Queens United Chess Podcast cover art

Queens United Chess Podcast

Queens United Chess Podcast

By: Queens United Chess
Listen for free

Tune in to the official Queen's United Chess Podcast to hear from inspiring leaders who shape the chess community!

Queens United Chess is a student-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the gender divide through female-led introductory chess lessons, club meetings, and tournaments, with over 35 female instructors having directly impacted over 550 youth across Chicago and the country. They co-developed the CPS Chess Queens program with Chicago Public Schools and Renaissance Knights which has established over 14+ chess programs within underserved Chicago schools and taught chess to over 250+ students. In the past, Queens United has collaborated with the Chicago Chess Foundation and the US Chess Women’s Girls Club, and other chess players to host free tournaments and guest speaker events, including WGM Jennifer Shahade, FM Alisa Melekhina, and NM Laura Smith. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at queensunitedchess.org.

Queens United Chess 2023
Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Queen’s Advice Corner | The Best Thing You Can Do in Chess Isn’t Winning
    Apr 3 2026

    In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on choosing not to play in the National Championship and how that decision became a lesson in leadership and giving back. From balancing IB exams to supporting her students through Queens United Chess, she shares why creating opportunities for others can be just as powerful as competing yourself.

    A thoughtful reminder that true impact isn’t just about winning, it’s about inspiring the next generation.

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Meet WFM Laksshana Deepak
    Mar 1 2026

    In this episode of our podcast, Zara speaks with WFM Laksshana Deepak about her journey from youth tournaments to earning her WFM title after an undefeated run at the North American Youth Championship. They discuss her rapid rating growth, representing Canada internationally, and how leadership roles in community chess have shaped her development. A powerful conversation about ambition, service, and impact beyond the board.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • What Becoming National Champion Really Took
    Feb 17 2026

    In this episode of Queen’s Advice Corner, Zara Majid reflects on what it truly took to become the Cayman Islands National Female Chess Champion. Beyond the title and trophy, she shares the unseen reality: balancing the IB Diploma Programme (HL Math, Physics, and Chemistry), serving as President of the Cayman Islands’ first-ever Rotary Central Interact Club, leading within Protect Our Future, mentoring through Queens of Tomorrow and Checkmate Betul, and still committing to late-night chess preparation.

    From bouncing back after a 4.5/9 result at the CAC Youth Chess Festival to pushing through exhaustion, self-doubt, and academic pressure, this episode reveals the discipline, resilience, and consistency behind the success.

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet