Nicholas, a junior at Nicolet Union High School in Milwaukee, has been playing chess since he was in fourth grade. In August, he represented Wisconsin in the National Denker Tournament. Last year, he won the U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) Wisconsin Junior Open (high school division) for the second time. In November 2024, he and the other members of the Nicolet Chess Club took first place in the kindergarten through 12th grade division at the WSCF tournament.
His chess abilities have earned him a USCF 1900 rating, representing an “advanced, highly skilled tournament competitor.” Chess isn’t his only competitive activity; Nicholas also runs cross-country.
In August, Nicholas served as an assistant teacher for the summer chess camp for middle school students at the Brookfield Recreation Department.
“He is one of our rising stars,” said Bob Patterson-Sumwalt, WSCF executive director. “I was pleased with his work and presence at the August chess camp. He was great with the kids, and it was awesome to watch him share his knowledge.”