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13TH ANNUAL CHESS & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
CONNECTING FUTURES | YOUTH POWER IN A DIGITAL AGE
The 13th Chess & Community Conference is more than a single-day event—it is a living ecosystem where young people, families, educators, and innovators gather to explore how strategic thinking shapes real life.
Hosted by Chess & Community, this annual conference blends chess with technology, creativity, and civic engagement. Students don’t just learn how to play better chess—they learn how to think critically, adapt creatively, and move with intention in the world around them.
From hands-on activities to immersive demonstrations, the conference creates a space where curiosity is rewarded, questions are encouraged, and learning feels alive.
HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Global Connections: Our first-ever Ubuntu Cultural Exchange Program brought young leaders from Lagos, Nigeria to collaborate with Athens youth, while participants from Tanzania, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic joined via livestream. Executive Director Lemuel "Life" LaRoche announced plans to establish Chess & Community programs in Africa.
Hometown Heroes Return: Athens natives Khary Payton (actor, "The Walking Dead") and Zach McLeroy (Zaxby's co-founder) delivered inspiring keynotes connecting their global success to local roots and emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and perseverance.
OUR CONFERENCE'S
OVER THE YEARS
Calling For Sponsors & Partners
At the 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference, sponsorship directly funded youth scholarships, technology access, and community connections. Your partnership powers our Ubuntu Cultural Exchange, Kids vs. Police Chess Challenge, and VR/robotics experiences while gaining visibility among families and educational leaders. Invest today—create ripple effects of opportunity that extend from the chessboard into schools, neighborhoods, and Athens' future."