Empower Young Minds Through Chess!
Free Chess Classes for all Students
Inspired By Passion
At Checkmate Champs Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to think boldly, dream strategically, and grow with confidence.
About Us
Our mission is to empower children with critical thinking and decision-making skills through free chess education and mentorship.
We see chess as more than a game — it’s a tool to build patience, focus, and resilience, while fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through volunteer-led classes, mentorship, and outreach, we aim to make the benefits of chess accessible to all.
Together, we’re building stronger minds and stronger communities — one move at a time.
program highlights
- Free weekly chess classes for students in Grades 2–12.
- Beginners to intermediate levels welcome — no prior experience required.
- 1:1 tutoring and mentorship from experienced players.
- Mentorship and community engagement from experienced volunteers.
- Additional support and resources for children from underserved backgrounds to help them learn and participate in tournaments.
- In-person sessions may be organized in schools, libraries, or community centers across the Atlanta metro area if enough students enroll locally
Who can join
Any child eager to learn chess and grow in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Additional support is available for children from underprivileged or underserved families.
Founder & Tutor
Sidhanth “Sid” Manivannan is a freshman at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, and a passionate USCF-rated chess player. His journey with chess began as a personal pursuit of learning — one that helped him grow more confident, focused, and strategic in his thinking.
Inspired by the positive impact chess had on his own development, Sid founded Checkmate Champs Foundation with a simple yet powerful goal: to share the benefits of chess with other children, especially those who may not otherwise have access to it.
Through this initiative, Sid aims to teach, mentor, and build communities where every child can strengthen their mind, gain confidence, and enjoy the lifelong skills that chess nurtures.
program highlights
- Free weekly chess classes for students in Grades 2–12.
- Beginners to intermediate levels welcome — no prior experience required.
- 1:1 tutoring and mentorship from experienced players.
- Mentorship and community engagement from experienced volunteers.
- Additional support and resources for children from underserved backgrounds to help them learn and participate in tournaments.
- In-person sessions may be organized in schools, libraries, or community centers across the Atlanta metro area if enough students enroll locally
Who can join
Any child eager to learn chess and grow in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Additional support is available for children from underprivileged or underserved families.
Founder & Tutor – Checkmate Champs Foundation
Sidhanth “Sid” Manivannan is a freshman at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, and a passionate USCF-rated chess player. His journey with chess began as a personal pursuit of learning — one that helped him grow more confident, focused, and strategic in his thinking.
Inspired by the positive impact chess had on his own development, Sid founded Checkmate Champs Foundation with a simple yet powerful goal: to share the benefits of chess with other children, especially those who may not otherwise have access to it.
Through this initiative, Sid aims to teach, mentor, and build communities where every child can strengthen their mind, gain confidence, and enjoy the lifelong skills that chess nurtures.
Founder & Tutor – Checkmate Champs Foundation
Sidhanth “Sid” Manivannan is a freshman at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, and a passionate USCF-rated chess player. His journey with chess began as a personal pursuit of learning — one that helped him grow more confident, focused, and strategic in his thinking.
Inspired by the positive impact chess had on his own development, Sid founded Checkmate Champs Foundation with a simple yet powerful goal: to share the benefits of chess with other children, especially those who may not otherwise have access to it.
Through this initiative, Sid aims to teach, mentor, and build communities where every child can strengthen their mind, gain confidence, and enjoy the lifelong skills that chess nurtures.
program highlights
- Free weekly chess classes for students in Grades 2–12.
- Beginners to intermediate levels welcome — no prior experience required.
- 1:1 tutoring and mentorship from experienced players.
- Mentorship and community engagement from experienced volunteers.
- Additional support and resources for children from underserved backgrounds to help them learn and participate in tournaments.
- In-person sessions may be organized in schools, libraries, or community centers across the Atlanta metro area if enough students enroll locally
Who can join
Any child eager to learn chess and grow in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Additional support is available for children from underprivileged or underserved families.
Relaxed & Friendly
Founder & Tutor – Checkmate Champs Foundation
Sidhanth “Sid” Manivannan is a freshman at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, and a passionate USCF-rated chess player. His journey with chess began as a personal pursuit of learning — one that helped him grow more confident, focused, and strategic in his thinking.
Inspired by the positive impact chess had on his own development, Sid founded Checkmate Champs Foundation with a simple yet powerful goal: to share the benefits of chess with other children, especially those who may not otherwise have access to it.
Through this initiative, Sid aims to teach, mentor, and build communities where every child can strengthen their mind, gain confidence, and enjoy the lifelong skills that chess nurtures.
When & Where
Every Saturday, 2–4 PM EST
Friday 6-8 pm / Saturday 2-4 pm est
Online via microsoft Teams
Contact us
Phone: +1.510.516.8705
Email: checkmatechamps@outlook.com
Address: 10731 Bossier Drive,
Johns Creek, GA 30022
Testimonial
What Our Students Say About Us
Volunteer Opportunities Available!
Join us in making chess accessible to every child and helping young minds unlock their full potential.
If interested to volunteer Please email us at
checkmatechamps@outlook.com