2017 U.S. Junior Championships

Checa's first big chess achievement was in 2012 swhen he became U12 National Champion in the USCF/Chess.com invitational championship. He has since been a member of the All-American Chess Team. At age 11, he became the youngest New York State Champion in history—a record that he still holds which led to his profiles in both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. In 2014 he placed second in the U14 section of the North American Youth Chess Championship and obtained 1st place in the NAYCC Blitz Open. 2015 brought continued success as he tied for 5th place in the World Youth Chess Championship in Greece, where he was the official U.S. player in the U14 section. In that same year, he became an FM. The following year, he became an IM. In 2017, Checa has continued his chess succes when he became National High School (K-12) Blitz Champion at the VI SuperNationals that took place in Nashville in May. In March, he became the New York High School Championship in Saratoga, New York and in February he participated in the SCCSC GM Norm Invitational. Checa recently got a GM Norm at the Philadelphia international last week leading up to the Juniors tournament. 

Josh began playing chess at a young age and quickly starting competing in tournaments; he participated in the 2006 World Open at the age of 7. He currently holds the record of youngest African-American chess master at 11 years old.  Other accomplishments for Josh include being a USCF All-American (2010-2013), winning the 2012 SPF World Open U-18, competing in four different World Championships, and becoming the 2013 New York State High School Chess Champion. He also earned a GM Norm at the 2015 North American Open. This will be his second time competing in the U.S. Junior Closed Championship, having last played in 2014. Josh is currently studying business management at Webster University. If Josh successfully reaches 2400, he will be eligible for his International Master title.