Beyond Beyond-the-Scenes of the Underworld Champion Chess Tour 2023: A Tribute to All Chess Moms!

Who is the talented and beautiful blond commentator running the Champion Chess Tour Finals 2023 (CCTF) here in Toronto? I bet you’re all shouting in union: the Norwegian sports journalist Kaja Maria Snare! Yes, but that’s not my answer. Mine is … a lovely new mom!!

Seven months ago, with the birth of her first son, Max, Kaja joined the legion of incredible women who, almost invisibly, fuel the force that drives so much success in chess!

But before I say more, let’s raise a glass to ALL the phenomenal chess moms in the world! Without your tireless and often unnoticed efforts, many of our chess journeys would have been impossible! And while we’re cheering, let’s remember these facts (borrowed from ICLCINC):

Your first room: your mom's womb
Your first restaurant: your mom's breast
Your first toilet: your mom's lap
Your first school: your mom's kitchen
Your first teacher: your mom
Your first doctor: your mom
Your first thermometer: your mom's fingers
Your first friend: your mom
Your first dresser: your mom
Your first vehicle: your mom's back
Your first and last and biggest and most loyal chess fan: your mom! 

CHEERS!!

I was introduced to Kaja last Monday at the CCTF, (where I explored the underworld of the event), as a fellow mom and was able to quickly connect with her.

“Motherhood is better than I expected,” says Kaja. She was blessed with a baby who is a good sleeper. Lucky, I quietly chuckled to myself, remembering all the endless sleepless nights that lasted waaay beyond the first year with both of my kids.

After having enjoyed her fifteen-week mat leave, Kaja has returned to work on a part-time basis, striking a perfect work-life balance. “When I was always at home with the baby, I was always tired,” she says. But now Kaja gets the best of the two worlds. She spends plenty of quality time with Max and yet carries on with her beloved and exciting career. “It’s important to miss each other a little,” she explains. And I couldn’t agree more.

As for the Champion Chess Tour, “I love it,” says Kaja. “The tournament is super exciting!” But there is no way she would have been here if chess.com had not allowed her to bring Max along. And her parents to look after Max while Kaja is at work.

I caught a glimpse of Kaja walking towards her mom in the lobby who brought Max over for a feeding while Kaja had a little break from the tournament coverage. 

Quick hug and kiss and all smiles, she fed her baby and ran back to work, while happy Max quickly fell asleep in the stroller. An excellent sleeper indeed! But it is Kaja’s knack for a peaceful, tear-free bedtime routine in the middle of the day, that left me in pure awe.

Cheers to Kaja and cheers to Kaja’s mom! You are an inspiration!

More Moms at the Champion Chess Tour Finals

And Kaja wasn’t the only person at this tournament accompanied by one’s mom. Spotting two more players in their mom’s presence outside the event, I later stumbled upon this heartwarming tale of Wesley So’s adoptive mother, Lotis Key. I had no idea that he had an adoptive mom who is also his biggest fan and who travels with him to so many tournaments!

I briefly met Lotis at the CCTF event while selfishly going after a photo with Wesley. And I regret so much not having talked to her while she was right there in front of me!

Wesley’s true story is akin to that of Beth Harmon, and I bet many, many stories alike. Oh, how Beth loved having her (adoptive) mom accompany her to the tournaments! How she loved sharing her games with her mom, who understood very little of chess but was still fully engaged in Beth’s commentary ... 

Which brings me to my mom!

MomOnaBreak’s Mom

My own chess journey I owe entirely to my mother, who accompanied me to all the chess tournaments during my youthful, competitive years. Her presence always brought me immense, undeniable comfort and joy!

And now days, my mother babysits my children, so that I, a grown up woman, can go out and play some chess! 

So, dear chess moms – THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all that you do for us!

***

Postscript Scribbles (since you love my little stories)

Like Kaja, I too, would not have been here at this magnificent event last Monday, if it wasn’t for my mom!

Oh, just listen to this: the night prior to my Monday’s visit to the CCTF, I had just returned from a three-day Caribbean vacation with my husband, John.

I’ve made tentative plans with FunMasterMike to meet up for a quick walk or lunch the following day (Monday) but nothing was set in stone. Come Monday morning, with sand still in my hair (long story), I messaged Mike for an update. “Be at this location by 10:30 am today, and I’ll show you around,” he said.

The time is 7:40 am. My kids are still asleep, my eyes are just half open, and with my cheeks still burning from yesterday’s intense sun, I realize that … I'M NOT GOING TO MAKE IT !!

By the time I make everyone their breakfast and school lunches, and drop the kids off to school, it will be too late. And when in the world would I shower and get ready myself? And by the way, where is half of my stuff, including my make-up? My suitcase is still unpacked. I’m a mess!!

What do I do? I call my mom …

And while she’s instantly on her way to the rescue, like a firefighter, I command John to read me out loud the latest updates on the CCTF (because, gasp! I haven’t been following), while I frantically bounce around the kitchen prepping everyone’s meals, burning toasts, spilling coffee, and yelling various commands for everyone to quickly get their schtuff together. 

Delegation at its highest level!

And, so, there I was, at the CCTF thanks to my mom!