- Dionisio Sganzerla, an Italian-born Brazilian chess enthusiast, died on September 12 at age 96 in Goiania
- He spent more than 20 years teaching chess at a shopping mall, playing with thousands of people from children to adults
- The mall officially named a chess corner after him in 2023 called “Mr. Dionisio’s Corner” in recognition of his impact
- He was known for offering free lessons and carrying sweets to give to his opponents and visitors
A Chess Legacy Built at a Shopping Mall
Dionisio Sganzerla transformed a simple table in a Brazilian shopping mall into a gathering place for chess players, leaving an indelible mark on his community. The Italian-born Brazilian, affectionately known as “Mr. Dionisio,” passed away on September 12 at the age of 96, prompting heartfelt tributes from those whose lives he touched through the game.
Sganzerla had spent more than two decades at Goiania Shopping, located in the Setor Bueno district of Goiania—a city about three hours southwest of Brazil’s capital, Brasilia. His presence became so integral to the mall that staff announced his passing through an emotional Instagram tribute, writing: “Today the board is silent. But the memories remain of every game, of every conversation, of every smile, and of every shared sweet treat.”
More Than Two Decades of Weekend Teaching
Beginning around the year 2000, Sganzerla established himself as a fixture at the mall’s food court. Every weekend, he would arrive dressed formally in a tie and hat, pin on his mall identification badge, and settle at his table from approximately 9 a.m. until late afternoon. Over this period, he welcomed all challengers—children, adults, and employees alike—without regard to their skill level.
His generosity extended beyond simply playing. Sganzerla offered free lessons to anyone interested in learning the game. In a 2019 interview, he recalled having taught over 1,000 children, whom he described as his favorite opponents. On popular days, people would queue up waiting for their turn to face him across the board.
A Simple Gesture With Lasting Impact
Beyond his chess instruction, Sganzerla was remembered for a charming habit: he always carried sweets in his pockets. Whether engaging someone in a match or simply chatting with visitors, he would distribute these treats as a gesture of warmth and kindness. The mall’s tribute specifically highlighted this touching detail, noting that “whoever had the privilege of sitting in front of him for a game, or just stopping to chat, probably also received one of his famous sweets.”
Those who worked alongside him painted a picture of quiet humility. One fast-food employee called him “the best person in the mall” and said visitors missed him when he wasn’t there. Another described him as a “good, simple, and humble man” whose presence seemed to elevate the atmosphere around him.
Recognition and Community
By 2023, the mall’s management recognized the profound community impact Sganzerla had created. They officially designated his chess corner as the “Cantinho do Sr. Dionisio”—Mr. Dionisio’s Corner—cementing his place in the mall’s identity. The mall also provided him with transportation assistance and ensured he had a dedicated space equipped with a specially decorated chessboard table.
That same year, his contributions were acknowledged when Sganzerla received a Certificate of Honor for Older Persons from the Legislative Assembly of Goias. And in May 2025, just months before his death, the mall held a celebration marking his 95th birthday at his chess corner, underscoring how significant a living part of the mall’s history he had become.
A Teacher’s Pride
Even as age began to reduce his teaching frequency, Sganzerla remained committed to sharing his passion for chess. One particularly memorable instance involved an autistic child whom he worked with consistently over three months. The student eventually defeated him in a game—a result that would normally frustrate someone known to dislike losing. Instead, Sganzerla expressed pride in his student’s progress, reportedly telling mall employees: “I have trained my successor.”
When asked about the meaning of chess in his life, Sganzerla articulated a philosophy that reflected his approach to both the game and human connection. “Chess is noble, it is culture, and it is an open door to making new friends,” he explained during his 2019 interview.
A Legacy That Endures
Mall management has indicated their intention to preserve the chess corner as a permanent tribute to Sganzerla’s legacy. Goiania Shopping released a statement expressing that it had been an honor to share over two decades of its history with him, and that his place would remain part of the mall’s narrative and in the hearts of all who had known him.
The passing of Dionisio Sganzerla marks the end of an era for Goiania, but the impact of his 20-year mission to teach chess and connect with people continues to resonate with an entire community.