Tunde Onakoya: Inspiring Change Through Chess and Vision for a Free School for Homeless Children in Nigeria

Tunde Onakoya Breaks Chess Marathon Record, Dreams of Building Free School for Homeless Children in Nigeria

New York City, April 20, 2023 — Award-winning chess master Tunde Onakoya has etched his name into the Guinness World Records by completing a remarkable 64-hour chess marathon in Times Square, alongside U.S. National Master Shawn Martinez. This extraordinary feat not only shattered the previous record of 61 hours but also served as a platform for Onakoya to share his vision of inspiring the world and building the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.

The marathon, which took place from April 17 to April 20, was organized by The Gift of Chess, a non-profit dedicated to donating one million chess sets globally by 2030. Just days before the event, Onakoya announced his ambitious goal on LinkedIn, stating, “My dream is to inspire the world and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.” He invited chess enthusiasts in New York City to challenge him and the five young talents from his initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, who joined him for a few hours each day.

After the marathon, Onakoya reflected on the experience, saying, “We did the impossible and gave the world something new to believe in.” The decision to conclude the marathon at 64 hours was symbolic, representing the 64 squares on a chessboard. “It felt like the right thing to do,” he explained.

Shawn Martinez echoed the sentiment on social media, describing the experience as a “painful ride,” yet one filled with purpose and camaraderie. The duo’s achievement has been hailed as a testament to resilience and community spirit, with many praising their dedication to uplifting others through chess.

Oluwatosin Oyetade, Onakoya’s executive assistant, highlighted the behind-the-scenes challenges that accompanied this historic event. “Records like this are not just physical; they demand emotional stamina, operational excellence, logistical foresight, and strategic calm,” she noted. Celebrating the achievement, she emphasized the importance of protecting the vision that drives such initiatives.

Social entrepreneur Hammed Kayode Alabi remarked on the broader implications of Onakoya’s accomplishment, stating, “He did not only break the record, but also gave something to the children, mentors, and the world to believe in.” His words encapsulated the essence of Onakoya’s mission: to inspire and uplift those from underserved backgrounds.

As the chess community and supporters celebrate this historic record, Onakoya remains focused on his dream of building a free school for homeless children in Nigeria, proving that even from humble beginnings, great things are possible.

For more inspiring stories, read about how a young mechanic discovered by Onakoya emerged as a chess champion in the U.S. and won a scholarship here.