Unlocking Potential: How the NJ Junior Team Training Camp Builds Tomorrow’s Chess Stars

March 2025 | By FM Dov Gorman – Team Manager

The New Jersey State Chess Federation (NJSCF) has taken an ambitious step toward shaping the future of chess in the Garden State.
With the launch of the official New Jersey Junior Teams, the state’s top young talents now have a structured path to grow,
compete, and thrive. These teams, carefully selected to represent four divisions — Elementary, Middle School, High School,
and Girls — align with the national standards set by the US Chess Federation, providing a platform worthy of New Jersey’s rising stars.

New Jersey is no stranger to the global chess spotlight. Home to GM Abhimanyu Mishra, the youngest grandmaster in history,
the state continues to build on its reputation as a cradle of chess excellence. Now, with International Master Eddy Tian
appointed as the Junior Team captain, the future looks even brighter.

The inaugural training camp, a cornerstone of this initiative, was a resounding success. Graciously hosted at the Chess Kings &
Queens Academy in Piscataway, New Jersey, the camp brought together the state’s most promising players for an immersive weekend
of high-level training and community building. The camp opened with inspiring remarks from NJSCF President Anand Mishra, who
addressed players and their families, laying out the program’s vision, goals, and expectations. His words set a clear direction,
energizing everyone involved for the journey ahead.

Guiding the players were an exceptional trio of Grandmasters: Magesh Panchanathan, Arun Prasad, and Mac Molner. Under their expert
leadership, the participants delved into complex topics such as endgame mastery, advanced calculation techniques, and structured
problem-solving. Yet, beyond the board, the lessons extended into invaluable life skills — cultivating mental toughness, strategic
thinking, and the confidence needed to perform under pressure.

What set this camp apart wasn’t just the elite instruction — it was the atmosphere of growth and camaraderie. Players weren’t only
competitors; they were teammates and collaborators, pushing each other to higher standards. Surrounded by peers who share their
ambition, improvement felt not just possible, but inevitable.

Parents, too, found meaningful engagement through the camp’s debut “Ask the Grandmaster” session. This open forum allowed families
to connect directly with the coaching team, offering insights into training philosophies and the developmental journey of their
children. It reinforced a vital truth: the path to success is a team effort, built on the shared support of coaches, parents,
and players alike.

Looking ahead, excitement is building for the unveiling of the team’s official apparel at the next team meeting in May. These
uniforms will represent more than team spirit; they will embody NJSCF’s deep commitment to its players. When these young talents
wear their colors, they carry not only their personal aspirations but also the pride and hopes of the entire New Jersey chess
community.

Throughout the camp, in every thoughtful question, every determined move, and every shared moment of growth, the seeds of future
greatness were unmistakably sown. Talent may be innate, but it flourishes with care, guidance, and opportunity — and this program
is designed to provide exactly that.

As the New Jersey Junior Teams continue their journey, the sense of purpose is clear. Here in New Jersey, we’re not just training
chess players. We’re building leaders, champions, and a lasting legacy.