Discover Checkmate Betul
Avika Shukla
Avika is a student at Edison Academy Magnet School, a top STEM high school in New Jersey, USA. After visiting her hometown of Betul, Madhya Pradesh, she saw how few girls had access to enrichment opportunities — especially in chess. She founded Checkmate Betul to change that, creating a free online chess program that helps girls build confidence, strategy, and leadership skills.
With support from ChessKid and over ₹2 lakhs in sponsorship, Avika leads the program’s curriculum, outreach, and vision — empowering girls to rise, one move at a time.
Iris Mou
WIM Iris Mou is a junior at the Dalton School in NYC. A five-time KCF All-Girls National Champion and Life Master, she currently ranks as the sixth highest-rated girl under 21 in the US. Having experienced firsthand the gender gap at the top level, Iris is deeply committed to empowering and supporting young girls in the game. Outside of chess, she helps lead BridGEN Intergenerational Youth, co-founded Rooks and Roots, and enjoys 3D Modeling, game development, and graphic design.
Christina Aziz
Christina Aziz is a FIDE Candidate Senior Lead Instructor and Lecturer, chess educator, and FIDE Arbiter from The Gambia. She represented her country in the 2020 and 2021 Online Olympiads and co-founded Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities, reaching nearly 2,000 children through school clubs, coaching, and outreach. As The Gift of Chess ambassador in The Gambia and a member of FIDE’s Social and Women’s Commissions, Christina leads inclusive initiatives like Chess for Freedom, INFINITE Chess, and Chess for Connection. She’s passionate about using chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and social impact.
Zara Majid
Zara Majid is a Woman Candidate Master (WCM) and student at Cayman International School who has represented the Cayman Islands in both local and international chess tournaments, including the 2024 FIDE Olympiad in Budapest. She’s excited to join Checkmate Betul to inspire young girls through chess and help build a global community of empowered players. Off the board, Zara enjoys running, playing steel pan, advocating for climate action, mentoring in robotics, and exploring creative outlets like writing and design.
Audrey Smith
Audrey Smith is a rising senior at Palisades Charter High School. She has played chess for 12 years and is president of her high school’s chess club. In addition to chess, she loves photography, mock trial, and journalism. She is a varsity cheerleader, LA Youth Ambassador, Managing Editor of her school newspaper, and Queens United Chess Ambassador.
Claire Cheng
Claire Cheng is a rising junior at Livingston High School in New Jersey, where she serves as varsity team captain and president of the LHS Chess Team/Club, three-time New Jersey High School State Champions. A competitive player for over half her life, she has qualified for events like World Cadet, World Youth, and the Ruth Haring National Tournament of Girls. Claire is passionate about promoting gender equity in chess and is part of Chess4Girls, a Tri-State initiative to support and empower young girls in the game. Outside of chess, she enjoys composing music, playing the clarinet, and volunteering at her local animal shelter.
Eesha Gorantla
Eesha is a competitive chess player and an incoming junior from Edison, New Jersey. She is part of the NJ Youth Chess Team and leads her school's chess team as the VP. As a player who got in touch with chess during Covid, she's been grateful for the opportunity to be introduced to this sport and aspires to make chess more accessible to other girls as well through Checkmate Betul. Beyond chess, Eesha enjoys public speaking, playing the violin, and swimming.
