Aaron Reeve Mendes, a 12-year-old from Mississauga, has made history in chess.

Now, at 12, he’s made history as Canada’s youngest international master. He won first place at the 2024 North American Youth Chess Championship in Dulles, Virginia, last month.
Aaron was over the moon about his win, saying he couldn’t find the words to express his happiness. He got a trophy and took tons of pictures to remember the moment.
Originally from India, Aaron’s parents and teachers always encouraged his chess passion. His mom, Jennifer, recalls how he would often beat his coach just six months after starting.
The family traveled internationally for competitions early on, and Canada became a favorite spot for them. Aaron first competed in Canadian youth chess championships in 2019.
They moved to Canada in 2021, and Aaron kept shining in tournaments. He won the 2022 Canadian Open Chess Championship and snagged a gold medal at the World School Championship in Panama.
Jennifer is proud of her son but acknowledges the challenges chess brings. Aaron thrives on the challenge, which keeps him motivated.
While he faces pressure to become a grandmaster, he’s also missed some time with friends. Still, his family feels blessed and supports him fully.
Last year, Aaron and his sister became Canadian citizens. He’s thankful for the support from his family, school, and the Chess Federation of Canada, saying they’re always there when he needs help.