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The family of a 7-year-old Pleasanton resident who will represent the United States in an international chess competition next summer is asking the public to help support travel costs.
As of this month, Varun Karthik Turaga is ranked second nationally in the game of chess for youth under the age of 8, according to the U.S. Chess Federation.
He is headed to Europe from June to July 2026 to compete in the FIDE World Cup for Under 8, 10, and 12. FIDE is the International Chess Federation, the governing body for chess that standardizes rules and organizes several tournaments each year.
“This is more than just a tournament,” Karthik Turaga’s family wrote on a GoFundMe page. “It is the culmination of years of dedication, countless hours of practice, and a dream that inspires not only him but also other young players who see what is possible through hard work and passion.”
However, participating in the two-week event is costly, according to his parents. To help cover the mounting expenses such as travel and training, his family is asking for donations via the “Support Varun’s Journey to the 2026 World Chess Championship” GoFundMe page.
“Competing at the World Championships is an incredible honor, but it also comes with considerable expenses,” his family wrote in the GoFundMe page. “We estimate the total cost to be $28,000, which will cover international travel to Europe for Varun and a parent, accommodations during the two-week tournament, intensive coaching and training support leading up to the event, along with tournament entry fees, and related costs.”
The family broke down estimated expenses — $10,000 for travel and lodging for 14 days in Europe, $9,000 for at least six out-of-state tournaments leading up to the FIDE World Cup, $6,000 for intensive coaching, and $3,000 for about 30 in-state tournaments.
So far, the family said it has invested around $21,000 in Karthik Turaga’s chess journey. His goal is to become the youngest chess grandmaster in the world, the highest title a chess player can receive.
“Every donation, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to turning this dream into a reality,” the GoFundMe page reads. “If you’re unable to contribute, please consider spreading the word about this campaign to friends, family, and your community. Your encouragement and support are invaluable to a seven-year-old chasing a big dream.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, the family’s GoFundMe page had raised more than $2,700.
— Story by Alise Maripuu, Bay City News
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect an amended total for the fundraising effort, with an unidentified reduction occurring since the original posting date.
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