South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) once again proved itself to be a center of excellence on September 17, 2023, when Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra, the youngest chess grandmaster in chess history, visited SJIC for a moderated discussion and simultaneous chess exhibition.
GM Mishra visiting was not the only thing SJIC was excited for. The superintendent of GM Mishra’s school in the Evesham school district, Dr. Justin Smith, also visited SJIC that day to oversee the discussion with GM Mishra and Hemant Mishra, GM Mishra’s father. Dr. Smith’s presence inaugurates the beginning of SJIC collaborating with local South Jersey schools, something SJIC is eagerly anticipating. The discussion explored topics like how his family prepared for him to be at the top, the factors driving his achievements–whether they be talent, dedication, or family support–and so much more. Notably, GM Mishra expressed his ambitious goal of becoming a world champion in the coming years. Watch the entire interview on SJIC’s youtube page.
Following the questions, SJIC invited the audience to take photos with GM Mishra as well as have him sign a copy of his book The Youngest Chess Grandmaster in the world at 12 Years, 4 Months, and 25 Days that SJIC sold when it was first released.
And finally, there was the simultaneous chess exhibition–the simul for short. 26 people eagerly sat at a chess board awaiting their chance to play GM Mishra. GM Mishra walked from board to board making move after move for hours. He remained composed and played astonishingly well, in the end winning 25 of the 26 games. The one game he did not win, he drew against Ben Lauer, a long time member of SJIC’s chess club. GM Mishra is the embodiment of success, talent, and hard work, and SJIC can not thank him and his father enough for visiting SJIC.
SJIC hosts official rated chess tournaments regularly, stay up to date on its events here. SJIC also offers STEAM instruction (including chess, coding, robotics and math), for kids looking for fun and growth. Register here for SJIC’s fall classes.
