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About us
our MISSION
Indy Chess is an educational organization seeking to build strategic thinking and community through teaching and sharing the game of chess in Greater Indianapolis. We emphasize making these skills and connections accessible and inclusive for all who want to grow through knowledge of the game.
our VISION
An Indianapolis where all have the opportunity to grow in the skills and community that chess can provide.
our VALUES
Intentional Inclusion: We have to work to invite and welcome underrepresented groups to the chess community. After all, "The only thing chess players have in common is chess!"
Affordability and Access: If chess instruction is not affordable, or even free, it cannot reach all who can benefit from it.
Sportsmanship: Winning at the expense of good character isn't winning at all. Losing is learning.
Balancing Fun & Struggle: Chess must be enjoyable to engage with it. However, growth and skill application comes in the forging fire of competition. One without the other risks being incomplete.
our board members
Manasi Balagere
President
Lamb Weston,
Senior SAP Developer
Brad Armstrong
Treasurer
Milliman, Principal and Consulting Actuary
Vaughn Laptiste
Board Member
Educator, Christel House Indianapolis Watanabe High School
Tom Spalding
Vice President
C2 Strategic Communications, Senior Strategist
Gabe Hawkins
Board Member
Cohen & Malad, Attorney
FM Lester VanMeter
Board Member
President,
Indiana State Chess Association & Six-time Indiana State Champion
Mandee Byers
Secretary
Chess Parent
Michelle Jackson, PhD
Board Member
Indianapolis Public Schools, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
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Upcoming Events
Sat, Nov 23St. Paul Episcopal ChurchNov 23, 2024, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMSt. Paul Episcopal Church, 6050 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
Tue, Nov 26Latvian Community CenterNov 26, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PMLatvian Community Center, 1008 W 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
Sun, Dec 01St. Monica School (Enter Door 15)Dec 01, 2024, 1:45 PM – 5:30 PMSt. Monica School (Enter Door 15), 6131 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46228, USA- Tue, Dec 03Latvian Community CenterDec 03, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PMLatvian Community Center, 1008 W 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
- Tue, Dec 10Latvian Community CenterDec 10, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PMLatvian Community Center, 1008 W 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
- Tue, Dec 17Latvian Community CenterDec 17, 2024, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PMLatvian Community Center, 1008 W 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
Sun, Dec 29La Quinta Inn & Suites Indy SouthDec 29, 2024, 12:45 PM – 5:00 PMLa Quinta Inn & Suites Indy South, 5120 Victory Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
Mon, Dec 30St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)Dec 30, 2024, 9:00 AM – Dec 31, 2024, 12:00 PMSt. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room), 4600 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA- Thu, Jan 02St. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room)Jan 02, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jan 03, 2025, 12:00 PMSt. Thomas Aquinas School (Bethany Room), 4600 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
Sat, Feb 01St. Paul Episcopal ChurchFeb 01, 2025, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PMSt. Paul Episcopal Church, 6050 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA