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Our story

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International Master

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National Master
2024 US Senior Women Champion

We are Rostislav and Natalya Tsodikov, a husband-and-wife team whose journey together began as teenagers at a chess school in Ukraine. We both became champions of numerous regional and national junior tournaments. In 1994, we immigrated to the U.S., bringing with us not only chess boards and pieces (quite literally) but also a deep love for chess game.

 

 Natalya’s career highlights include competing in the U.S. Women’s Championships in 1995 and 1996, where she placed 4th. She later became the CalState Women’s Champion. Most recently, in 2024 she became a US Senior Women Champion. Also represented Team USA at the 50+ Olympiad in Poland, where the team earned 2nd place. 

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Rostislav, was a top junior player, represented Team Ukraine in numerous competitions. He became a U.S. Blitz Champion and is a highly accomplished coach, who has developed several titled players, including Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who went on to become a Junior World Champion.

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 Chess has always been our passion, providing us with strength and guidance throughout our lives. Now, we are dedicated to passing on that passion to the next generation, inspiring children to broaden their horizons and develop problem-solving skills through the game.

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In the news:

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Natalya Tsodikova wins 2024 U.S. Senior Women's Championship With Round To Spare​​

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Natalya Tsodikova, a member of the Women's 50+ Team, set to compete as the World Team Championships kicks off Monday in Prague. Feb 16 2025

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MIGHTY PAWNS

           650-438-2711

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