12-year-old chess prodigy Aaron Reeve Mendes from Mangaluru has achieved a historic milestone by becoming Canada’s youngest International Master (IM). Aaron clinched the gold medal in the Under-18 category at the 2024 North American Youth Chess Championship (NAYCC) in Virginia, USA, with an impressive score of 7.5/9.
Aaron’s ascent to the IM title began in December 2023 when he surpassed a FIDE rating of 2300, earning the FIDE Master (FM) title. Now ranked as the second-youngest International Master globally and second among Under-12 players worldwide, Aaron’s chess career continues to shine brightly.
Coaching and Training
Aaron is trained by renowned Grandmasters GM Stany GA, GM Swayams Mishra, GM Arjun Kalyan, and IM Jubin Jimmy from India. His foundational training at Derick Chess School, Mangaluru, played a vital role in his early success, along with mentorship from IM Sharan Rao and FM Aravind Shastry.
Significant Achievements in 2024
- January: Secured second place at the Kudremukh Trophy All India Open FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament.
- April: Won the III Open Internacional Chess Menorca Blitz with 8/9.
- August: Claimed the North American Junior Blitz Championship title with a perfect score.
- November: Earned his first IM norm at the NY Fall Invitational GM B tournament.
Early Chess Success
- At age 9, Aaron won gold at the 2022 FIDE World School Chess Championship.
- In 2023, he triumphed in the Chess Kid Youth Speed Chess Championship.
- In 2020, he tied for first at the American Continental – FIDE Online World U10 Rapid Championship.
Aaron credits his success to his family, coaches, the Chess Federation of Canada, and supportive institutions like St Barbara Catholic Elementary School in Mississauga and Mount Carmel School, Mangaluru.
Aaron Mendes’s rise is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players, bringing immense pride to both Canada and Mangaluru.
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