In a game of strategy, one young chess player is making moves to be the best against long odds. 

"My big, big dream is to be the youngest grandmaster in the world," says 8-year-old Tanitoluwa Adewumi.

He's on his way. Tanitoluwa was crowned the New York State Chess Champion for kindergarten through third grade last weekend, all the while living in a homeless shelter with his family, who are asylum seekers from Nigeria.

"When the news broke out, the world celebrated," says Kayode Adewumi, Tanitoluwa's father.

The Adewumi family left their home in fear of the Islamic insurgency known as Boko Haram and immigrated to the US before moving to the city a little more than a year ago. 

Tani joined PS 116's chess club after his older brother introduced him to the game. 

Homeless shelters in the city are virtually no one's housing choice, but Tani's father, an Uber driver, and his mother, who just received a home health aide certificate, say they are thankful space was available.  

"It is difficult, yes. But at least when you get shelter, something to cover you," Kayode Adewumi says.

It gave them an opportunity to support their son's passion. His mother took him to practice every Saturday, and to every tournament.

"I just believe this is something a child really loves, so we need to support him," says Oluwatoyin Adewumi, Tani's mother.

In just over a year, his teachers noticed his mastery of chess soar. 

"Him being so thoughtful and having lots of questions really ties into him thinking deeply," says Kyrie Gilmore, one of Tani's teachers.

Tani's story has touched people across the world. His chess coach created a GoFundMe page that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the family in just days, enough for the Adewumis and their two sons to move out of the shelter and into an apartment this week.

"Sincerely to you, I can't believe it," Oluwatoyin Adewumi said.

Now, Tani is thinking ahead to his ultimate goal: to be a grandmaster by 12 years old. 

"I plan on doing that by keep hard working," he says.

The family's future in the U.S. is uncertain. Their next asylum hearing is in August. Before then, Tani hopes to win his eighth trophy at the National Chess Championships in May.