Free chess club builds community and critical thinking in Flint

FLINT, Mich. — Every week, youth and adults come together to sharpen their minds and build community across generations through the game of chess.

The IATC Chess Club, a free program hosted by Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center, has become a consistent community space where players of all ages and skill levels are welcomed at the table.

Founded by Esha Wooten-Brown, the club was created to make intellectual growth and community connection accessible to everyone. The idea took shape when she noticed a gap in local offerings, as the closest chess club was more than 30 minutes away in another county.

“When you travel to other states, you see chess embedded into the community — permanent chess tables in parks and public spaces where people of all ages gather,” she said. “Flint deserves that same opportunity.”

The club welcomes beginners of all ages and experienced players, with attendance that varies from week to week.

“Our chess club is intentionally open to all ages and skill levels,” Wooten-Brown said. “On some weeks we may see primarily youth ages 8 to 12, while on other days our participants range from as young as 7 to as experienced as 52. It truly varies week to week, and that’s part of what makes the space so special.”

At the top of 2026, the club moved from Fridays to Saturdays in response to feedback from adult and older participants.

“We’re happy to accommodate,” she said. “The love for chess truly spans generations.”

Wooten-Brown said first-time visitors can expect a welcoming and pressure-free environment.

“When someone walks in for the first time, they can expect a calm, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating environment,” she said. “There’s no pressure and no intimidation. Most importantly, there is a chess board and a place waiting just for you.”

Sessions feature a mix of teacher-guided instruction, casual play, independent games, and even speed chess, with classical music helping set a focused but relaxed tone.

For beginners, Wooten-Brown emphasizes that chess is less about winning and more about learning how to think.

“Chess is not about being ‘smart enough’ or winning quickly,” she said. “It’s about learning how to think. Mistakes are not failures; they’re part of the learning process.”

She added that patience and curiosity matter more than perfection, and hopes the club helps young people recognize their own potential.

“I hope this chess club helps youth see themselves differently,” she said. “Chess teaches young people that their minds are powerful, that they are capable of thinking strategically, making decisions, and learning from setbacks.”

Those lessons, she said, extend far beyond the board.

“If even one young person walks away believing they are smarter, stronger, and more capable because of chess,” she said, “then this club has done exactly what it was meant to do.”

Sustaining a free program comes with challenges, and Wooten-Brown said ongoing community support is essential.

“We’re always in need of help with advertising and outreach so more families and community members know the club exists,” she said. “Additional volunteers, chess sets, clocks, instructional materials, sponsorships, and community partnerships all help us keep the program organized, engaging, and 100% free.”

To learn more about the IATC Chess Club and other programs Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center offers, visit insideacceleration.com.