Chess Coffee Connect: Capturing Delhi’s Heart, One Game at a Time

The sunlit lawns of Lodhi Garden turned into an open-air chess arena as 150 participants from across Delhi NCR gathered for the GM Daniel Memorial Free Rapid Chess Tournament — an event that celebrated the game, community, and the indomitable spirit of doing more with less.

With no fancy setups just some clean sheets and chess sets, players used digital chess clocks on their phones, proving that passion always trumps limitation. The atmosphere was charged — laughter, strategy, and quiet focus blending into one powerful experience that showcased the rise of a new kind of chess movement.

Organized by Chess Coffee Connect in collaboration with Shivika Rohilla Chess Academy (SRCA) and supported by Chess.com and WFM Shivika Rohilla, this event wasn’t just a tournament — it was a statement.

From Delhi to the World — A Global Chess Vibe

The event drew not only local chess lovers but also tourists from San Francisco, Hong Kong, Korea, and more.They paused to watch the games unfold, many joining in friendly matches, others simply expressing admiration for India’s growing chess culture.

Some even reflected on GM Daniel’s legacy and the reasons behind his untimely passing — a reminder of how one player’s passion can inspire generations worldwide.

Their reactions were unanimous: “India truly is a chess power.”

A Tribute That Went Beyond the Board

The GM Daniel Memorial Tournament was more than a competition — it was an emotional tribute to a grandmaster whose spirit continues to influence countless players.

Every move made that day carried meaning. Parents played with kids, students challenged mentors, and strangers became teammates — all united by a shared love for the game.

Dr. Nidhi Bhasin, the driving force behind SRCA’s community outreach, could be seen interacting with families, cheering on players, and embodying the mission that defines the academy:

“To make chess accessible to everyone, everywhere.”

From Coffee Conversations to a Chess Revolution

Chess Coffee Connect started as a simple idea — to merge the calm of coffee with the excitement of chess — and has now evolved into a Delhi NCR-wide chess community movement.

Whether it’s in cafés, schools, or public parks, the initiative aims to make chess an everyday experience, breaking the stereotype that it’s only for the elite or professional players.

With limited resources but unlimited drive, the team — led by Creative & Marketing Head Janvii, along with passionate volunteers — has been relentlessly working to make offline chess a neighbourhood game once again.

Featured in Hindustan Times

This mission was recently spotlighted by Hindustan Times, which recognized Chess Coffee Connect for bringing chess back to public spaces and sparking a movement that combines competition, creativity, and community.

The feature stands as a proud reminder that passion, purpose, and people can create magic — even without grand setups or sponsorships.

One Move. One Cup. One Connection.

From the lawns of Lodhi Garden to cafés across Delhi NCR, Chess Coffee Connect continues to grow — inspiring smiles, friendships, and checkmates in equal measure.

With every event, we move one step closer to our dream:

to make chess accessible, enjoyable, and part of everyday life in Delhi NCR.

Here’s to the movement that started with a cup of coffee and a chessboard — and is now capturing the city’s heart, one move at a time.