The Jollof Chess Foundation stands at the forefront of chess promotion and development in Nigeria and Africa, proudly hosting some of the most prestigious tournaments in the region. Our commitment to fostering chess excellence has seen us organize a range of events that not only challenge players but also offer substantial rewards and recognition.
In 2023, the foundation successfully hosted the Jollof Chess Monthly tournaments on Lichess, providing participants with an exciting competitive platform. These online events featured a prize fund of fifty thousand Naira, attracting top talent from across the continent. This initiative aimed to maintain a high level of engagement and competition among chess enthusiasts, ensuring regular opportunities for players to hone their skills and gain recognition.
Building on the success of our online tournaments, we also organized an Over-The-Board (OTB) version in July 2023. This event, held in a physical setting, offered a significantly larger prize fund of one hundred and fifty thousand Naira. It brought together some of the best chess players from Nigeria and beyond, fostering a vibrant chess community and providing a stage for players to showcase their prowess in person.
Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be an even more exciting year for the Jollof Chess Foundation. We have been granted the honor of hosting the North Central Zonal Chess Championship 2024. This prestigious event will see top players from the region competing for a coveted slot to represent the North Central Zone at the National Chess Championship. The championship will serve as a crucial qualifier, adding another layer of significance and intensity to the competition.
In addition to the North Central Zonal Chess Championship, we are thrilled to announce plans for the Jollof Chess Festival. This grand event will feature various formats including Bullet, Blitz, Rapid, and Classical chess, catering to a wide range of chess aficionados. The highlight of the festival will be the Classical event, where the winner will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the next African Individual Chess Championship. This opportunity not only provides a significant incentive but also ensures that our players gain valuable international exposure and experience.
Our partnerships with esteemed organizations further bolster our credibility and capabilities as event organizers. We collaborate closely with the FIDE, Nigerian Chess Federation and Bruvschess Media, the latter coordinated by FM John Fawole, who also serves as the Director of Education at our foundation. These collaborations enhance the quality and reach of our events, ensuring they meet the highest standards of excellence.
Moreover, our commitment to youth development is evident in our Chess in Schools program, which operates across Nigeria. By introducing chess to young students, we aim to identify and nurture emerging talents from an early age. This initiative is designed to integrate chess into the educational curriculum, promoting cognitive development and strategic thinking among young minds.
The foundation’s role as an astute organizer extends beyond our own events. We are well-equipped to host a variety of tournaments and chess-related activities across Nigeria. Our expertise in event management, coupled with our passion for the game, makes us a trusted partner for any organization looking to promote chess. Whether it’s a local club tournament or an international championship, our team is ready to deliver a seamless and memorable experience.
The Jollof Chess Foundation continues to set the benchmark for chess tournaments in Nigeria and Africa. Our prestigious events, from the Jollof Chess Monthly tournaments to the upcoming North Central Zonal Chess Championship and Jollof Chess Festival, reflect our unwavering dedication to the growth and development of chess. We invite all chess enthusiasts to join us on this exciting journey and be part of our vibrant chess community. For any inquiries or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact us. Together, let’s elevate the game of chess to new heights.