A Maricopa youth chess club is helping children find both playing partners and a sense of community, according to InMaricopa.
Kevelyn Tellez, founder and program director of the Piece of Life Youth Chess Club, said she started the program after her son wanted to play chess but did not have anyone nearby to play with. She connected with head chess coach Ferdinando Fortuno, known as Coach Nino, after meeting him at a nonprofit event in Phoenix.
Before launching regular classes, the group held a free session at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center to see whether there was enough interest. Tellez said she expected about five children, but 15 showed up on the first day, and there were not enough boards for everyone.
The strong response led to formal classes that filled quickly. Tellez said the first session drew 20 students, the club now serves about 25 students each month, and by early October it had reached 80 students overall.
According to InMaricopa, about half of the students are homeschooled, and families have valued the program not just for chess instruction but also for social connection. Organizers are considering more space at Central Arizona College, with hopes of offering additional classes and eventually tournaments as the club continues to grow.
