Jonathan Côté

Jonathan Côté — The Banana-in-pyjamas of Rapid Chess

Jonathan Côté is a Rapid chess aficionado whose games range from tactical fireworks to gritty battles that stretch into the mysterious depths of 50+ moves. Known online as Banana-in-pyjamas, Jonathan’s playstyle is equal parts bold and cheeky — much like his whimsical username suggests.

Career Highlights

Despite a humble beginning with a Rapid rating fluctuating around the 300 mark in early 2024, Jonathan unleashed a meteoric rise in 2025, smashing the 428 rating ceiling in June — a personal best that caused many a keyboard to tremble. With over 110 wins and a healthy share of draws, he proves to be a relentless competitor who’s never shy to take risks.

Playing Style & Strengths

Jonathan is not just a player; he's a strategist with a long memory for chess openings and an appetite for experimentation. His favorites include the Modern Defense (83.33% win rate) and the Caro-Kann Defense (a commendable 80% win rate), while the King’s Pawn Opening remains a playground for both victories and valuable lessons at a 38.64% win rate. He’s equally adept at capitalizing on opponents' blunders, boasting a sterling 74.55% comeback rate. When Jonathan loses a piece, he fights on with nearly 44% success—a true fighter on the board.

White pieces are his lucky buddies, with a winning percentage just north of 53%. Meanwhile, the black pieces see him defending stoutly, winning almost 46% of the time. He rarely resigns early (only 5.26% of his games), preferring instead to test his endurance in grueling endgames which account for about 52.47% of his battles.

Psychology & Quirks

Jonathan's tilt factor is a manageable 7, meaning even when the chips are down, he stays mostly composed — though we imagine a few bananas may have been sacrificed to the chess gods in moments of frustration. He shines brightest playing around 6 PM, when his tactical awareness and unpredictable moves scramble opponents’ plans.

Memorable Match

One of Jonathan's recent masterpieces came on June 7, 2025, in a fiery game against santip83, concluding with a swift and elegant checkmate in just 14 moves. This game perfectly embodies his mix of sharp calculation and creative flair:

Face-Off Record Highlights

Facing off against seasoned opponents like osamabgfhgvg and xerneacex1, Jonathan holds his own with win rates of 57% and a learning experience of some tough losses, respectively. However, against casual challengers such as santip83 and joselito20001985, he boasts a perfect 100% win record — banana smooth and unblemished.

Rapid Rating Progression

• June 2024: Ratings danced between 234 and 346, painstaking early growth.
• April 2025: A challenging phase with ups and downs between 138 and 323, managing a solid 48 wins out of 100 games.
• June 2025: Absolute peak at 428, demonstrating elite-level rapid prowess.

In Summary

Jonathan Côté, aka Banana-in-pyjamas, continues to prove that in the unpredictable jungles of Rapid chess, creativity and resilience often trump pure calculation. Whether dazzling with a sacrificial attack or grinding out a technical endgame win, he's a player to watch — and maybe, just maybe, to fear if you see a banana in your virtual pyjamas.