Chess for Champs By Traci Sanders
When Chris and Megan Suli formed Chess for Champs in 2021 – to offer socializing experiences and constructive activities for youth – they had no idea what it would become in such a short time. Chris has played chess since childhood, having learned from his father and grandfather. However, he took a more serious interest in the game as a young adult and began playing in local chess clubs and competing against online players. His highest Elo rating so far is 2000, and he won second place in his division at his most recent tournament. Chris decided to study under Championship Chess instructors around the greater Atlanta area, and began teaching the game locally. As a teacher at Lilburn Elementary School, Chris’ wife Megan became interested in the sport when she saw how well the chess students performed in Chris’ classes and how much fun they were having. Megan now attends every class to assist coaches and students. She even won a grant from Resurgens Charitable Foundation (and United Way funding) to build an all-inclusive playground for Lilburn Elementary School students and the local community to enjoy. Chris and Megan have reached over thirty families thus far. They usually see around fifteen kids on a weekend, and they host a free chess club on the first and second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stone Creek Pizza. “It’s a very family-friendly environment,” Megan shared, “and we typically have at least fifteen people per night, since we are one of the only active chess clubs near the metro Atlanta area.” Classes are offered on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Citizen Exchange for one-and-a-half-hour sessions from Coach Chris and another experienced mentor, Coach Jack. Snacks and prizes are provided, and students can enjoy playing at the park or inside. “We’ve really watched these kids grow,” Megan said, “not only in chess, but socially as well, especially those for whom social skills do not
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come naturally.” Saturday class is from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and is open to ages seven and older, novice to intermediate skill level. Students can pay per class attended. No membership fees are in place. Chess for Champs has been partnered with Salon Nine Seven from the beginning, which is where Sunday classes are held in the event of bad weather. Recently, they partnered with Citizen Exchange, The Nett Church at Berkmar, and Mosaic Minds Art Academy to offer more options for chess classes to the Lilburn community. Chris and Megan are in conversation with Lilburn Choice Preparatory Academy to offer yet another location soon. Summer Chess and Art Camp is another program Chris and Megan offer. The camps are held at Music on Main Street, and students are taught tactics, strategies, and the basics of chess from Coach Chris and Coach Jack. Megan teaches arts and crafts based on students’ interest levels, and draws inspiration for these activities from being an oil artist. Of course, there is always time allotted for socializing and free play. “We have quite a few students with special needs,” Megan said, “whether they are on the spectrum or have sensory issues, and they flourish in our class because of our patient coaches and opportunities for free expression in play.” Chris manages a disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), which involves the peripheral nerves that control muscles and can cause proContinued on page 20
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