Chess Program For Milwaukee Inner-City Youth Launches

A new chess program targeting inner-city youths launched this week in Milwaukee.

Children from second to 12th grade in the county can learn to play the game with the “Chess in the Parks” program for free for the next five weeks. Milwaukee County Supervisor Martin Weddle, a former state chess champion, said he hopes the program enhances the creativity and critical thinking ability of young minds in the inner city.

“I think it’s about exposure more than anything,” he said. “Once you get exposed to something, you may not like it at first, but you never know where it takes you. I really think there is a huge need, and I really want to expose kids to this opportunity.”

A county chess tournament will be held on Aug. 8 when the summer program ends. Children can also sign up for year-round programs.