About Me
Merric Hu, USCF National Master
Hello, my name is Merric Hu. I am the Founder of UKnighted Chess, and am a USCF National Master with a peak rating of 2295. My best wins include a win against the former highest rated female player in the U.S and 2021 & 2023 U.S Women's Champion, Carissa Yip. Additionally I have beaten the world's youngest grandmaster, Abhimanyu Mishra, when he was younger, as well as several other grandmasters.
I started playing chess when I was at the ripe age of 5 and fell in love with it at first sight. It has led me to make many new friends and connections that I would never have made without chess. Even now, I see every chess game as a fighting and strategy-making experience, but also as an opportunity to bond with other people.
As such, my goal with UKnightedChess has been to connect people with chess, promote social interaction, and build a positive community for everyone who likes to play chess.
Our Mission
The mission of UKnighted is to promote chess among all age groups with an emphasis on the young and elderly. We want to use chess to build bridges among people, encourage social connections, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and higher self-esteem. Chess brings friends together and creates a trusting society.
Our team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet our team of talented individuals from a variety of states, ages, and skill level.
Founder and President
Merric Hu
Before I started UKnightedChess, I had already begun to teach younger children and seniors. However, my impact on spreading chess was limited because I couldn't do it alone. That's why I started UKnightedChess, a nonprofit organization that spreads chess and empowers high school students to lead and teach.
NJ Region Director & Website Manager
Brandon Low
My name is Brandon Low, and I'm currently a senior at Delbarton School. I've been involved with chess ever since watching The Queen's Gambit on Netflix, and my favorite chess content creator on YouTube is Chess1Tap (go subscribe!) In my free time, I like to play the piano, build LEGOs, and read stuff. I'm super excited to help out with UKnighted!
New York Region Director
Lucas Canteros-Paz
My name is Lucas Canteros-Paz and I am a first-Year at Columbia University. I graduated from Ridge High School in 2022. I decided to join the board in order to support my great friend Merric who has never defeated me in a game of chess.
Massachussetts Region Director
Pari Mandalapu
My name is Pari Mandalapu, and I am a sophomore at WPI. I graduated from Ridge High School in 2021. I decided to join the board to support my friend Merric and his aspirations for the future. I’ve enjoyed chess a lot and would love to help, and joining the board allows me to continue my work with chess.
Workshop Leader & Social Media Manager
Matthew Porr
Hello, my name is Matthew Porr. I am a junior at Delbarton High School. I enjoy community service, mostly through Saturdays in Motion at the YMCA, or at St. Hubert's Animal Shelter.
Workshop Leader & Staff Writer
Sanjit Bajpai
I am thrilled to join the UKnightedChess team, as it enables me to combine my passion for chess with my desire to serve my community. I firmly believe that chess is more than just a game; it has the power to enhance one's cognitive and strategic thinking abilities and improve one's overall well-being. Personally, chess has had a profound impact on my life, shaping my character and mindset. As a new chess teacher, I strive to learn and grow with every move I make, both on and off the chessboard.
Board Member & Photographer
Kevin Lee
My name is Kevin Lee and I’m currently a senior at Delbarton School. I’ve been a member of the Delbarton Chess Club since 7th grade and was runner-up in my elementary school’s 2012 annual chess tournament. I’ve always loved helping my local communities and sprung upon the opportunity to join the board of the UKnightedChess organization.
Tennessee Region Director
Anthony Tang
Hi, my name is Anthony. I played competitive chess throughout middle and high school and it was an important part of my youth. Now in college, I still enjoy playing with my friends and family. Chess has taught me a ton of lessons, both on and off the board. I’m excited to be a part of this initiative to bring chess to more people!
Missouri Region Director
Albert Tang
Albert Tang is a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering and computer science. Combining his interest in the biomedical sciences with his passion for service, he routinely volunteers at Barnes Jewish Hospital, leads his peers through academic mentorship and tutoring, and is ultimately pursuing a degree in medicine. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, fencing, and exploring the outdoors. By joining the UKnighted board, Albert hopes to use his leadership skills and 10+ years experience in chess to help assist in using chess as a medium to build meaningful connections in society today.
Upcoming Events
Delbarton Chess Summer ClinicMon, Jul 17Morristown
Board MeetingFri, Jun 23Zoom
First Class at McAuley Hall Health Care CenterWed, Apr 05Watchung
Board MeetingMon, Mar 13Zoom
Photoshoot and Meeting at Ridge Oak Senior CenterThu, Feb 02Ridge Oak Senior Center
Delbarton November Swiss TournamentSun, Nov 13Delbarton School
Delbarton Chess Clinic TournamentFri, Jul 22Delbarton School
Teaching at Koo Chinese AcademyTue, Jun 07Koo Chinese Academy
Delbarton April Quads Chess TournamentSun, Apr 24Delbarton School
Why Chess?
1
Chess for Students
Chess training and practice support the development of higher-order thinking skills—like problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, planning, and even creative thinking. Chess training and exercise also help improve general cognitive ability and academic achievement—especially in mathematics.
2
Chess for Seniors
Chess training and practice support the development of vigilance and awareness. Chess can involve many traps and tricks, and seniors can learn to deal with them, which may help them avoid scams and deception in everyday life. Training and practice promote the development of mental sharpness and cognitive vitality among seniors that can help slow the onset of dementia.
3
Chess for Everyone
Chess reinforces affective attributes such as patience, prudence, and perseverance. Two prominent virtues of chess are fairness and honesty. The international chess community promotes civil behavior and respect for the opponent but punishes players found to have cheated. Chess is a civil game with an ethical code that predisposes players to play respectfully with other individuals.