About Big Chair Chess Club
Our Mission
About Us: Big Chair Chess Club
About Us
Big Chair Chess Club: Where Every Move Matters
Founded in 1991 by the inspirational Eugene Brown, the Big Chair Chess Club is more than just a chess club—it’s a movement dedicated to personal growth, strategic thinking, and community empowerment. Originally brought to life as part of Brown’s commitment
About Us: Big Chair Chess Club
About Us
Big Chair Chess Club: Where Every Move Matters
Founded in 1991 by the inspirational Eugene Brown, the Big Chair Chess Club is more than just a chess club—it’s a movement dedicated to personal growth, strategic thinking, and community empowerment. Originally brought to life as part of Brown’s commitment to transforming lives through chess, the club became widely recognized through the film Life of a King, which dramatizes Eugene’s journey from incarceration to becoming a beloved mentor and leader. His story has since become a beacon of hope, showing how chess can inspire, rehabilitate, and empower.
The "Think B4U Move" Philosophy
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.
A Legacy Passed Down
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.
Think B4U Move-ment!
Support the Big Chair Chess Club’s 'Think B4U Move' initiative! Your donation helps us empower underserved communities through chess, teaching life skills, decision-making, and strategic thinking. Together, we can make a lasting impact by reducing recidivism and fostering growth in youth and adults. Donate today and help us continue to change lives, one move at a time!