About Us
The Chess Vault — Mersin's Hub for Strategic Minds
The Chess Vault is a private, world-renowned chess association based in Mersin, Turkey — a city where history meets the Mediterranean and strategy finds its champions.
Our History
Founded in 1962 by the late Turkish entrepreneur and chess visionary Emine Yıldız, The Chess Vault began as an exclusive club for serious players who viewed chess not just as a pastime, but as a way of life. Emine, a bold businesswoman in an era when few women were given a seat at the table, broke social norms and turned her lifelong love for chess into a structured, elite program that attracted top-level players from Turkey and beyond.
"In chess, just like in business, it's not luck — it's calculation."— Emine Yıldız
Under her leadership, The Chess Vault became a magnet for brilliance. Emine built partnerships with European chess schools, hosted international masters, and personally sponsored scholarships for promising Turkish youth to train with world-class coaches. Even after her passing in 2006, her philosophy remains at the heart of everything we do: excellence, discipline, and community.
Our Legacy, Continued
Today, The Chess Vault is proudly led by Dr. Selin Karaca, a former national player, academic, and longtime student of Emine Yıldız. Selin, who holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science with a focus on game-based learning, has transformed the Vault into a modern, research-driven institution — while preserving its original elite spirit.
Selin has expanded the Vault's reach across Europe and the Middle East, welcoming international talents and forming global partnerships with federations and private academies. Under her leadership, The Chess Vault has launched digital training platforms, organized closed invitationals featuring titled players, and maintained its reputation as a think tank for serious chess minds.
Our Coaches & Community
The strength of The Chess Vault lies not only in its history but in the people who carry it forward.
GM Viktor Ivanković
Croatia
Former Olympiad coach, known for calculation training and opening prep. Hosts Deep Strategy weekend intensives.
WGM Leyla Demir
Turkey
National champion, heads women's mentorship program and junior development for girls aged 10–18.
FM Rashid Al-Zayani
Qatar
Specializes in rapid and blitz. Leads monthly seminars on clock management and practical endgames.
IM Aydin Şener
Turkey
Veteran of the Turkish national team, runs Master's Pathway for students on the brink of FIDE titles.
Dr. Ela Tan
Performance Coach
A neuroscientist working on the psychological aspects of competitive play, helping students manage tournament pressure and decision fatigue.
Who We Serve
While The Chess Vault maintains a highly selective training program, we also host community events, online resources, and collaborative projects that support the broader chess ecosystem — especially in southern Turkey. From junior workshops in Mersin schools to elite training camps for professionals, we remain deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation.
We believe in building players for life — thinkers, decision-makers, and individuals who can face both 64 squares and real-world complexity with confidence.
Get Involved
Whether you're a rising player hoping to break into the international scene or a lifelong enthusiast eager to connect with high-level chess, ChessVault is where dedication meets opportunity.
Explore our blog, attend one of our open lectures, or apply to our mentorship programs — and take your next step toward the game's highest levels.