Checkmate — Missouri Military Academy Launches Chess Society 

On the evening of October 5, 17 dedicated cadets convened in the Missouri Military Academy library for the Academy's first chess society meeting. All cadets were welcome to attend, from newcomers to seasoned players.

Chess offers numerous cognitive and psychological benefits, and the MMA chess society will help provide cadets with a sense of accomplishment while increasing their personal growth. 

“Chess teaches critical thinking and problem-solving,” says Chris Shafer ’89, MMA engineering instructor and chess advisor. “These skills require regular exercise so that a young man can develop mental muscle memory for these skills — chess is one more avenue that can be used to this end.” 

The meeting was led by cadet leader Brayden Phelps ’24, who has been playing chess for six years. Cadet Phelps discussed basic chess moves, set up a sample board and challenged cadets to strategize their way to checkmate. Cadets were then divided into groups based on their skill levels. Some chose to play on traditional game boards, while others preferred to play on digital boards.

Cadet Phelps is passionate about the game of chess and looks forward to helping other cadets “grow into skilled chess players and possibly compete against other schools.”

The idea of an MMA chess society was made possible through the generous donation of alumnus Lee ’92 and Stephanie Merrell, who provided new boards, timers and enthusiasm for the game. We are grateful for their support, which has been instrumental in establishing MMA’s vibrant chess community.

Throughout the year, MMA’s chess society will continue to meet on Thursdays from 2015 to 2100. All cadets are invited to attend, regardless of experience.