Huge props to Irene Jiao Fai of Gilbert, Iowa. She was in Panama for the World Chess Championships... and she won! She is the World Chess Champion in the nine and under category!
Irene started playing chess when she was in Kindergarten. Her parents were looking for activities to get her involved in and they signed her up for a chess club. From the beginning, her coach says she could have beat older students.
Irene wants to be a scientist when she's older. Her school in Gilbert is hosting a Chess camp next week to inspire and prepare more Irene Jia Fais!