Shawn Martinez

Chapter 36! Another year of life… and I don’t take a second of it for granted.
Grateful for my close friends, my family, my other half, and my three beautiful children who fill my days with purpose and love.

No accomplishment will ever compare to being their father. That’s the real blessing.

God gave me another year to grow, to correct my wrongs, and to become better for the people who mean everything to me. Forever grateful. Always indebted.

Living life with an attitude of gratitude. 🙏

Once upon a time… a pawn kept pushing ♟️

Showing my 1st graders this moment from Good Morning America reminded me why we do this. The story of Tanitoluwa Adewumi isn’t just about chess it’s about resilience, faith, and believing in your next move even when the board looks tough.

From learning the game to becoming one of the best in the world… now inspiring the next generation right in this classroom.

This is bigger than chess. This is legacy. Keep pushing. ♟️🔥

Happy Birthday to my big bro 🎉

Man… we really came from it. The odds weren’t exactly in our favor, but somehow we always found a way to push through. No excuses, just action. I’ve watched you grow into an incredible father and a solid man, and that means everything.

I’m lucky to call you my brother 💯❤️👑

Wishing you many more years of health, wins, and everything you’ve been working for. Keep pushing like you always do 💪♟️

Grateful

Big rooms, bigger purpose.

Honored to have been invited to the 2024 Gala held at surrounded by people changing lives through education and opportunity. Grateful for moments like this… and even for the chance to connect with

From the chessboard to rooms like these, just keep pushing. ♟️✨

This small card opened a big door. ♟️
24 years later, I’m still walking through it.
Grateful to & my coaches at for giving kids like me a chance to dream bigger and keep pushing.

StayConsistent LevelUpDaily MindsetMatters PurposeDriven NeverQuit

Becoming a Disney Dad hit different 🏰✨

Watching my son and my twin daughters experience Disney for their birthday reminded me what it’s all about… creating moments they’ll carry forever.

I come from love. My mom gave us everything she could, and that love is what I’m building on every day.

Now it’s my turn to show them the world, to dream bigger, love deeper, and keep pushing forward together. 🌍

In the past decade I didn’t know where life would take me. There were moments that tested me in ways I never expected.

Then my children came into my life and everything changed.

My son and my daughters gave me something deeper than motivation. They gave me purpose. A reason to keep pushing no matter what life throws my way.

Every day I wake up grateful that I get to be their dad. ❤️

P.S. you have a little prospect coming for a spot on the New York Yankees in a few years ⚾️

FutureSlugger ⚾️💙

Some lessons happen in classrooms.

The best ones happen at the chessboard with dad. ♟️❤️

Teaching my son and daughter the game that gave me so much and changed my life.

Happy International Chess Day! “It’s not just a game, it’s a mindset. Keep Pushing ♟️➡️👑!

♟️✨ This Saturday: PS 19 EVCS Chess Tournament! ✨👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Calling all families with young chess players! Join us for an exciting day of strategy, fun, and friendly competition at our Elementary & Youth Chess Tournament 🏆

📍 Location: PS 19 EVCS — 185 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎓 Who Can Play: Students in Grades K–6

🏁 3 Sections Available:
• Rated Open (K–6)
• Junior Unrated (K–6)
• Youth Unrated (K–3)

🎖️ Prizes for the Top 10 in Each Section!
Whether your child is new to the game or already has tournament experience, this is a perfect opportunity to play, grow, and have a great time.

🖱️ Register here: https://www.pushingpawns.com/tournament

Let’s celebrate our young thinkers and future champions! 💛♟️