Detroit, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Make A Move LA will conclude its series of chess tournaments with a final event in Detroit on July 19. This nonprofit organization, which integrates chess with performing arts, will feature a unique play style and offer a $10,000 grand prize finale entry for the winner. Attendees can also enjoy local performances. This final tournament emphasizes community engagement and showcases local talent, making it a remarkable celebration of both chess and the arts.
Detroit
Make A Move LA, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit using chess and performing arts to build community, will host its final chess tournament on July 19 in Detroit. This event marks the end of a series that has included 19 tournaments in various cities such as Compton, Atlanta, and Howard University in Washington, D.C. The tournament will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Robert C. Valde Park, located at 2670 Atwater St, Detroit.
The Detroit tournament promises a unique play style known as “don’t get lit up,” in which a checkmated king piece is set on fire. The winner of this exciting event will earn a chance to compete in the Champion of Champions Grand Finale for a significant $10,000 prize. Make A Move LA will also cover the free airfare costs for the tournament winner to fly to Los Angeles in October for the finale.
Prizes for the tournament include $200 and a King’s trophy for first place, alongside entry into the $10,000 grand finale. The second place winner will receive $100 and a player jersey. Registration for the tournament remains open for interested participants.
Jerimiah Payne, the founder of Make A Move LA, initiated the nonprofit to showcase local talent alongside chess competitions. Before diving into chess, Payne was involved in performing arts, particularly spoken word poetry. For the Detroit tournament, local performers will take the stage, featuring poets, musicians, and comedians to highlight community talent.
The tournament’s organization was further enhanced through Payne’s collaboration with Arthur Johnson, the founder of Wise Guys Chess Club in Detroit. Johnson has a compelling backstory, having learned chess while recovering from being shot eight times at the age of 19. His journey emphasizes the philosophical connections between chess and real-life situations, particularly the foresight and strategic thinking required in both areas.
The partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan underscores the mission to foster local talent and engage the community in meaningful ways. Previous tournament winners of Make A Move LA include two-time champion Vincent Hubbard, Damien Fletcher, and Gabriel Sam, highlighting the competitive nature and skill level of participants that the organization attracts.
Payne’s vision for Make A Move LA began as a chess tournament for champions but has evolved into a robust chess league. Each event ultimately emphasizes not just competition but also community engagement through arts, making chess tournaments inclusive and culturally rich experiences.
The final tournament in Detroit represents not only a competitive opportunity for local chess enthusiasts but also serves as a celebration of community arts and the profound connections that can be made through the game of chess.
Key Features of the Tournament
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | July 19 |
| Event Time | 12 PM – 4 PM |
| Location | Robert C. Valde Park, Detroit |
| First Place Prize | $200, King’s trophy, entry into $10,000 finale |
| Second Place Prize | $100, player jersey |
| Performance Highlights | Local poets, musicians, comedians |
FAQ
What is Make A Move LA?
Make A Move LA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit using chess and performing arts to build community.
Where will the final chess tournament take place?
The final tournament will take place in Detroit.
What unique play style will be featured in the tournament?
The tournament features a unique play style called “don’t get lit up,” where a checkmated king piece is set on fire.
What are the prizes for the tournament?
Prizes include $200 and a King’s trophy for first place, and $100 and a player jersey for second place.
Who can participate in the tournament?
Registration for the tournament is still open.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Hosts Unique Chess Tournament with Local Flair
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Make A Move LA Tournament
- Wikipedia: Chess
- Chess.com: Is There Good Money in Chess?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chess
- El Paso Times: Chess News
- Google Search: Chess Tournaments
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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