He Practices On His Father’s Laptop

Tani’s father Kayode’s drives for Uber and is also a real estate broker. When money became tight, Tani’s mother Oluwatoyin emailed her son’s chess club to tell them she couldn’t afford it. Thankfully, the club waived the fees. Not only does Tani play with them, but he also attends a free, three-hour practice session in Harlem every Saturday. When he’s not there, he practices on his father’s laptop to at night.

He Wants To Be The Youngest Grandmaster

Tani’s dream is to be the youngest grandmaster ever, a title awarded to chess players by the world chess organization FIDE.

Russ Makofsy, who runs the chess club in which Tani plays, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the boy’s family. He told the New York Times said it was astonishing how much Tani had improved in just a year.

“One year to get to this level, to climb a mountain and be the best of the best, without family resources. I’ve never seen it,’ he told The Times. The GoFundMe page has nearly raised $12,000 of its $25,000 goal.”

Bill Clinton Has Sent His Congratulations

“Refugees enrich our nation and talent is universal, even if opportunity is not.”

This story made me smile. Tanitoluwa, you exemplify a winning spirit – in chess and in life. And kudos to your hardworking parents. You all should stop by my office in Harlem; I’d love to meet you. https://t.co/zKuQg6zJkg

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) 19 March 2019

Former US President, Bill Clinton, has congratulated Tani on Twitter. 

Mr Clinton said in a tweet on Tuesday that he has invited the chess champion and his parents to his office for personal introduction.

“Refugees enrich our nation and talent is universal, even if opportunity is not. This story made me smile. Tanitoluwa, you exemplify a winning spirit – in chess and in life. And kudos to your hardworking parents. You all should stop by my office in Harlem; I’d love to meet you,” Clinton wrote.