This is Lincoln's story so far, and with your support, you will become part of it.

In the summer of 2020, Lincoln's grandpa gave him a chess set. He was five. For years it just sat in the house, he knew a little about the game, but it wasn't yet a real interest.

That changed in September 2025, when he joined his school's chess club. After holding his own in a local tournament, Lincoln entered the Daniel Perelman Memorial Tournament in Milwaukee on his own. He didn't place, and he was genuinely upset about it. Instead of walking away, he decided to get better.

He started studying openings on his own, playing online daily, and entering tournaments across Wisconsin. His dad became his regular opponent at home, and for months, Lincoln's only goal was beating Dad. It took about three months.

The work paid off. Lincoln took first place at Shorewood Hills Elementary and Madison East High School's tournaments, placed 13th in his section at State, and finished in the top 24% of his section at the U.S. Chess Federation Nationals.

After every loss, Lincoln goes back through the game to find what he missed. In his own words, losing isn't a measure of his worth, it's a chance to practice.

Lincoln's rating keeps climbing with every tournament he plays. His goal is 2000, and to keep building confidence at the board along the way. Getting there means more coaching, harder tournaments, and travel that isn't cheap. If his story means something to you, we'd love your support.