Empowering
Young People
Through Chess
Checkmate for Change is dedicated to empowering children and young people in Antigua and Barbuda to make a positive impact in their communities through the game of chess.
About Us
Checkmate for Change is dedicated to empowering children and young people in Antigua and Barbuda to make a positive impact in their communities through the game of chess. We believe that chess is more than just a game; it's a tool for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and fostering connections among youth.
What We Offer
Our mission is to create positive changes in our communities, one move at a time. We provide the necessary tools and resources to help young individuals harness their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Chess Workshops: Regular workshops to teach children and young people the fundamentals of chess and strategic thinking.
Community Events: Organizing chess tournaments and community gatherings to promote engagement and collaboration.
Mentorship Programs: Connecting experienced chess players with youth to provide guidance and support.
Resources: Access to chess materials, books, and online platforms to enhance learning.
Who We Are
Checkmate for Change began not in a boardroom, but over a chessboard.In 2023, Joseph and Zachary Loftus met John Nathan while on holiday in Antigua. What started as casual games of chess quickly became something more—a shared belief in the power of the game to bring people together, spark confidence, and open doors.Since then, that connection has grown into action. Joseph and Zachary have helped link Pares School in Antigua with their own school, Immanuel College in London, building an international partnership rooted in opportunity and learning. Together, they have organised fundraising initiatives, chess tournaments, and community programmes, using chess as a bridge between cultures and classrooms.At its heart, Checkmate for Change is about young people taking initiative—using a simple game to create confidence, community, and change.
Zachary Loftus
Zachary Loftus is a 17-year-old A level student from London, England, currently studying Mathematics, Economics, and Geography. He loves travelling and hopes to go to university in the United States in September 2027.Zachary’s interests include music, football, basketball, and, of course, chess. He believes chess is more than a game—it’s a powerful tool for confidence, critical thinking, and positive change, a belief that sits at the heart of Checkmate for Change.
Joseph Loftus
Joseph Loftus is a London-born student currently studying at Emory University in Atlanta. He is passionate about bringing people together, sharpening minds through debate, and building community both on and off the chessboard.When he’s not studying or playing chess, Joseph can be found wakeboarding, or supporting Chelsea Football Club.
John Nathan
John Nathan Jr. is a past student of the Pares Secondary School and lives in Antigua & Barbuda. His interests are sports, community building, fishing, and chess.Concerned that the current generation has given up thinking and growing, he is determined to see a change in future generations and believes that with each checkmate, a change is possible.
Get involved
Join our mission to empower the next generation! If you'd like to volunteer, donate, or help spread the word, please get in touch.
Our Work
Through our ongoing partnership with Pares Secondary School and our annual Chess Summer Programme in Potters Village, Antigua, we have already introduced over 100 students to the life-changing benefits of chess.If your school or community group would like to partner with Checkmate for Change, please get in touch.
Our Impact
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I never thought of myself as a chess person until I actually tried playing, and while playing, I slowly started liking the game. Playing chess has a calm feeling, but it is still intense: you have different pieces, and you need to be able to identify the names and the specific moves they do. Chess requires a lot of thinking, and it really puts the brain to work, but at the end of the day, I still find it fun and entertaining.
— Abbie James, 15
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I want to learn chess because it's fun, and it makes me happy!
— Cliff Joseph, 7
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I always wanted to learn chess, but I never tried to. But I told myself that I would learn. I know the basics, but I want to learn more.
— Clayton Joseph, 12
Gallery
Get involved
Join our mission to empower the next generation! If you'd like to volunteer, donate, or help spread the word, please get in touch.
Contact Us
For more information, inquiries, or to get involved, please complete the form below or email [email protected].
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