📍 Nairobi, Kenya
About Zaid Knights
"Sharpening Great Minds"
Founded in 2025 by Henry Odhiambo, Zaid Knights Chess Club is dedicated to developing chess talent, fostering strategic thinking, and building a vibrant community of players who proudly represent the club, with the ambition of representing Kenya at national and international level in the years ahead.
Our Mission & Values
What drives us every day on and off the board
Strategic Thinking
We teach chess as a tool for developing critical thinking, long-term planning, and problem-solving skills applicable in every area of life.
Friendship & Community
Building a welcoming, inclusive space where players of all levels, ages, and backgrounds grow together, fostering lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
Discipline & Sportsmanship
We instil discipline and sportsmanship in every member, building character on and off the board through respectful competition and personal integrity.
Mentorship & Growth
Mentoring and supporting talented players to reach their full potential through expert coaching, competitive exposure, and continuous peer learning.
What We Do
How we develop chess talent across Kenya
House Training
We conduct personalised house training sessions, bringing quality chess coaching directly to our members in a comfortable and focused environment.
School Partnerships
We partner with schools across Nairobi to introduce chess to young students, identifying and nurturing talent from an early age.
Club Collaboration
We collaborate with other chess clubs and institutions for the advancement of chess in Kenya and beyond, growing the game together.
Our Journey
From founding to national qualification — our story so far
Zaid Knights Founded
Zaid Knights Chess Club was established in Nairobi by Henry Odhiambo — with a vision to develop chess talent and build a vibrant community of players, with the long-term goal of representing Kenya at the highest levels.
House Training Begins
The club launched its signature house training sessions, bringing personalised coaching directly to members and partnering with local schools across Nairobi.
School Partnerships
Zaid Knights began partnering with schools to introduce chess to young students, planting seeds for the next generation of Kenyan chess champions.
Regional Play & National Qualification
Our players competed at regional level and qualified for the national championships — a proud milestone for the club.
Leadership
The passionate people steering Zaid Knights forward
Henry Odhiambo
Founder & Head Coach
Founder of Zaid Knights, passionate about developing chess talent and growing the game across Kenya.
✉ ContactGerrishom Samuel
Head Coach
A founding member of Zaid Knights who has been with the club from the very beginning. Has coached players at regional level and to national-championship qualification.
"Let's meet on the board"
✉ ContactOur Highlights
Key facts about Zaid Knights
Our Vision
To be the leading chess club in Kenya — producing world-class players, advancing chess culture across the country, and collaborating with clubs and institutions locally and internationally to put Kenya on the global chess map.
"Sharpening Great Minds"
Ready to Join the Family?
Be part of Nairobi's most exciting chess community. Every skill level welcome — from complete beginners to seasoned competitors.