Chess Kids and Cops Face Off in Chicago

Students from over 40 Chicago Public schools and cops faced off on May 2nd for the  1st Cops & Kids Culminating Chess Challenge to inspire communication between police officers and youth. The event was held at the Chicago White Sox's home baseball field (Guaranteed Rate Field). David Heiser, founder of Renaissance Knights Chess said the event was a culmination of a year round initiative where police officers participate in after school chess programs. "We promote non-violence and increase positive relationships with youth and police officers." Local CBS News covered the story, as did ABC news. The games are designed to foster positive relationships between police officers and the communities they serve.  One student told NBC, "For cops to want to spend time with us and come teach us about chess, that was kind of  heartwarming and it felt genuine." Though it was also the students doing much of the teaching, as one officer said to ABC news, "The students have actually kicked my butt (in chess) a few times." The Cops & Kids program is held in partnership with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and the Chicago Police Department.