Baltimore Kids Chess League Membership

My name is John Cooper, and I am a math teacher and chess coach at Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Many of our students became passionate about chess when I started the club a few months ago. Some did not know how to move the pieces, and others came with little knowledge about the game. I taught them how to play, some basic strategies, and even how to improve independently. After several practices and some competitive fun, they got better. Now, it is time for the next step.

For my students to build on what they have learned, they need to gain experience in a competitive chess tournament and league. The students need to feel the pressure of playing a person they do not know when the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. The best place for them to do this is in the Baltimore Kids Chess League. Scholars from Baltimore play each other competitively at the city-wide tournament and other matches throughout the year. The setting is intense, and it will provide them with the experience of tournament chess in their journey of ultimately becoming better players.

In addition to improving at chess, the competitive chess environment also facilitates life skills development. Playing chess fosters discipline by making them consistently study for improvement. It cultivates creativity and teamwork by learning from other players and applying their plans and ideas to their games. It teaches them how to be decisive and take action in a timely fashion. There is a time limit for each game, and there are always deadlines in life. These are just a few examples of what chess can do for my students, but it can also improve their ability to strategize, take risks, manage emotions, etc.

The first black grandmaster (the highest title one can receive for playing competitive chess), Maurice Ashley, compared chess and life. He once said, “Chess is like life. To succeed in either one takes patience, planning, concentration, the willingness to set goals, and an inclination to see deeply into things.” Therefore, your funds will not just aid us in securing access to competitive chess tournaments, but they will also support the growth of our students into exceptional men and women.

We will use the money for a year-long membership in the Baltimore Kids Chess League. The cost is $1,300, and the team will be forever grateful to anyone for any donated amount. I appreciate your consideration.