Empowering Kids Through Chess: The Mission of Hoosier Chess Academy

Hoosier Chess Academy Levels the Playing Field for Kids from Low-Income Families

BLOOMINGTON, IN – Two players stare intently at a board of 64 black and white squares. They are still except for a sudden grimace or the occasional twitch of an eyebrow. To casual observers, chess could seem boring. But for Ben Foley, chess is an exciting game that imparts valuable lessons.

Foley founded the nonprofit Hoosier Chess Academy in 2024 with a mission to teach chess and level the playing field by giving kids from low-income families access to the game. He believes that chess teaches kids to concentrate, exercise patience, think critically, play with others, and exhibit good sportsmanship – skills that may not be learned at home for some children.

Sam Bala, the club’s treasurer and a 40-year chess player, emphasizes the importance of focus in chess. Unlike other sports where mistakes can be overcome, in chess, one mistake can lead to a loss. With players becoming Grand Masters at just 12 years old, underestimating opponents is unwise. Bala stresses the need to fully focus on a game from start to finish and play one’s best.

At Hoosier Chess Academy, kids participate in advanced lessons where they engage in rapid-fire discussions about possible moves and strategies. Chess coach Jimmy Brown challenges them to think critically and problem solve on the board. The kids learn valuable skills such as discovered check, checkmate, and double-check, all while honing their strategic thinking abilities.

After the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown laments the decline in funding for extracurricular activities like chess coaching. He believes that chess coaching is a dying art and advocates for better compensation for coaches to retain talent in the field.

Foley, who is passionate about making chess accessible to all children, offers affordable sessions at the Monroe County Public Library downtown branch. The club hosts monthly meetings, tournaments, and a summer camp to engage kids in the game. Foley hopes to eventually provide scholarships to kids from low-income families, but for now, the club relies on revenue from meetings, tournaments, and camps to cover expenses.

As Foley embarks on a two-week solo trip to Japan and Southeast Asia, his dedication to the Hoosier Chess Academy remains unwavering. He believes in the power of chess to empower children and hopes to continue leveling the playing field for kids from all backgrounds.