Homeless Boy Plays Chess on Floor Every Day and Becomes US Chess Master, Gains a Home for His Family

A Nigerian boy with an ambitious heart and a passionate soul didn't let his unlikely circumstances define his future. Taking matters into his own hands, he learned to play chess at school and stunned many when he bagged the New York State chess championship. But it was only the beginning.

Tanitoluwa "Tani" Adewumi didn't come from a privileged background, nor had he ever enjoyed a luxurious life. He hailed from Boko Haram, northern Nigeria—an area that he and his family were forced to flee in 2017 amid turmoil, unrest, and terrorist threats.

Having left everything behind in their home country, the family sought religious asylum in the U.S. and came to New York, where they began living in a shelter for the homeless. Being devout Christians, the Adewumis found solace and serenity in their faith, hoping for better and brighter days.

Coming to the U.S. & Living in a Shelter

Tani had an older brother, Adesina Austin, and loving parents, Oluwatoyin and Kayode Adewumi. Even on their most challenging days, the family remained closely knit, drawing strength from their connection. When they first came to NYC, they were clueless about where to go.

The heartwarming news was revealed when the then-third-grader appeared on TODAY with his chess teachers.

Fortunately, they found a pastor who told them about a shelter in Manhattan. Soon afterward, Tani started elementary school at P.S. 116, where he not only enjoyed studying but also developed a liking for chess.

Joining the Chess Club

After learning the game's rules from a part-time chess teacher, he went to his parents to seek permission for something. Tani told his mom and dad how much he loved playing and wished to join the school's chess club.

The Adewumis didn't want to let their child down, but they also didn't have money to pay his fees. That was when Russell Makofsky, who headed the chess club, learned about the family's predicament and offered a waiver to Tani.

Although joining the chess program didn't improve the Nigerian boy's circumstances, it certainly gave him something to look forward to. He became more determined and hard-working and spent hours lying on the shelter's cold floor every evening, learning and strategizing his chess moves.

The New York State Chess Champion

Despite his diligence and focus, there were times when things became cumbersome for the youngster. The Adewumis recalled an incident when their son returned home in tears because his class-fellows had laughed at him for being homeless.

But Tani quickly bounced back and rewired his brain to pay attention to only one goal—mastering chess. His efforts paid off, and everyone, including his chess teachers, was amazed by his stellar performance. But that wasn't all.

In 2019, the then-eight-year-old became a New York State chess champion when he defeated 73 of the best chess players in his age bracket, setting a brand new record and surprising thousands of people with his outstanding skills.

His Drive for Success

Tani's chess coach at school, Shawn Martinez, said he was so driven that he could perform ten times more puzzles than an average youngster and strived to be the best. A shocked Makofsky noted that he had never seen someone excel so quickly at chess. He added:

"One year to get to this level, to climb a mountain and be the best of the best, without family resources."

The School Principal's Reaction

From learning how to play to mastering the moves and setting his eyes on winning the state title—Tani had come quite far in his journey. Through it all, his parents' dedication and commitment were equally worthy of appreciation and applause.

Tani's school principal, Jane Hsu, expressed that the youngster was a shining example of how life's struggles and hardships didn't define a person. Hsu organized a pep rally to ring in the chess prodigy's victory and stated that despite being homeless, he was fortunate to have a supportive family to cheer him on.

His Parents' Support

Indeed, Hsu was justified in crediting Tani's victory to his determination and his parents' support. Although his parents weren't chess players, they understood his love for the game. Oluwatoyin took her son to a four-hour-long practice program in Harley and watched him play.

Meanwhile, Kayode allowed his son to work on his laptop daily to polish his chess moves. Even though the family was particular about religion, Tani was sometimes allowed to miss church sessions for his chess tournaments.

The Young Champion

And just like that, the young chess player's remarkable story made headlines for the first time in 2019. He had successfully outsmarted kids from elite private institutions with private chess teachers and bagged the biggest title in his age group.

In March 2019, his face beamed with joy as he won six more accolades and placed them by his bed in the shelter. There was promise and passion in Tani's sparkling eyes, although his new title had not yet solved his family's housing problem in the U.S.

He Gained a Home

But thanks to the community coming together and donating generously to a GoFundMe page for the Adewumi family, Tani had a home a week after becoming the chess champion. The heartwarming news was revealed when the then-third-grader appeared on TODAY with his chess teachers. Tani's mom said at the time:

"I'm so proud of him."

In only a week, Tani's life changed—from learning chess moves and lying on the floor of a Manhattan shelter to living in a furnished two-bedroom apartment. His reaction upon hearing the delightful news was befitting and heart-melting. He shouted:

"I have a home! I have a home!"

Seeking Asylum

The Adewumis, who had seen America as their home after fleeing Nigeria, were grateful to everyone for their relentless love and support. When Tani's phenomenal story gained traction, many became aware of his backstory and began helping to expedite his family's asylum application.

One of those people was Christopher Mikesh, their lawyer on the case, who knew about the family's struggles since they left their country. Mikesh noted that Tani's story was "also a story about a family who came to the United States with very little and did everything they possibly could to make a life for themselves here."

Although Tani's parents applied for asylum in 2019, they weren't handed their cards until November 30, 2022. Nonetheless, it was a moment of celebration that the Adewumis warmly welcomed. Kayode expressed:

"We thank God for his mercy and the people of America for their kindness."

On the other hand, Tani expressed that he was ecstatic when he heard the good news and couldn't stop screaming and giggling.

Earning More Titles & Writing His Book

The youngster went on to earn many more victories, including becoming a U.S. National Chess Master at age 10, as well as the 28th-youngest chess player.

Moreover, he also bagged the title of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) master in the under-12 category. Despite his laurels, the 12-year-old seventh-grader said he hoped to become a grandmaster in the game.

He also wrote a book titled, "My Name Is Tani … and I Believe in Miracles," which tells his story from being homeless to becoming a chess master and might likely be adapted into a movie.

A Special Cause

The online crowdfunding page, which was created to help Tani and his family, was later dedicated by them to a special cause. The Adewumis set up the Tanitoluwa Adewumi Foundation to support, empower and uplift talented but less privileged children.

From being homeless to becoming a U.S. chess master—Tani's story teaches us that we can make the impossible possible with determination and perseverance.

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