Hoosier Chess Academy: Teaching Valuable Lessons and Leveling the Playing Field

The Hoosier Chess Academy in Bloomington is making waves in the community by offering chess instruction and summer camps to children from all backgrounds. Founded by Ben Foley in 2024, the academy aims to level the playing field by providing access to chess for kids from low-income families.

Chess is more than just a game to Foley and his team. They believe that it teaches valuable life skills such as concentration, patience, critical thinking, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Through the academy, they hope to instill these skills in children who may not have the opportunity to learn them elsewhere.

One of the key figures at the academy is Sam Bala, a seasoned chess player who emphasizes the importance of focus and strategy in the game. With players becoming Grand Masters at just 12 years old, the competition is fierce, and every move counts.

The academy offers monthly meetings, tournaments, and summer camps to engage children in the game of chess. They also provide scholarships for kids from low-income families, although funding remains a challenge. Despite this, Foley and his team are committed to their mission and are determined to make chess accessible to all.

Chess coach Jimmy Brown, who has been coaching chess for 25 years, laments the decline in funding for after-school programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that chess coaching is a dying art and hopes for better compensation for coaches in the future.

Overall, the Hoosier Chess Academy is not just about teaching chess; it’s about empowering children, building community, and fostering a love for the game. Through their dedication and passion, Foley and his team are making a difference in the lives of children in Bloomington.