Whiz Kid: Chess Champ Kiran Rebholz

This week's Whiz Kid: Kiran Rebholz

- School:  fifth grader; Kiran lives in Berwyn

- Accomplishment: Kiran is ranked in the top 10 chess players in the state for his age group. He recently became the 5th grade co-champion at the state Scholastic Championship in Harrisburg and placed seventh in his section among 44 competitors. Kiran also placed ninth in the American Mathematics Competition for grades 8 and below.

- Key to awesomeness: 11-year-old Kiran has been playing chess since he was in kindergarten, when he went to chess camp, and he now practices in the car on his way to school.

"You can express yourself with how you play, and I love the game," Kiran said.

In addition to playing against kids his own age, he's also played chess against adults in tournaments. He won $366 in the World Open last year, part of which he used to take his family out to dinner.

He also enjoys the problem-solving aspect of math. His favorite is geometry, and "algebra's cool, too."

In his free time, he likes playing Wii and soccer (he plays left back and some left midfielder)—he wants to be a professional soccer player when he grows up. His favorite professional soccer player is Germany's Mario Goetze (Kiran's dad, Joachim, is from Germany). Kiran also plays piano, but it isn't his favorite thing to do.

"Practice and preparation" are the keys to Kiran's success in soccer, math and chess, he said. "Support from family is also very important."

He said he gets that support from his parents and younger sister, Maya, who is 8.

Kiran said he doesn't find chess tournaments stressful.

"It's stressful for the parents," his dad Joachim said with a smile.

Editor's note: This is a series in which we highlight the special accomplishments of neighborhood kids or teenagers.

Each week, we will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens. Please submit your nomination via e-mail to bob.byrne@patch.com