Cops & Kids Chess: Community Engagement Event with UFC

On August 14, 2025, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), in partnership with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and Chicago Public Schools (CPS), hosted a special “Cops & Kids” chess event, teaming up with UFC fighters to engage CPS students in a spirited and strategic match-up.

Photo courtesy of the organizers

Held at the Chicago Police Department Training Academy in West Humboldt Park, this community outreach was designed to strengthen connections among students, law enforcement, and athletes through the universal language of chess.

A Unique Blend of Strategy and Community

Although an unexpected pairing, the event was a resounding success. More than a dozen kids, four UFC fighters, and several CPD officers participated, each given just five minutes to play a fast-paced round of chess.

UFC fighters Curtis Blaydes (Chicago’s De La Salle High School graduate), Belal Muhammad (CPS Bogan High School graduate), Beneil Dariush, and Clay Guida brought energy, smiles, and sportsmanship to the boards. Their presence highlighted the connection between the mental discipline of chess and the preparation required for success in the Octagon.

From left: UFC fighters Curtis Blaydes, Belal Muhammad, Beneil Dariush, and Clay Guida (Photo courtesy of the organizers)

Belal Muhammad reflected on that parallel, saying that, “Any UFC fighter, you want to win at anything you do, and I think chess is one of those competitive sports where it's more than brawns.”

Left: CPS Bogan High School graduate Belal Muhammad being gracious in defeat. Middle: Clay Guida in the middle of a double attack. Right: Chicago's De La Salle High School graduate Curtis Blaydes deep in concentration. (Photos courtesy of the organizers)

David Heiser, president and founder of the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, reflecting on the shared skills, emphasized that, “Chess players, police officers, and UFC fighters all use the same skills… You have to master what you're doing… and see the whole picture.”

Chicago Police Chief Angel Novalez added, “It's about conflict resolution, about preparation, and it's about healthy competition.”

A Memorable Match

One of the young participants, 12-year-old Euniece Dimasacat, played three rounds against Belal Muhammad — winning two of them. “Overall, it's a really nice experience to actually, like, go play with the UFC fighters,” Dimasacat said, “… It's a really great experience that we get to talk to them and play with them.”

UFC fighter Belal Muhammad (R) went three rounds against Euniece Dimasacat on the board (Photo courtesy of the organizers)

Muhammad also shared how meaningful it was to shift perceptions, noting that, “When you leave them, and they leave with a different side of who they think you are or what they learned from you, it's the best feeling ever.”

About the Initiative

The Cops & Kids Chess initiative is not just an occasional event — it’s part of a year-round after-school program led by the Chicago Police Department, the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, and Chicago Public Schools.

CPD Chaplin — Members of CPD in action. Left: Chaplain Hysni Selenica | Middle: Sergeant Marissa Garbacz | Right: Officer Reynoso (Photos courtesy of the organizers)

CPD Officer — Members of CPD in action. Left: Chaplain Hysni Selenica | Middle: Sergeant Marissa Garbacz | Right: Officer Reynoso (Photos courtesy of the organizers)

The program is designed to build positive relationships between students and law enforcement while promoting critical thinking, leadership, and respect through the game of chess.

Thank You to UFC

Today’s Cops & Kids Community Event was a knockout! Big thanks to UFC stars Curtis Blaydes, Belal Muhammad, Beneil Dariush, and Clay Guida for bringing the energy, smiles, and sportsmanship. And thank you to the UFC for teaming up with us to make this day unforgettable for Chicago’s youth.