Students Stories
Every student’s chess journey is different. These stories celebrate not only ratings, medals, and tournament achievements, but also the confidence, concentration, resilience, friendships, and personal growth students develop along the way.
Arseny Manevich, Age 9
USCF 1215
Arseny has been playing chess since age five and began competing in rated tournaments in 2026. In his first tournament year, he has already reached a USCF rating of 1215.
His parent shares:
“Chess has helped Arseny become more confident, focused, and resilient. He now handles mistakes and losses more calmly, learns from them, and has made wonderful new friends who share his passion for chess.”
Arseny’s next goal:
“To reach a 2000 USCF rating!”
Lola began learning chess in December 2025. She has participated in free chess classes and tournaments organized by Bilimly at her local library.
Through chess, she has also made many wonderful new friends who share her enthusiasm for the game.
Lola always looks forward to her next chess class and tournament.
Lola Butayeva, Age 8
