2026 Dr. Opal Lee Top Scholastic Female Chess Winner

KARRIGAN MURIE – ROBINSON

The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, a United States Chess Federation affiliate is proud to announce that Karrigan Murie – Robinson will be a member of the 2027 National Elementary Golden Eagles Chess team. Also, Karrigan will compete at the 2026 Buffalo AKG Art Museum Summer Chess Festival on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Buffalo NY.

In June 2026 for the 50th Juneteenth Dr. Opal Lee Quad Tournament held at Barnes and Noble – Amherst, Karrigan, a twin with Kylani won TOP Female chess player. Both fifth grade Cheektowaga Middle school players were introduced to the game of chess by the Little Angels Daycare staff and Director Patrick Carr in Cheektowaga, NY.

The Eagles of Excellence will compete at the 2027 National Elementary Chess Championships held on April 30 to May 2, 2027. A three day, seven (7) games, Swiss tournament hosted by the United States Chess Federation in Columbus Ohio.

Karrigan and twin Kylani, members of the READ. THINK. ACHIEVE. Youth Enrichment Chess program, “Black Pearls” Girl’s chess team meets once a week at the Frank E. Merriweather Branch library with Michael A. Mc Duffie, U.S.C.F. Chess Coach in Buffalo NY.

Coach Michael A. Mc Duffie, Black Achiever, Class 2019, has provided Youth Enrichment Chess programs and Tournaments for over (27) twenty – seven years. His players have earned Special Recognition and Certificates of Excellence by earning Three (3) National Team trophies, two with BPS East High School “Dark Knights” and recently Lockport High School “Golden Knights”, Lockport NY.

Please email to knightsof64@yahoo.com for more chess information.