Big Chair Chess Club

My name is IM Oladapo Adu, and for over three decades, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the game of chess and using it as a tool to mentor, teach, and transform lives — both on and off the board.

This summer, I’ve been honored with the opportunity to represent Washington, D.C. at the 2025 U.S. Chess Open in Middleton, Wisconsin, where I’ll compete in three elite national tournaments:

• ♟️ Irwin Senior Invitational Championship

• ⚡ Werryman Blitz Championship

• ♟️ U.S. Open – as D.C.’s Official Delegate

I’m humbly asking for your support to help make this journey possible.

⸻

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about winning medals. It’s about legacy, representation, and leadership. I’ve built my life around chess — not only as a competitor, but as a mentor and community leader. Currently, I serve as the Lead Instructor for Big Chair Chess Club, where I teach chess weekly in schools, prisons, community centers, and afterschool programs across Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County.

I use chess to teach:

• Discipline and decision-making

• Emotional intelligence and strategy

• Confidence, patience, and resilience

My motto is: “Think B4U Move.”

And that message has helped guide hundreds of students toward brighter futures.

⸻

️ Recent Accomplishments (2024–2025)

• 2025 D.C. Senior Chess Champion

• 3rd Place – 2025 Irwin Senior Championship

• Two-Time West Africa Chess Champion (2015 & 2016)

• Black Knights Champion – Back-to-back winner and current title holder

• D.C. Chess Champion — Winner both times I competed

• 8-Time Olympian, representing Nigeria internationally

• Maintained a FIDE rating of 2300+ while continuing my teaching and mentorship work

⸻

What Your Donation Supports

Attending the 2025 U.S. Chess Open requires covering several essential costs:

• ✈️ Airfare and travel

• Lodging for one week

• Registration and tournament entry fees

• ♟️ Training and preparation materials

I’m fundraising a total of $[Insert Goal Here] to fully cover the cost of representing D.C. with excellence and honor. Every dollar helps — no amount is too small.

⸻

Why Your Support Is Powerful

Your donation:

• Helps a Black chess master continue to inspire a new generation

• Sends a message that mentors matter

• Supports youth development and community empowerment

• Ensures that Washington, D.C. is proudly represented on the national stage

Whether you give, share this campaign, or connect us with a sponsor — your support is a powerful move.

Let’s prove that strategy, discipline, and second chances deserve the spotlight. Let’s move with purpose.

With deep gratitude,

IM Oladapo Adu

Lead Instructor – Big Chair Chess Club

You can make a difference by donating today to Big Chair Chess Club.

The Big Chair Chess Club, inspired by the movie Life of a King featuring Eugene Brown, aims to "teach the un-teachable, reach the un-reachable." Since 1991, we’ve empowered underserved communities and prisons through chess, helping others "Think B4U Move." Our mission fosters skills in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving, creating solution-focused, strategic thinkers and positive character builders, reducing recidivism and unlocking potential on and off the chessboard.