Checkmate4Cause
A nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable chess camps and education for kids to learn chess. All profits benefiting charities and hospitals to aid those in need.
About
Checkmate4Cause
At Checkmate4Cause, our mission is to educate kids through chess, helping them develop their skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging. Our camps give young players the chance to grow, from learning the basics of strategy to sharpening advanced skills through puzzles, games, and tournaments. We believe chess is not only about improving on the board, but also about building focus, patience, and confidence.
Beyond the game, every camp we run supports a greater purpose. The funds we raise go directly to hospitals, charities, and nonprofits that provide care and assistance to children and families in need. By combining the challenge and joy of chess with giving back, we strive to create an environment where kids can thrive while knowing their efforts are helping others.
Meet the Founders
Sophia Panciu is a junior at ALHS and a dedicated chess player with a peak rating over 1800. She served as an assistant coach at her middle school for over two years, helping younger players develop their skills and love for the game. Sophia has achieved success competitively, becoming the 2026 Ohio All-Girls State Chess Co-Champion and winning the team title as well. She also represented Ohio at the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls’ Invitational. She won the U1500 section at the 2025 George Washington Open and the U1600 section at the 2025 Princeton Open. As a co-founder of Checkmate4Cause, Sophia hopes to expand the organization to bring the joy of chess to more people while giving back to hospitals and communities through the game she loves.
Charithra Arvind is a senior at Olmsted Falls High School and a nationally competitive chess player rated above 1900. She has competed in major tournaments across the country, including the North American Open, National Chess Congress, and Ruth Haring Invitational. A two-time Ohio Girls State Champion, she has earned multiple top finishes against strong fields, including first place in the 2023 North American Open U1700 Section out of 150+ players, second place at the National Chess Congress U1800, and a Top 20 finish at the Ruth Haring Invitational, a national tournament for young female players. She has also represented Ohio at national invitational events, including the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls. As co-founder of Checkmate4Cause, she uses her experience as a competitive player to expand access to chess education and create opportunities for young students.
Olivia Panciu is a junior at Avon Lake High School and a competitive chess player with a peak rating over 1900. She has earned numerous tournament victories, including 1st place in the Age 13 group of the U15 section at the 2025 US Junior Open and 1st Place in U1900 at the 2025 Ohio Chess Congress. Olivia was selected as an alternate to represent the United States in the Girls U14 section at the 2025 World Youth Chess Championship in Albania. She also earned 1st Place Team at the 2026 Ohio All-Girls State Championship. As a former coach at Progress With Chess, Olivia helped younger players develop their chess skills and passion. Through Checkmate4Cause, she hopes to inspire other young people to use their skills and interests to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
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