The family of a 7-year-old Pleasanton resident who will represent the United States in an international chess competition next summer is asking the public to help support travel costs.

As of this month, Varun Karthik Turaga is ranked second nationally in the game of chess for youth under the age of 8, according to the U.S. Chess Federation.

He is headed to Europe from June to July 2026 to compete in the FIDE World Cup for Under 8, 10, and 12. FIDE is the International Chess Federation, the governing body for chess that standardizes rules and organizes several tournaments each year. “This is more than just a tournament,” Karthik Turaga’s family wrote on a GoFundMe page. “It is the culmination of years of dedication, countless hours of practice, and a dream that inspires not only him but also other young players who see what is possible through hard work and passion.”

However, participating in the two-week event is costly, according to his parents. To help cover the mounting expenses such as travel and training, his family is asking for donations through GoFundMe.

“Competing at the World Championships is an incredible honor, but it also comes with considerable expenses,” his family wrote in the GoFundMe page. “We estimate the total cost to be $28,000, which will cover international travel to Europe for Varun and a parent, accommodations during the two-week tournament, intensive coaching and training support leading up to the event, along with tournament entry fees, and related costs.”

“Every donation, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to turning this dream into a reality.”

Varun Karthik Turaga’s parents

The family broke down estimated expenses — $10,000 for travel and lodging for 14 days in Europe, $9,000 for at least six out-of-state tournaments leading up to the FIDE World Cup, $6,000 for intensive coaching, and $3,000 for about 30 in-state tournaments.

So far, the family said it has invested around $21,000 in Karthik Turaga’s chess journey. His goal is to become the youngest chess grandmaster in the world, the highest title a chess player can receive.

“Every donation, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to turning this dream into a reality,” the GoFundMe page reads. “If you’re unable to contribute, please consider spreading the word about this campaign to friends, family, and your community. Your encouragement and support are invaluable to a seven-year-old chasing a big dream.”

As of Tuesday, the family’s GoFundMe page has raised nearly $900.

Alise is a general assignment reporter with a focus on covering government, elections, housing, crime, courts and entertainment in San Francisco and on the Peninsula. Alise is a Bay Area native from San Carlos. She studied history at University of California, Santa Cruz and first started journalism at Skyline College’s school newspaper in San Bruno. She has interned for Bay City News and for Eesti Rahvusringhääling, or Estonian Public Broadcasting. She has covered everything from the removal of former San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus to the divisive battle over the Great Highway on San Francisco’s west side. Please send her any tips.