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 was founded in 2023 by Joseph Loftus and John Nathan, two students passionate about expanding access to the life-changing benefits of chess.
Joseph Loftus
Joseph Loftus is 17 and lives in London, England. He hopes to study in the United States from Autumn 2025, and his interests include community building, wakeboarding, debating, philosophy, and—of course—chess.
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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