Honoring the Power and Influence of All Chess Moms Behind Every Move

What drives the remarkable journey and victories of countless chess players worldwide? The answer often remains unseen but is undeniably profound: a mother. From nurturing life within to being your child's first friend, mentor, teacher, healer, stylist, chauffeur, and the most ardent and loyal chess fan, your tireless efforts and support deserve applause. Without you, dear moms, many of our chess journeys and successes would have been simply impossible!

Just recently, I attended the Champion Chess Tour Finals 2023 in Toronto, where I spotted two top world players accompanied by their moms outside the event. It was no surprise that one of these players, Wesley So, often travels with his adoptive mother, Lotis Key, to many tournaments. She is his emotional hub, support, and, as of lately, a manager too.

Wesley So and his mom Lotis Key

Lotis Key and Wesley So. Photo credit: Lennart Ootes, Grand Chess Tour

At that same event, I met the talented and beautiful Norwegian commentator, Kaja Snare, whose presence was made possible by her mother's assistance. Just seven months earlier, Kaja welcomed her adorable son, Max, and had Chess.com not facilitated her son's care by her parents while she worked, Kaja would have been unable to partake in this magnificent spectacle.

Kaja Snare and son Max

Kaja and her son Max

The omnipresence of chess moms is everywhere, including in movies and TV series. In The Queen’s Gambit, for example, we witness an incredible bond over chess between Beth Harmon and her adoptive mother. Beth’s joy and yearning to share her games and triumphs with her mom who doesn’t even play chess is heartening and astonishing.

I owe my own competitive chess journey entirely to my mom because she stood by me in many of the chess tournaments and supported my chess education during my formative years. Her presence always brought me immense comfort and happiness!

Olya Kaye and mom Nadia

Young Olya Kaye (i.e. MomOnaBreak) and my mom Nadia.

And after all these years, the only reason I can still go out and play chess today is because my mother graciously babysits my children!

So, from the bottom of my heart, I extend my gratitude to all the chess moms whose unwavering dedication enriches our chess journeys and makes the impossible possible!

Note: the original version of this article was published as a blog on Chess.com.