileged background, Tunde faced financial constraints and societal pressures, even temporarily leaving school to support his younger brother.
Tired of seeing Tunde out of school, his mother approached a private school to work as a cleaner to enrol her son.
Tunde could access a chess club at this school, and he fell in love with the game there.
He got better, represented his school at various tournaments, and ultimately achieved his career high of 2197 Standard FIDE rating.
As he grew older, he faced several life challenges, so he left Chess for a while to fend for himself.
However, his vision remained, and he aimed not only to be another chess coach or player but also to use his skills for advocacy— to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Little did a young Tunde Onakoya know how much this game would shape his future and how his efforts would redefine it for himself and others.
A Different Kind of Chess: Tunde’s Unique Approach
Chess has a long history in Africa. It has been played at the African Games since 2003 and is commonly seen as a game of intellect reserved for elite minds trained in the best conditions in grand halls and prestigious tournaments.
From the trenches of Ikorodu to gaining international recognition, Tunde Onakoya has redefined himself and the game of chess.
To him, Chess was not just about moving pieces on a board; it was a metaphor for life, strategy, patience, implementation, and overcoming obstacles.
At a recent speaking event in Germany, he said, “Chess gave me something, an identity, an intellectual one, and it made me believe that I could be intellectually inclined, that I could be better, that just through this game I could find my place in the world again.”
With these words etched in his mind, he made an impact from a place where the odds were against him.
In April 2024, Tunde Onakoya embarked on a 60-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon.
He embarked on a chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, in the United States.
His mission was to break the existing Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon set by Norwegian players Hallward Harry Flatebo and Sjar Frkingstead in 2018.
The 60-hour marathon gained traction on social media and was covered by major news outlets.
It received notable support from prestigious individuals, such as former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Kashim Shettima, the current Vice President.
Afrobeats stars like Davido and Adekunle Gold also supported him. This challenge was remarkable; in its wake was a revolution, a cause to raise $1 million for the education of disadvantaged children in Africa.
Tunde’s work has not gone unnoticed. Various international organisations, media outlets, and educational institutions recognised his efforts before and after the marathon.
He was featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30. He has also been recognized by the International Chess Education, OctaFX, and Lufthansa Airlines, and his story has inspired millions worldwide.
He has also partnered with two of the best chess websites in the world: Chess.com and ChessKid.
His work has sparked interest from tech companies and educational institutions that want to incorporate Chess into their programs.
His social movement is expanding beyond Nigeria and plans to reach other African countries.
Chess in Slums: Creating Opportunities, One Game at a Time
A common saying goes—Be the best; no one remembers the number two or three. For Onakoya, this is far from true.
He currently ranks number 28 on Nigeria’s FIDE classical rating list, yet he’s the face of the game in Nigeria and Africa.
What did he do differently? Tunde integrated playing, coaching, and public speaking into his chess career.
Tunde’s social endeavour officially took flight in September 2018. He founded Chess In Slums Africa (CISA), a volunteer-driven nonprofit organisation that uses Chess to empower young people in impoverished communities.
Making Chess Accessible
Chess in Slums Africa took a unique approach by coaching children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the slums.
Chess would empower them with the tools they needed to think critically, solve problems, and break out of the cycle of poverty.
Combining Chess, STEM education, and socio-emotional development, he equips children with critical thinking skills.
Chess teaches players to expect challenges, think ahead, and take risks. Losing is a huge part of the game, so the children learn resilience and never to bow in adversity.
Many children in the slum have had their success stories written off by society. However, Tunde Onakoya’s Chess in Slums allows them to rewrite their stories and build confidence, self-worth, and community.
Fostering a Love for Learning
Chess in Slums’ initiatives showcase children overcoming challenges, communities uniting, and partnerships catalyzing transformative change in impoverished areas.
Since its establishment, Chess in Slums has received accolades and awards nationally and internationally. In 2024, it secured scholarships for over 200 students from indigent homes without access to formal education.
These children now have access to education and can compete with great minds and intellectuals nationally and internationally. What a complete change!
The Ripple Effect: Tunde’s Impact on Nigerian Chess
Tunde Onakoya is distinctive for his achievements in Chess. He is currently ranked 28th among all players with a peak FIDE chess rating of 2197.
He performed brilliantly in his competitive playing days. Tunde is now redefining Chess for a new generation, not just as a game for the elite but as a tool for transformation, empowerment, social impact, and education.
His legacy will live on through the lives he has impacted, the minds he has changed, the dreams he has sparked, and the individuals he has motivated to dream.
Through his work, thousands of children who had zero hopes of ever being in the four walls of a classroom now have the privilege of becoming chess champions, doctors, engineers, and leaders, breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming their futures.
In addition, Chess has never been more popular in the country, thanks to the appeal and boom that Tunde brought with him.
He has secured many partnerships, notably one with Neochess of Skylinechess, a luxurious chess brand.
Various chess enthusiasts can follow in Tunde’s footsteps and will undoubtedly continue to grow the game.
The Next Chapter: What’s Next for Tunde and Chess in Slums?
What started as an idea is now a global movement empowering marginalized youth worldwide. As it grows, Chess in Slum’s future is bright and full of potential.
It provides marginalized children with opportunities and life skills and continues to make chess popular in the country.
Conclusion
Tunde Onakoya’s journey symbolizes the transformative power of seizing unexpected opportunities in a world where education is a luxury for many.
He illustrates that a single chessboard can transform a life, one strategic move at a time.
Like Tunde commonly says, “You can do great things from a small place.” So, while he might not be a grandmaster of chess, he is undoubtedly a grandmaster of hope.
The initiative he started in the slums of Lagos is growing into a transformative movement that could reshape the educational landscape and opportunities across Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Chess in Slums Africa?
Chess in Slums Africa is a nonprofit founded by Tunde Onakoya that uses chess to empower children in underserved Nigerian communities.
What is Tunde Onakoya’s Chess Rating?
Tunde Onakoya has a standard FIDE rating of 2165 and a Blitz rating of 2065 and ranks among Nigeria’s top 30 players at the time of writing. For his latest rating, please check FIDE’s rating list.
Who Are The Top Chess Players in Nigeria?
Nigeria has many skilled players. Tunde Onakoya is just one of the leading figures. Other names include IM Balogun Oluwafemi, IM Dapo Adu, and FM Abdulrahman Abdulraheem Akintoye. For updated rankings, refer to the FIDE rating list.
Is Tunde Onakoya A Grandmaster?
No, he is a chess master and influential coach, not a grandmaster.
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