Checkmate in Life: How Shiva Turned a Childhood Passion into Canada’s Chess Legacy
When most of us think of chess, we picture tense matches across a board, knights and bishops locked in strategic battles. But for Oakville’s Shiva Chakkoli, chess has been more than a game—it has been his mentor, career-shaper, and lifelong companion. From nearly missing out on his first big tournament in India to becoming one of Ontario’s few National Arbiters and licensed chess teachers, Shiva’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and community spirit.
The Early Moves
Shiva’s love affair with chess began when he was just 12. Competing in school tournaments, he soon found himself at the YMCA in India, playing selection matches against some of the nation’s best young talents. “Out of six kids, only two were chosen for nationals,” he recalls. “I was up against previous champions—yet I fought my way in.”
But fate threw him a curveball. Miscommunication nearly cost him his chance when he discovered a coach’s student playing in his place. “I was in tears,” he says. “It felt like everything had been taken away.” What stayed with him, though, was the kindness of a fellow competitor—Srikanth Somaraju, who spoke up for him. That friendship blossomed into a lifelong bond, with the two later even pursuing their MBA together.
An MBA Won by a Chessboard
Years later, chess would again prove pivotal. Ranked just outside the top four in a state tournament, Shiva thought his chances at nationals were over—until a last-minute twist at the railway station landed him in the team. That single match earned him a national certificate, which later secured him an MBA seat under India’s sports quota.
“Without chess, I wouldn’t have gotten that break,” he reflects. During his MBA, he began teaching chess to children, both to support himself and to share the game’s discipline and creativity. One of his earliest students recently reached out after two decades—now a professional in Australia—to thank him. “That call meant more than any trophy,” Shiva smiles.
Building a Chess Legacy in Canada
When Shiva moved to Canada, he carried his love for the game with him. During the pandemic, when the world paused, chess found a revival online. Shiva launched Grand Prix tournaments that attracted Grandmasters and International Masters from around the globe.
He also turned chess into a force for good. Alongside his son, he hosted a father-son online match, live-streamed worldwide, raising funds for a 300-year-old temple’s reconstruction in India. The effort raised two lakh rupees, proving that chess could inspire generosity far beyond the 64 squares.
His dedication and organizational skill led him to become a National Arbiter in Canada, one of the few Indians in the country to hold that title. “Becoming an arbiter isn’t just about rules,” he explains. “It’s about creating fair opportunities, building trust, and giving players the best platform.”
Why Chess Struggles in Canada
Despite India producing over 100 Grandmasters, Canada has only a handful. Shiva believes climate and culture play a role. “Here, kids get just a few months of warm weather. Naturally, they prefer outdoor sports. Chess requires immense dedication—and often gets sidelined.”
Yet Shiva persists. Each year, he organizes multiple tournaments, keeping the game alive for young Canadians. His own son has proudly represented Canada at two World Youth Championships, carrying forward the family’s chess legacy.
Behind Every Champion
Shiva is quick to credit his wife as his strongest pillar of support. “She’s stronger than me in mindset and decision-making,” he says. “Chess may be about strategy, but life is about resilience—and she has been my biggest strength.”
The Next Move: Sponsorships
Organizing world-class tournaments isn’t easy without resources. “In 2022, with a good sponsor, we had 50–60 players entering tournaments,” Shiva shares. “But lately, the lack of sponsorships has hurt participation. Prize pools matter—they motivate players.”
He is actively seeking sponsors who believe in building Canada’s chess culture. “This isn’t just about tournaments,” Shiva emphasizes. “It’s about nurturing young minds, building discipline, and giving kids an alternative passion that can shape their future.”
A Life in Checkmate and Victory
From his first missed tournament in India to becoming a national chess arbiter in Canada, Shiva’s life has mirrored the game he loves: full of sacrifices, sudden twists, and strategic triumphs.
As he continues to mentor, organize, and inspire, Shiva proves that chess is not just about winning—it’s about shaping lives, one thoughtful move at a time.