Meet Phil Shaw: The Island Chess Man

The Island Chess Man: Phil Shaw Teaches the Art of Chess at Starbucks on Padre Island

If you’ve ever visited the Starbucks on Padre Island, you may have come across a man with a chess set, ready to challenge anyone who dares to take him on. His name is Phil Shaw, but he’s better known as “the Island Chess Man.” Phil has a passion for teaching the game of chess to others, despite not always being a chess pro himself.

“Mostly chess has been just pushing the pieces around. I didn’t know anything about chess,” Phil Shaw shared. But that didn’t stop him from becoming a master of the game and a beloved teacher in the community.

After 32 years of teaching middle school, Phil retired and found a new way to connect with people through chess. He can be found at the Starbucks on Padre Island, where he offers lessons to anyone interested in learning the game.

For just $10, parents can sign their kids up for a chess lesson with Mr. Shaw. Despite his wife’s insistence that he charge more, Phil is more focused on having fun and sharing his love for chess with others.

“I never lose. I either win, or I learn,” Phil Shaw said, emphasizing the importance of growth and learning through the game.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, Phil is always looking for new opponents to play against. You can find him at the island Starbucks every Wednesday at 5 p.m., ready to share his knowledge and passion for chess with anyone willing to learn.

So, if you’re looking to improve your chess skills or simply enjoy a friendly game with a local legend, be sure to stop by and challenge the Island Chess Man himself. Who knows, you may just learn a thing or two from this chess master.