To develop and nurture chess talent by empowering youth through mentorship and the “Always Think B4U Move” philosophy—integrating chess, STEM, social-emotional learning, life skills, workforce development, and a growth mindset to build strategic thinkers, championship mindsets, and future leaders on and off the board.
To create a future where youth from all communities develop a growth mindset, championship mindset, leadership, and strategic thinking skills needed to succeed in school, careers, competition, and life through the power of chess and the “Always Think B4U Move” philosophy.
We teach youth to think critically, solve problems, and make thoughtful decisions on and off the chessboard.
We develop confident leaders through mentorship, accountability, teamwork, and service to others.
We believe challenges create opportunities for growth through resilience, persistence, discipline, and continuous learning.
We build empowering environments rooted in mentorship, inclusion, opportunity, and positive connection.
We inspire youth to pursue excellence through preparation, discipline, confidence, resilience, sportsmanship, and a commitment to achieving their highest potential.
Providing positive role models, peer mentorship, leadership pathways, and opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
Building foundational and advanced chess skills that develop critical thinking, discipline, and strategic planning.
Creating opportunities for youth to compete locally and nationally while developing discipline, preparation, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Using chess, technology, drones, and hands-on learning experiences to strengthen analytical thinking, creativity, engineering, and innovation skills.
Helping students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, communication, and responsible decision-making.
Teaching leadership, resilience, teamwork, confidence, goal-setting, and real-world decision-making through chess and mentorship.
Preparing youth for future careers through strategic thinking, technology training, trade exposure, leadership development, professionalism, and career-readiness opportunities.
At Big Chair Chess Club, our motto, "Think B4U Move," serves as a guiding principle, teaching essential life skills like decision-making, patience, and forward-thinking. These values extend well beyond the chessboard, shaping lives through improved decision-making, career planning, and personal growth. As a US Chess Affiliate and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we use chess to create pathways for success for underserved communities in Washington, D.C., and beyond. We offer programs that reduce recidivism, assist with reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals, and provide transformative mentorship and training for youth and adults alike.
Eugene Brown’s legacy endures through the students he has mentored. Today, former students Wendell Hankins, Wendall (Cory) Brown, and Daniel Folks lead the club and carry forward the "Think B4U Move" philosophy. These young leaders, once guided by Eugene, now help guide the next generation of players and thinkers. Their lives, filled with both on- and off-the-board achievements, demonstrate the transformative impact of Big Chair Chess Club’s programs and its commitment to empowering others.
Copyright © 2024 Big Chair Chess Club - All Rights Reserved. Big Chair Chess Club is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization.
Big Chair Chess Club, Think B4U Move-ment!