Queens United Chess Podcast

In this inspiring episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the incredible true story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Uganda who rose to become a Woman Candidate Master — and the star of the Disney film Queen of Katwe. Zara reflects on how Phiona’s courage, resilience, and refusal to give up helped break gender barriers in chess and inspired movements like Queens United. She also shares her emotional reaction to the film and the impact it had on her own chess journey.

With powerful lessons about believing in yourself — even when others don’t — this episode is...

Tune in to hear about Martha Fierro, a highly accomplished women’s grandmaster and international master. She won the American Continental Women's Chess Championship in 2009 and won silver at the Chess Olympiad held in Armenia. She is also Vice President of FIDE for eight years and Chairperson of the Women's FIDE Commission.

In this heartfelt episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the truth every chess player must face: losing is part of the journey. From her emotional experience at the Pan-American Youth Championships to practical tips on how to recover from tough games, Zara reminds us that every loss is a chance to grow. With real advice, personal reflection, and a powerful reminder that “you either win, draw, or learn,” this episode is perfect for young players who need a boost of encouragement after a defeat.

New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess 🎧👑

This week, WCM Zara Majid shares exciting and accessible ways to stay involved with chess over the summer! From contacting your local federation to joining top-rated online camps like ChessKid, Chess Gaja, and Silver Knights Academy, there’s something for everyone — no matter where you live or what your level is. Plus, Queens United members can get free ChessKid Gold Memberships to level up their learning all summer long.

New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess!

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid breaks down the benefits of both fast and slow chess — and why training for both is key to becoming a complete player. From deep thinking in long classical games to sharpening instincts in blitz and bullet, you’ll learn how to balance your play and prepare for anything. Whether you're new to chess or leveling up for tournaments, this episode helps you build the mindset of a confident, adaptable competitor.

🎧 New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess!

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid shares a personal story from the 2024 Chess Olympiad — where a casual breakfast with a friendly stranger turned out to be a moment with one of America’s greatest female chess players: WGM Carissa Yip. From record-breaking titles to Olympic gold, learn how Carissa’s quiet confidence, sharp tactics, and humble spirit make her a true role model. This one’s a reminder that greatness can be both powerful and soft-spoken.

New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess!

In this episode, WCM Zara Majid breaks down a simple but powerful 3-step thinking process for beginner and intermediate players: checks, captures, and threats. Learn how to avoid blunders, spot tactics, and play with confidence — one move at a time.

New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess!

In this inspiring episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the powerful story of GM Judit Polgár — the strongest female chess player in history — and what her journey means for beginners today. Learn how Judit challenged stereotypes, rose to world #8, and left a legacy far beyond the board.

Stay tuned to the end for one unforgettable piece of advice every chess player should hear.

New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess!

In our very first episode, WCM Zara Majid shares the top three beginner mistakes that hold players back — and how to fix them right away. From opening pawn chaos to hanging pieces and rushing the endgame, this episode is packed with quick, practical advice to help you play smarter, more confident chess.

New episodes every Friday on Queens United Chess!

Tune in to hear about Tris-Ann Richards inspirational chess career! She is a prominent chess player from Saint Lucia, currently holding the title of Woman Candidate Master. Beyond her playing career, Ms. Richards serves as the President of the Saint Lucia Chess Federation and is a Councillor for the FIDE Commission for Women's Chess.

Tune in to hear about WGM Sabina Foisor's incredible chess journey and some closing advice for young players! She repeatedly represented Romania at the European Youth Chess Championship and won various medals. In the United States, she was a member of the US Women's Chess Olympic Team and won the 2017 US Women's Chess Championship.

Tune in to hear about Kyla Zhao’s incredible chess career and her exploration of chess as an author! Zhao had a professional career in chess in Singapore as a kid, and now she recently released a new book, May the Best Player Win, that discusses a strong female player breaking the gender stereotypes in chess!

Tune in to hear about WIM Mariam Danelia's incredible chess journey and some closing advice for young players. She has repeatedly represented Georgia at the European Youth Chess Championships and World Youth Chess Championships, and she became a Woman International Master in 2008!

Tune in to learn about a new Queens United initiative, Girls Chess Central (GCC)! You will hear from Mona Pandit, the manager of GCC and Sonali Kulkarni, an avid member of GCC.

Tune in to meet the co-founder of Queens United Chess- Lizzy Brahin! Lizzy is a rising junior at Harvard University where she is currently studying Applied Math and Economics.

In the winter of 2019 she co-founded Queens United Chess- a non profit organization that serves to bridge the gender divide in chess and make chess accessible to all youth.

We thank Lizzy for her lasting contributions to the Chicago chess community, and her dedication to creating an inclusive environment for females in chess and business!

Tune in to May's Wonder of the Month feature where we meet the iconic WGM Jennifer Shahade. Winning the U.S Junior Open in 1998, she went on to become a 2 time US Women’s Chess Champion, and win a silver medal at the Chess Olympiads. Shahade organizes the US Chess Women’s Girls Club, and hosts the Ladies Knight Chess podcast among her many others feats. But she is a figure beyond the chess board. She is a poker star, whose podcast The Poker Grid won a Global Poker Award for the best Poker Podcast in the world, and she...

Tune in to hear Rochelle Ballantyne's incredible journey through chess! Appearing in the 2012 documentary Brooklyn Castle, she went on to graduate from Stanford University and Columbia University, and is currently a law student at NYU where she holds numerous leadership roles in student groups including Women of Color Collective and the Suspension Representation Project. She is currently on her way to become the first African American female chess master!

Tune in to hear the story behind Queens United told by the co-founder Maggie Tsyganova!

Maggie is a senior at Walter Payton College Prep and co-founded Queens United in 2019. She has been playing competitive chess for the past 6 years and is Co-Captain of the Chess Team. She is currently the highest-rated female chess player of her age group in Illinois. Her most recent accomplishments include placing 1st in the ICA Youth Invitational 2022 Tournament for Girls K-12, where she represented Illinois at the Ruth Haring National Tournament of Girls State Champions, as well as winning the Illinois 2021 Class...