Chicago Chess Program Connects Generations Through Competition

Several initiatives across the United States are using chess to foster personal growth, bridge generational divides, and promote inclusivity. In Chicago, a new program pairs high school chess players with senior citizens, encouraging mutual learning and life lessons beyond the game itself. Meanwhile, Westview High School’s Zoey Tang, a Woman Grandmaster, not only excels in national and international competitions but also founded Puddletown Chess, a nonprofit focused on providing equitable chess opportunities and increasing female participation in the sport. These efforts underscore the value of chess as a tool for building community, sharing wisdom across generations, and addressing gender disparities within the chess world.