Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the average American’s screen time and internet usage has increased by 60%. As screen time has reached an all-time high, local social clubs have emerged as an antidote, offering face-to-face interaction.
The Inglewood Chess Club is one of the latest to join this movement, creating an inviting space where players—from beginners to experts—can meet, compete, and connect.
Inglewood Chess Club offers something unique and genuine: an opportunity for people to come and play chess in a free and open setting. For founder LJ Moody, the mission is simple: to make chess fun and inclusive.
“I put Inglewood Chess Club together just so that I could play chess with more people,” Moody shared.
“I usually just played with a few friends. We’d play a couple of chess games here and there, but it was just us.”
As Moody reflected on how to share his love of the game more broadly, he recognized the gap in his community – a lack of chess spaces in Inglewood and in Black communities.
Inspired by the success of meetups like the LA Chess Club, Moody saw an opportunity to build something unique for Inglewood’s Black community and other residents. “If I can’t find it,” Moody concluded, “I might as well build it.”
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With the vision of building a community around chess, LJ Moody began by posting flyers and hosting free events in Inglewood. These gatherings, held at local spots like the Inglewood Public Library, invite people of all skill levels to meet for the game. Some events specifically have videos on display, with content from chess influencers and enthusiasts teaching strategies, tactics, and openings for chess.
The Inglewood Chess Club, active for a year, is still in its early stages. “Right now, it’s mostly just free play,” Moody explains. “I haven’t done any tournaments yet. People come, play chess, and decide if they want to use a clock or not—it’s up to them.”
While the focus is currently on casual play, Moody has big plans for the future.
“Down the line, I’d like to have a professional chess master teach for 30 minutes to an hour before games begin,” he shares. For now, he’s working on growing membership and encouraging more people to get involved.
Moody believes that chess offers more than just entertainment; it teaches valuable life skills.
“Chess teaches foresight, like grandmasters who think seven or more moves ahead,” he explains.
“Even if you’re not at that level, thinking three or four steps ahead can improve real-life decision-making.” He sees chess as a tool to help people think critically and navigate challenges in today’s complex world.
Looking ahead, Moody plans to focus on engaging local youth through chess. “Teaching kids is important because they have more time and capacity to build skills,” he explains. “Chess is something they can stick with for years.”
Having learned the game as a child from his own father, Moody knows firsthand the lifelong value chess can provide. He is currently navigating the approval process for volunteer work in the community and hopes to start teaching kids in the near future.
The Inglewood Chess Club is also expanding its efforts to give back. In December, the club is hosting a food drive, where attendees can bring food donations for those in need while enjoying a friendly game of chess.
Ultimately, Inglewood Chess Club is a place where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, the club offers a unique opportunity to share your love of chess and build meaningful connections.
To join the Inglewood Chess Club and stay updated on events, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @inglewoodchess.
