Chess Opens Another Door: NCC Comes to Dominican University

By Chris Major

President, Novato Chess Club

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin with a simple question:

“Could I come in here?”

That question recently opened a new door for me and the Novato Chess Club at Dominican University of California.

After years of looking for an opportunity to bring chess onto the Dominican campus, I recently connected with Naomi from the university's Student Success Center. The conversation quickly turned into an invitation.

Now, we're bringing the Novato Chess Club to Dominican.

I'll be at the Student Success Center on the second floor of the Dominican University Library on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving students an opportunity to stop by, learn the game, play a match and connect with other students.

For me, this partnership is about much more than putting chessboards on tables.

The Student Success Center works with students who may need additional support as they make their way through college — exactly the kind of environment where I believe chess can make a difference.

When I met Naomi and the people there who are committed to helping students succeed, I remember thinking:

“I found my people.”

A Common Language

That idea — helping people connect — is already playing out in another one of our NCC programs.

I recently welcomed a six-year-old boy from China who attends a Montessori school in Napa. His family drives roughly an hour so he can participate in our chess program.

The boy speaks little English.

At the chessboard, it doesn't matter.

He already knows the game — and he can play!

His mother expressed her gratitude for finding a program where her son could participate and feel welcome despite the language barrier.

The experience reminded me of something I heard at a chess gathering in Calgary:

You don't need to speak the same language when you know the language of chess.

I love that.

Two people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds can sit across from one another without sharing a word and still communicate through 64 squares and 32 pieces.

That's the power of the game.

From Novato to Uganda

Our reach isn't stopping at Dominican.

I'm also preparing for my next trip to Africa, scheduled for July 11 through August 3, while fundraising for our continuing chess work in Uganda.

Next year will mark the tenth year of the tournament we've supported there. Over the years, we've helped provide prizes and opportunities for young players that go well beyond trophies and ribbons.

This year's young competitors included boys and girls ages 7–12 playing for practical prizes such as microwaves — prizes that can benefit their entire families.

Think about that for a moment.

Here in the United States, imagine telling a seven-year-old that the prize for winning a chess tournament is a microwave. In Uganda, something that may seem ordinary to us can be a meaningful prize for an entire family.

That's one of the reasons this work means so much to me.

I'm now preparing to reach out to Rotary Clubs and other community organizations as we work toward raising the money needed for the next trip and tournament.

One Board at a Time

Whether it's a college student walking into the Dominican library, a six-year-old boy newly arrived from China, or a young chess player thousands of miles away in Uganda, what we're trying to accomplish is remarkably similar.

Put down a chessboard.

Invite someone to sit across from you.

And see what happens.

Sometimes a game of chess becomes much more than a game.

I hope you'll continue following our journey, supporting our programs and sharing the Novato Chess Club with others. Together, one board and one player at a time, we can continue using chess to bring people together.

— Christopher Major

President, Novato Chess Club