African Chess Lounge

Reuben Salimu is a nationally recognized chess leader, educator, and systems builder. He serves as National Head Coach of Chess South Africa and CEO of the African Chess Lounge, a Tier 2 FIDE Academy focused on developing scalable, high-impact chess programs across schools, communities, and elite pathways. With a strong foundation in leadership development, coach education, and high-performance systems, Reuben operates at the intersection of sport, education, and social impact. His work emphasizes structure, mentorship, and long-term sustainability, building clear pathways from grassroots participation to international representation. Reuben is known for designing national coaching frameworks, certification systems, and tournament structures that reduce financial barriers while raising competitive standards. His vision positions chess not only as a competitive sport, but as a tool for discipline, critical thinking, and nation-building.