Team sports like soccer play fundamental parts of childhood development and signing up is a no-brainer for most parents.
Generally, chess is not mentioned in the connection and world-building context with other, more physical team sports. However, a local organization is trying to change that narrative, beginning with brain-teasing Calgarians.
The Checkmate Foundation, a Calgary-based not-for-profit, focuses on making chess accessible for everyone through tournaments, workshops and structured programming in schools and the community. While most events are open to everyone, they also run separate events focused on vulnerable, underrepresented, or marginalized groups.
Muhammad Saim, the president of the Checkmate Foundation and UCalgary student, said in his experience, chess has helped build community connection, make friendships and positively impact mental health.
“For a lot of people, (chess) can help them build resilience,” he said.
Beginning in the late pandemic, Checkmate was founded out of the need for connection. Initially, the foundation ran a virtual summer camp in partnership with Calgary charity Closer to Home to engage families and children in the sport.
In the return to pre-COVID normalcy, the foundation has begun offering in-person classes, open to rook-ies and experienced players, all cost-free to attend.
“We first started off running our library sessions, where we provided places where people could come and learn chess, open to anyone. A lot of our sessions were tailored to beginners,” Saim said.
After initial workshop success, the foundation began expanding sessions, with some focused on higher-level chess lessons and free play, an approach Saim said worked well.
In addition to library classes, the foundation is involved with the Trellis Society, hosting games during their after-school program.
Since its 2022 creation, Canada’s only chess-based non-profit has taught more than 3,000 individuals, hosted more than 8,000 games and run more than 60 events, according to a foundation-made press release.
The program has made progress aside from students, as they have taught in places like the Kerby Centre.
“A lot of seniors were really excited to learn chess, one of them even told us that he’s learning chess because he wants to play with his grandson,” Saim said.
“It’s a way to bridge those gaps and really allow people to make meaningful connections with each other.”
The foundation has 65 active volunteers and a total of 200 volunteers in what Saim calls their “volunteer pool.” In addition to chess knowledge, volunteers receive orientation and training to meet the specific needs of the groups they work with.
Saim said that like him, most volunteers are University students within the 16-24 age range.
Bringing chess ‘Dream’ to Calgary recovery centre
This fall, the foundation has plans to work with the Calgary Dream Centre, an opportunity to teach the skills of chess to a new demographic, this time people who are recovering from homelessness and addiction.
Saim said that he hopes that Checkmate volunteers can help make a positive difference in the lives of people who are struggling.
They will host an eight-week program, with weekly chess sessions to be held in the centre’s cafeteria.
“While many already know the basics of the game, the structured environment encourages reflection, focus, and social connection,” their media release reads.
Without looking too far ahead, the foundation’s next event is Saturday, June 7 at the Nose Hill Library.
