Event Overview
Ifa Halima Bumi introduced The Inner Chessboard™ Framework during her September 17 presentation exploring sound, breath, the human microbiome, and the gut-brain connection.
ORLANDO, FL - What happens when the principles of chess move beyond the board?
For Ifa Halima Bumi, founder of Chess Queens Crown Table (CQCT), chess has always been about more than the movement of pieces. It is about recognizing patterns, understanding relationships, responding to change, and considering the next move.
On September 17, 2026, Bumi brought that perspective to the NAMI Florida Annual Conference in Orlando, where she presented “SOUND, BREATH + MICROBIOME: Gut-Brain Connection, Activate + Reset With Breathwork and Sound Healing.”
More than 30 attendees including NAMI professionals and health and wellness practitioners participated in the presentation, which explored the relationship between the human microbiome and the gut-brain connection, while incorporating breathwork, sound healing, and meditation.
It was within this broader conversation about connection and awareness that Bumi introduced The Inner Chessboard™ Framework.
Bringing the Chessboard Within
The Inner Chessboard is Bumi’s framework for using the familiar language of chess to explore what happens internally when we encounter patterns, choices, disruptions, and change.
On a chessboard, one move can affect an entire position. A piece can be protected by another piece. A disruption can change the strategy. Even the queen, one of the most powerful pieces on the board, can become vulnerable when the surrounding position changes.
Bumi uses these dynamics as a metaphor for life.
“Chess mirrors life to me.”
During her NAMI presentation, the chessboard became a bridge between the external game and the internal experience connecting the concepts of awareness, intentional breathing, sound, the body-brain relationship, and decision-making.
Rather than separating these ideas, Bumi invited participants to consider the ways different parts of a system can be connected and how awareness of those connections can influence the way we respond.
Chess Beyond Competition
The presentation represents another dimension of the work Bumi is developing through Chess Queens Crown Table, where chess serves as a vehicle for confidence, strategy, community, and empowerment.
CQCT’s work continues to create opportunities for women, girls, youth, families, and communities to experience chess not simply as a competitive game, but as a tool for thinking, connecting, and seeing possibilities.
The Inner Chessboard™ does not replace the traditional chessboard. It expands the conversation around it.
And now, that conversation returns to the physical board.
The Next Move: Winter Bloom Open
On Sunday, December 6, 2026, Chess Queens Crown Table will host the Women’s & Girls Winter Bloom Open 2026 at Panera Bread in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The US Chess-rated boutique tournament will offer women and girls an opportunity to sharpen their game, gain tournament experience, and connect with fellow players ahead of the 2026 US Chess Federation National K–12 Grade Championships in Orlando.
Whether preparing for Orlando, returning to tournament chess, or simply looking for a welcoming place to play, there is a seat at the table.
Register:
https://square.link/u/2j3POiRF
Full event information:
https://new.uschess.org/chess-queens-crown-table-womens-girls-winter-bloom-open-2026
About Chess Queens Crown Table
Chess Queens Crown Table (CQCT) is a Florida-based community chess initiative dedicated to empowering women, girls, youth, families, and communities through chess.
Through tournaments, educational programs, social chess gatherings, and community partnerships, CQCT creates welcoming spaces where confidence, strategic thinking, leadership, and meaningful connections can flourish.
Founded by Ifa Halima Bumi, CQCT is rooted in the belief that chess can be more than a game it can be a pathway to connection, confidence, and empowerment.
Chess is an act of love.
Planting Seeds Through Empowered Chess.
1707 St. Lucie West Blvd. #174
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
United States