Shaping bold thinkers
through chess.
Chicago nonprofit empowering youth with chess-based leadership development. We create STORMERS—strategic leaders who think one move ahead.
"It's not a loss, it's a lesson."
4TH ANNUAL ASAC OPEN
CHICAGO'S ORIGINAL OVER-THE-BOARD RATED TOURNAMENT
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHICAGO CHESS FOUNDATION
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
NATIONAL TEACHER'S ACADEMY
55 W CERMAK ROAD, CHICAGO
Tournament players registration ends Sept. 29th
LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE
GAME ANALYSIS BY RATED CHESS PLAYERS
SCHOLARSHIPS
MEDALS & TROPHIES
LUNCH PROVIDED
A Step Ahead Chess (ASAC) is a mission-driven nonprofit based in Chicago, IL, committed to shaping the next generation of bold thinkers, strategic problem-solvers, and visionary leaders—one move at a time.
Why Chess?
We believe that chess is more than a game. It's a powerful equalizer that unlocks potential, builds confidence, and levels the playing field for youth from every background.
When a child learns to think a step ahead, they're prepared to go farther than they ever imagined, and become STORMERS!
WHAT IS A STORMER?
STORMER (noun)
/ˈstôr-mər/: A youth who leads with vision, grows through challenge, and always thinks one move ahead.
Not just a player, but a presence—strategic, steady, and fierce.
A rising thinker. A fearless learner. A leader in the making.
STORMERS don’t just weather the storm.
They are the storm.
“You’re learning critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making — all in a game.”
- ASAC Founder & CEO, Coach Sorsby
Exposure. Encouragement.
Empowerment.
At A Step Ahead Chess, our work goes far beyond the board. We use chess as a vehicle to unlock leadership, academic growth, emotional resilience, and community pride.
What We Do
We introduce youth to the world of chess—and to a new vision of themselves. Through mentorship and encouragement, we help STORMERS build confidence and see that their potential is limitless.
We create the next generation of problem solvers, critical thinkers, and visionary leaders.
Our Impact
Chess is more than a game. It's a mirror for life—and a training ground for the mind.
Every match teaches patience, focus, resilience, and strategic thinking. In communities where opportunity can feel limited, chess becomes the great equalizer.
That's why we chose chess. And that's why it works.
"Chess helps me to think slowly and wisely, because in chess you have to make the best move, and you must stay calm, even when you are in tough situations."
— William M. (Moss), ASAC STORMER - 2 Time Tournament Champion, Bahamas
Since launching, A Step Ahead Chess has:
Reached over 2,000 youth & their families
across Chicago and beyond
Partnered with schools and community organizations
across multiple locations
Trained over 60 junior coaches
through our Coach-In-Training program
Delivered more than 20,000 hours
of instruction, mentorship, and leadership development
Register for Lessons
Join the Movement
4TH ANNUAL ASAC OPEN
CHICAGO'S ORIGINAL OVER-THE-BOARD RATED TOURNAMENT
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHICAGO CHESS FOUNDATION