New winners emerge from national age-group chess championship
The 2025 National Age Group Chess Championship was held March 15-16 at the National Arena in St Andrew, Jamaica. The competition saw a record number of youth (459) contesting 12 categories over six rounds each.
Twelve national champions were crowned from Under-8 to Under-18 Female and Absolute, with three winning on perfect scores. In the U-8 female section, the top three finishers were Je’ Nasiya Mais, Kundana Gollamudi, Rae’lazne Porter, while on the Absolute side ACM Jayden Hylton won on perfect score (6/6) from Isaiah Rowe, with Terrence Smith third. In the U-10 Female the top three places went to Noelle Noble, Leah Logan, and Dayna-Simone Swasey, while in the Absolute section Kaleel Davy won from Jotham Mais and Luke Wright, who was third. In the U-12 Female section Elisha Patel won from Emilia-Rose Leake and third-placed Yeney Terry-Gordon. On the Absolute side Dejaun Williams won from Raheem Gayle and third-placed Javin Li.
In the U-14 Female section Kayla Moses won on perfect score (6/6) from Danielle Yankana, with Tsahai Clarke ending third. On the Absolute side Khaleel Bartlett won from Aaron McKoy and third-placed Darren Murphy.
In the U-16 Female section Kaia Gayle won from Antasia Murdock with Glory Murphy placing third. On the Absolute side Corbin Harvey won from Brian Thompson with Zahmir Smikle.
In the U-18 Female section WCM Gabriella Watson won from Alyssa Stewart, with Arielle McKoy third, while in the Absolute section FM Jaden Shaw won on perfect score (6/6) from Brian Smart and third-placed Taniel Barrett.
FIDE Trainer (FT) FM Warren Elliott was adjudged the top coach, while Morris Knibb Preparatory and Campion College were the top overall performing Prep/Primary and High schools.
The National Age Groups Chess Championship is the premier age group chess competition that brings together youngsters from the 14 parishes competing for national honours, medals, and the right to represent Jamaica internationally at age-appropriate chess events.
The National Age Group Chess Championship is a Jamaica Chess Federation event sponsored by GraceKennedy and Tile City.
