Rotary, Chess & Forgetting My Cell Phone.

(My reflections on the Rotary International Convention in Calgary)

This summer, I attended Rotary Calgary 2025, an event that brought together thousands of passionate individuals committed to service, community, and—unexpectedly—chess.

The convention was an unforgettable experience, full of vibrant energy, new friendships, and deep conversations. But it didn’t start out exactly as planned.

On the way to the airport, I realized I forgot my cell phone at home.

At first, panic. Then… peace.

I admit that being without my phone—my usual lifeline for schedules, updates, and keeping in touch—turned out to be one of the greatest gifts of the trip.

Without it, I had no choice but to be completely present. No texts, no scrolling, no hiding behind a screen. I looked up, met people’s eyes, and started more conversations than I probably would have otherwise.

I met fellow chess lovers from across the globe. It was amazing how many Rotarians I met who have a connection to the game. From casual players to serious tournament veterans, chess became an unexpected bridge across language, culture, and geography. There’s something universal about chess—it’s like a shared language.

I returned to Novato energized and inspired, with new ideas for connecting our club with other chess communities, both locally and internationally.

But perhaps most importantly, I came back with a reminder we could all use in this digital age: sometimes, putting the phone down—or forgetting it altogether—opens us up to the richest kinds of connection.

—Chris Major

President, Novato Chess Club