We have a great time every Thursday during our Heritage Concert Series at The King Arts Complex. Great food, music and reconnecting with family and friends. During our second week at the 2011 Heritage Concert Series we ran into many VIPs and dignitaries. We also had a chance to meet 10 year Diamond Shakoor. She’s more commonly know as the “Chess Princess” of Columbus, Ohio. As a 5th grader Diamond is already a 6-time national chess champion. It’s safe to say that the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. Diamond has been mentored by her father Abdul from an early age. In addition to being a standout student; Diamond has also overachieved in the world of chess with help from dad as well. She has spent many years learning the game of chess at the A.K. Shakoor Kings and Queens Chess Academy. With the help of her father and the chess academy Diamond has earned the following honors:
2008 USCF National Speed Chess Champion; 1st Place U-600 in USA.
2009 Columbus City Schools District Champion K-5th Grade; 1st Place 6-0.
2009 Polgar All Girls Nationals Main Event K-2nd Grade; 1st Place in USA 7-0.
(Youngest African American Female in history to go 7-0 in a National Tournament; 8 yrs old)
2009 Polgar All Girls Nationals Speed Competition K-2nd Grade; 1st Place in USA.
2009 Polgar All Girls Nationals Team Competition K-2nd Grade; 1st Place in USA.
2009 State of Ohio Grade Levels; 2nd Place for all 2nd Graders in Ohio.
2010 State of Ohio Grade Levels; 2nd Place for all 3rd Graders in Ohio.
2010 Ohio All Girls Chess Championship; Tied for 2nd Place in K-12th Grade Division.
2010 Polgar All Girls Nationals Main Event 3rd-5th Grade; 2nd Place in USA 6-1.
2010 Polgar All Girls Nationals Speed Competition 3rd-5th Grade; 1st Place in USA.
2010 Columbus City Schools District Champion K-5th Grade; 1st Place 6-0.
2011 Queen City Classic Chess Tournament; 2nd Place in 4th-6th Grade Division.
2011 Columbus City Schools District Champion K-5th Grade; 1st Place 6-0.
(1st 3-Time Repeat Champion in 25 years of the Tournament).
2011 Northern Kentucky Chess Tournament; 2nd Place in 4th-6th Grade Division.
2011 Polgar All Girls Nationals Main Event 3rd-5th Grade; 2nd Place in USA 5-1-1.
2011 Polgar All Girls Nationals Speed Competition 3rd-5th Grade; 1st Place in USA.
2011 Columbus Open Chess Tournament; 2nd Place (U-1300); 3 wins; 2 draws; no losses
We wish Diamond Shakoor the very best luck as she competes in The 8th Annual Susan Polgar Invitation Only Chess Tournament! The tournament is in Lubbock, Texas at Texas Tech University July 24th- July 29th. Diamond and her father have raised the majority of the money to make the trip. They still need just a little help to raise the remaining funds to make the trip. Your donation of any amount would be graciously accepted to help her attain a dream. Make all donation inquiries to the contact below.
Contact Information: Diamond Shakoor Chess Fund
3081 E. 11th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43219
614 309-5021 or urban.kings@yahoo.com
