Youth looking to hone their chess game – and other skills – have a new opportunity thanks to the launch of the Atlantis Chess Club.
A ribbon-cutting was held on Friday, June 5, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center where the club is scheduled to meet each Friday from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for youth ages 6 to 12. Members will be paired by skill level. A second location, in Fort Pierce, was set to start up this week through St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation.
Seven years ago, program director Diana Cowan Kempton taught herself chess so that she could teach it to her children. Quickly realizing the many benefits of the game, she decided she would one day like to offer the opportunity to other young people. “Our mission is very simple. Through chess we hope to pull the focus that’s already in our kids but we want to pull it out and pull it back so kids can focus again. Chess is about planning, being focused, being patient and making the right move,” she said.
That chess helps kids get off their handheld devices is also a positive. “It’s a silent mission that I have as well.”
Kempton also expressed her gratefulness to the City of Port St. Lucie for welcoming her. “I’ve lived in many cities,” she said. “They’re the ones who opened the door.”
“It is so great to be able to celebrate the launch of Atlantis Chess Club,” said Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin, who attended the club’s debut.
“Chess is a fun way for young people to learn skill, patience, focus, problem solving and what’s really important, good sportsmanship as well while spending time with others who share their interest. Programs like this help give children opportunity to learn, to grow and challenge themselves in new ways. Congratulations, and we look forward to seeing how your program grows.”
Kempton chose the name Atlantis to recall the legendary civilization that “continues to spark curiosity, wonder and imagination.”
“Chess does the same for children. It invites them to think deeply, explore possibilities,” she said.
“I’m grateful for all of you to be here. I want all children to focus and make the right moves,” said Orion Jean Baptiste, Kempton’s 9-year-old son who is the club’s youth chess leader.
Kempton began playing chess with her older son, now 22, when Orion was very young. For about three years, she played chess with her older son while Orion watched. “My goal was to pique his interest,” she said, explaining how happy she was the day Orion said to her, “Mommy, I am going to beat you in chess.”
From that point on, everywhere she went with Orion she had a chessboard in the car, and they would play at the park and whenever there was a free moment. “I see the positive impact it has on his life. He’s more focused,” she said.
Kempton signed Orion up for chess at American Heritage Elementary in Davie, where they lived previously, and started traveling and competing in different tournaments all around Florida. Now Kempton says she can no longer beat Orion … and has no problem with it!
To add to the experience, Kempton has enlisted the 55+ crowd to assist the club youth so that the two groups have the opportunity to get to know each other.
“They can transfer their knowledge to the kids,” Kempton said, adding that the youth would have to opportunity to interact with a different age group and learn compassion.
Atlantis Chess was set to debut on June 15 at the Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce. The club will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays with youth ages 6 to 12 playing on Monday and 13-to-17-year-olds on Wednesday. Both will meet from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
“Chess is a timeless game that encourages strategic thinking, patience and confidence and staff looks forward to introducing more young people to the benefits of the game,” reads a press release issued by St. Lucie County announcing the program.
For both the Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce clubs, registration is available through Atlantis Chess Club at atlantischessclub.com or by texting 786-436-1434. Port St. Lucie members can also register via the city’s registration portal. Monthly membership is $80 per child. There is a single-session option as well at a cost of $20.