KMC
Making moves that matter with KMC Youth Chess Club
KMC Youth Chess Club
October 8, 2025
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Group photo of summer chess tournament participants on Aug 7, 2025 at Ramstein Air Base (KMC Chess Club)
Why play chess? The benefits go far beyond the board. Chess sharpens decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, and planning. It also strengthens empathy, creativity, memory, and intellectual character. And unlike so many activities today, it doesn’t involve technology. It’s a universal game that transcends cultures and generations.
Every Thursday from 9:30–10:30 a.m., 28–30 students gather at the KMCC Food Court—and not one of them is looking at a cell phone. Instead, you’ll find rows of chessboards and young players leaning in, planning their next moves. For them, it’s not just about winning—it’s about learning to focus, bouncing back after a tough loss, and sharing laughs with friends across the board. In fact, every round ends with both a Winner and a Learner.
What began as a handful of casual players in 2021, has become a hub of energy and connection. Today, more than 30 students meet weekly. The program features monthly lessons, creative chess variants, and mini practice tournaments. Visitors are always welcome: many veterans, active-duty service members, and civilians stop by for a game, creating an intergenerational community brought together by chess.
Along the way, our students meet incredible role models. Last year, FIDE Master Patrick Aizpurua played a simultaneous exhibition against 13 players. This spring, FIDE Expert Andy Duren visited the Ramstein Library twice to share his simultaneous skills. Currently, Mike Pawlak challenges our students weekly, often juggling several games at once. For students, these experiences are unforgettable—they show what’s possible when you combine hard work with passion.
Kids playing chess at tables at the KMCC Exchange (KMC Youth Chess Club)
But the impact goes deeper than chess. Students build confidence as they step up to teach or referee. They develop resilience by shaking hands after a loss. They form friendships that last beyond the game. One student who started out shy now confidently teaches newcomers and helps run tournaments—a transformation that shows how chess builds both skill and self-esteem.
The students don’t just play—they learn from adult volunteers, experiment with new formats, and even teach beginners. They also take on leadership roles, welcoming new faces and helping run events. Annual traditions include Donuts and Chess with Dad in June and Chess with Vets every November, a celebration that honours and connects with our veterans. This year’s Chess with Vets event is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, from 1–3 p.m. at the KMCC Food Court, and we would love to see as many veterans as possible join us.
One of the biggest highlights of the year is our quarterly tournaments. The most recent, held August 7, 2025, drew 48 players. Each tournament is free, complete with trophies, ribbons, decorations, and pizza—all personally funded so that every participant feels celebrated. Our next tournament will be Thursday, October 24, and players under 19 can sign up at: https://www.chessmanager.com/tournaments/5157985662533632.
Looking ahead, we hope to connect with youth clubs in Stuttgart and Wiesbaden, with the long-term dream of hosting international student tournaments across Europe. Imagine students sharpening their skills while also building friendships across cultures—that’s the kind of connection we’re working toward.
We’re proud of what’s happening here and grateful for the chance to share our story. Chess may be a timeless game, but for these students, it’s also a pathway to learning, belonging, and growing—one move at a time.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.