Detroit to Host Final Chess Tournament of Make A Move LA Series

Detroit, October 16, 2025

News Summary

Detroit will welcome the final chess tournament of the Make A Move LA series, held at Robert C. Valde Park. This nonprofit organization uses chess and performing arts for community engagement. The tournament, scheduled for July 19, features a unique burning wax king piece format and showcases local performers. The winner will compete in the Champion of Champions Grand Finale in Los Angeles, with a grand prize of $10,000. Registration is open for participants keen to blend competition with performance art.

Detroit is set to host the final chess tournament of the Make A Move LA series, a nonprofit organization using chess and performing arts to foster community engagement. This tournament will take place on July 19 at Robert C. Valde Park from noon to 4 p.m.

Make A Move LA has successfully executed 19 of its 20 chess tournaments across various locations, including Compton, Atlanta, and Howard University in Washington, D.C. The grand finale of this series will enable the winner from Detroit to compete in the Champion of Champions Grand Finale in Los Angeles. The grand prize for the finale winner amounts to $10,000, with the nonprofit covering the airfare to the event scheduled for October.

Each chess competition organized by Make A Move LA includes the unique “don’t get lit up” style of play, in which a custom wax king piece is set on fire when a player is checkmated. Prizes in the Detroit tournament include $200, a King’s trophy, and entry into the Champion of Champions Grand finale for the first-place winner, while second place will receive $100 and a player jersey.

In alignment with their commitment to local talent, Make A Move LA has arranged for local performers to showcase their talents after the second round of the chess tournament. This collaboration will feature acts such as comedians, poets, musicians, and dancers. Local performers will be sourced in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, enhancing the community aspect of the event.

Make A Move LA is also co-partnering with the Wise Guys Chess Club of Detroit for this significant event. The founder of the Wise Guys Chess Club, Arthur Johnson, became acquainted with chess while recovering from being shot eight times at age 19. His personal journey emphasizes the life lessons and self-mastery that chess can impart, drawing parallels to the importance of strategy in one’s life.

The connection between Johnson and Jerimiah Payne, the founder of Make A Move LA, blossomed through social media in 2023, leading to this collaboration for the Detroit chess tournament. Payne’s journey with chess began in third grade, and his initial vision to host a tournament for champions evolved into the broader mission of establishing a chess league aimed at community building.

Registration for the Detroit chess tournament is currently open, with further information accessible through Make A Move LA. Participants are encouraged to sign up to be part of this unique blend of chess competition and performance art, fostering a vibrant community spirit while promoting youth engagement in these valuable skills.

Key Features of the Detroit Chess Tournament:

• Date and Time: July 19 from noon to 4 p.m.
• Location: Robert C. Valde Park, 2670 Atwater St, Detroit.
• Unique Chess Format: “Don’t get lit up” style, where a wax king piece is set on fire when checkmated.
• Performance Showcase: Local performers including comedians, poets, musicians, and dancers.
• Partnership: Co-organized with Wise Guys Chess Club of Detroit.
• Prizes: $200 and a King’s trophy for first place, $100 and a player jersey for second place.
• Finale Prize: $10,000 for the winner of the Champion of Champions Grand finale.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Final Chess Tournament in Detroit by Make A Move LA
Detroit Hosts Unique Chess Tournament with Local Flair

Additional Resources

• Detroit Free Press: Make A Move LA Chess Tournament
• Wikipedia: Chess
• FIDE: Grand Swiss 2025
• Google Search: Chess tournaments
• Richmond Standard: Community Chess Tournament
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Chess
• ABC7 Chicago: National Chess Tournament Canceled
• Google News: Detroit Chess Tournament
• Chess.com: James Canty Streamer of the Month
• Google Scholar: Nature of Chess

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