Philadelphia Chess Archives

“When our kids come to the ASAP Chess club room ― it’s their sanctuary.”

― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach, Rhodes Elementary School

Fall 2023

Dear Friend,

You can keep our kids safe after the school bell rings — make a gift today.

With a new school year underway, families and educators alike are concerned for their students’ physical safety and well-being ― both in and outside the classroom.

Of the 1,300 shooting victims in Philly this year, 209* of them have been children under the age of 18.

Learn more about the city’s gun violence epidemic

ASAP’s programs are part of the solution to our city’s gun violence epidemic – giving students access to safe and enriching after school spaces. At Rhodes Elementary School in North Philly, we have a dedicated partner in this work: Mr. Gary Perkins. Or, as his school community refers to him ― The Chess Guy.

Between budget cuts, staff turnovers and COVID learning losses, sustaining after school spaces at Rhodes was a challenge. But Gary knew it was a challenge worth addressing given parents’ increasing concern for their children’s safety outside of school.

That’s where ASAP comes in.

With ASAP’s support, Gary quickly recruited 27 students to participate in his chess club in January, a time of year when it is typically harder to engage kids during the darker winter months.

Gary really put in the work. Two hours a day, five days a week.

Within a few weeks, Gary’s persistence paid off. After school, his students learned to focus and manage their time, with a newfound confidence and sense of personal responsibility. Teachers took notice. The principal took notice.

Programs like ASAP’s are critical for our kids’ wellbeing, especially in times of crisis. After a gun was found at Rhodes last May, where did Gary’s students turn for sanctuary? The ASAP Chess club.

And you, my friend, are a pivotal part of these moments for schools across Philadelphia just like Rhodes.

I’d like to be part of the solution!

Your donation today supports ASAP’s mission to create spaces our children depend on to keep them safe. And when kids do face adversity, Mr. Perkins will be there. ASAP will be there.

In this important work, we are most grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

ASAP

P.S. 97% of school principals believe ASAP clubs prevent youth from engaging in risky behavior like gun violence ― give today to keep students safe after the school bell rings.

Make a donation today!

*Please note, in order to focus our resources in communities with the greatest needs, ASAP regularly monitors the ongoing state of the city’s gun violence epidemic and areas most impacted. To that end, ASAP’s Fall Appeal letter was written and published in September of 2023 based on data available at the time. Unfortunately, the number of gun violence victims that have been children continues to rise.

You can learn more about the current state of the city’s gun violence epidemic as shared by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Controller here.

This data further underscores why your support this fall is needed now more than ever.

Learn more

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Among the many things I love about ASAP, one of my favorite things is catching up with alumni — especially from my early years running the chess program.

A little over a year ago I was in my office chatting with Vanita Young, a young woman who started playing chess with ASAP in 2006 — my first year on the job — who now has a burgeoning career as a scholastic chess coach. In the midst of a lighthearted conversation about ASAP’s upcoming 20th anniversary celebration and fundraiser, Vanita interjected:

Caught slightly off-guard, I slipped into grant-speak. I recited lines from ASAP’s theory of change, detailed our comprehensive logic models, and rattled off the most impressive findings from our most recent evaluation of ASAP’s students and partners.

Vanita politely let me finish and as I stopped to catch my breath, she gave the answer she had in mind all along:

“You’ve got me!”

(DUH)

She was right. Vanita is living proof of everything ASAP hopes to demonstrate with our fancy tools and sophisticated methods.

By the time she first started playing organized chess in the sixth grade, she had already overcome a great deal. Raised by her grandparents and naturally introverted, she often felt out of step with her peers.

But when it came to chess, Vanita was a rock star.

As a middle and high schooler she dominated ASAP’s scholastic chess leagues and became one of the strongest chess players in the state. In the process, she trashed, in her own understated way, the negative stereotypes about girls who play chess and served as a role model, albeit a reluctant one, for all the other young black girls in ASAP’s chess clubs.

When she was invited to a prestigious all-girls tournament in Texas, ASAP raised funds to help get her there. Competing against the best girls in the country, she won her biggest prize to date – a full-ride scholarship to Texas Tech (and later switched to Webster University just outside St. Louis) where she could continue to develop her skills under the tutelage of chess legend Susan Polgar.

If this were a Hollywood movie, that would be the ending.

But in reality, the adjustment to college and living a thousand miles away from her friends and family proved difficult.

And then there was the pressure of living up to the scholarship.

She had setbacks. Big ones. She had to pick herself up and try again. She made mistakes. She learned from them. Eventually, she moved back home and managed to complete her degree all while holding down multiple jobs.

We remained in touch throughout this time and her experience only deepened my admiration for her and challenged my own notion of what a “success story” is. Vanita is an undeniable triumph – a testament to the brilliance that exists in every corner of our city, evidence that every kid deserves access to life-changing enrichment opportunities, proof of the power of positive relationships, and a vital reminder that conventional measures are often a poor arbiter of a young person’s true value and potential for greatness.

So when years later sitting in my office Vanita said “You’ve got me!”, I’ll admit that I was deeply moved. Moved not just by her vote of confidence for ASAP’s impact, but by a sudden wave of gratitude for the impact she had on me throughout my time at ASAP.

Working in service of young people is a great responsibility. We are caretakers of their stories and experiences, ambassadors for their dreams, and stewards of their potential.

Of course folks are right to ask: “Tell us how you know your program is making a difference in the youth you serve?”

But sometimes the real magic is in the difference the young people make in you.

As I prepare to move on from ASAP, I am reminded of all the amazing students and colleagues who have changed my life with their courage, their humility, their kindness, and their greatness. You are too many to name, but please know I will be forever grateful. And as hard as it is to say goodbye, I am comforted knowing that I’ll be taking a lifetime of memories and all of your lessons with me.

Sincerely,

Justin Ennis
Executive Director

For questions regarding ASAP’s Executive Director transition, please contact smorningstar@phillyasap.org or vbakey@phillyasap.org. And to stay up to date on organization updates, please subscribe to our newsletter.

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Read Justin’s Transition Announcement

Read ASAP Board of Director’s Statement

Impact Reflection

ASAP is grateful that you share our belief that fun, structured after school and summer programs allow young people to discover new interests, form positive peer groups, and develop social-emotional and academic skills that will help them succeed in the classroom & beyond. Because of your incredible support and partnership we hit some amazing milestones during the 2022-2023 school year!

2022-2023 School Year Milestones

Stay Connected

4600 youth

Participated in ASAP Chess, ASAP Debate, ASAP Drama, and ASAP Scrabble clubs

200 schools

ASAP partnered with more than 200 schools, libraries, and recreation centers to provide out-of-school time enrichment programs each year

339 Clubs

Met weekly at more than 200 schools, libraries and recreation centers

100 %

of School Partner Principals would recommend ASAP to another school or site

107 %

Increase in number of ASAP clubs since the COVID19 pandemic restrictions

47 %

of ASAP’s high priority location clubs are new this year, in large part due to the work of ASAP’s new Strategic Engagement Team.

78 %

of ASAP’s clubs are located in ASAP’s priority locations – traditional neighborhood public schools and the 15 Philadelphia zip codes with the highest rates of gun violence.

95 %

of ASAP’s Club Leaders agree/ strongly agree that ASAP Club gave students a sense of belonging at school

70 Events

ASAP coordinated more than 70 events, competitions, & performances attended by hundreds of family, friends & supporters!

Student Impact Testimonials

2022-2023 Program Highlights

More about our programs

Additional impact this year: 5 Scholarship Opportunities!

This spring, thanks to generous donations made by friends and family in memory of Gino Giumarello II, ASAP was able to award five, $1,000 scholarships to high school chess seniors who demonstrate excellence in areas of sportsmanship, perseverance, and community.

One of the scholarship winners, Klevisa Bashalli was also named ASAP’s Female Chess Player of the Year. Klevisa on the impact of ASAP’s chess program:

“Thank you for talking with me at every tournament and calming my nerves about chess games and life in general. You all have taught me some valuable lessons. I’ll try to never forget them. This whole year has been so much fun. I will miss every moment, and also carry them in my heart forever.”

Thank you for helping ASAP reach thousands of students this year! If you’d like to continue to support ASAP programs through the summer and into the upcoming 2023-2024 school year please visit: www.phillyasap.org/donate or click the button below!

Make a donation here!

According to Parkway West High School senior Derrick Moore, chess has set him up to tackle all of life’s greatest decisions – especially those pertaining to life after high school. Derrick’s ability to envision several steps ahead is no surprise to those in the ASAP Chess community who know Derrick, including his chess coach, Jason Bui. Coach Bui has been a long-time partner to ASAP Chess and has coached hundreds of students over the years as a teacher at Mitchell Elementary in Southwest Philly and as the leader of the Minor Threats Chess Club.

Some of Coach Bui’s students, like Derrick, were pretty young when they started:

A Community of Lessons Learned

Derrick’s commitment to chess and to honing his abilities in ASAP’s scholastic chess league and weekend tournaments has all attributed to his strong analytical and decision-making skills. He recognizes that win or lose, reviewing games for mistakes made by himself of his opponents is an essential strategy for long-term success — both in the game of chess and in life.

Those strategic-thinking skills will come in handy faster than Derrick might have anticipated as he now chooses what to do after high school. He was proud to share with ASAP that he has been accepted into several universities including Cheney, Temple, West Chester, and Lincoln, to name a few.

A Community of Decision-Makers

Now comes the time for Derrick to decide!

As Derrick contemplates his school of choice and decides between a major in computer science or cyber security, rest assured that he has the tools to make the right move toward a bright future.

But we need your help!

You can support ASAP’s community of students by making a donation at www.phillyasap.org/donate

Click here to donate to ASAP!

Your contribution makes a difference in our after school scrabble community

ASAP Chess Students Light Up the National Stage

For more than a decade ASAP has helped the city’s best chess players showcase their brilliance and represent Philadelphia at various state and national championship tournaments. This year was no different! On March 31^st, ASAP loaded a bus with 41 students from ten different Philadelphia public schools to head down to Washington D.C. to compete amongst 1,700 chess players from around the country as part of the K-12 National Chess Championships.

For Masterman team captain Josh Smullens, this was his third year competing on a national stage — and perhaps his most exciting! He was going undefeated until the final round, with his last match streamed LIVE on Twitch. Hundreds of people tuned in to analyze his every move. Even though it was a bit intimidating having his match broadcasted to a national audience, it added new level of excitement to his experience. Joshua ultimately took home the 10^th place medal and earned his team the 2^nd place team in their section. Despite it not being the exact outcome he hoped for, on his qualifying six victories, he called it “a storybook run.”

When asked about his final nationals game, Josh said:

The Nationals Winner Circle

ASAP is incredibly proud of all the competitors who went head-to-head in more than 280 chess matches at the K-12 National Championships. Check out some of the highlights below.

Northeast High School Nationals Winners

From Northeast High School, champions of ASAP’s Philadelphia Scholastic Chess League, students took home 3 medals in their respective sections during Nationals:

Xavier Chen, 4th place, U800 section
Jayvin Zoleta, 3rd place, U1200 section
Gabriel Burgos, 8th place, U1600 section

Fun Fact: Gabriel Burgos finished as the top overall performer in ASAP’s 2022-23 Philadelphia Scholastic Chess League!

Masterman Nationals Winners

Another team to take home their fair share of trophies during the National Championships was Masterman. In the U1200 sections they were able to secure the 5th place team trophy, as well as Edward Lin leading the charge and taking home the 26th place medal. In the U1600 section, Caleb Landau and Samuel Weisz took home the 27^th and 26^t^h place medals respectively.

Congratulations to all of ASAP Chess National Competitors

Richard Allen Prep Charter School competing under Minor Threats Chess Club, Bregy Elementary School, Central High School, Ben Franklin High School competing under Minor Threats Chess Club, Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), J.R. Masterman School, Mitchell Elementary School competing under Minor Threats Chess Club, Northeast High School, Parkway West High School competing under Minor Threats Chess Club, Science Leadership Academy competing under Minor Threats Chess Club

*Photos by US Chess Federation, Carole King*

This Spring at ASAP!

ASAP Spring Appeal

Coming Soon: Featuring North Square Community Alliance and the ASAP Scrabble club at McKinley Elementary School

Join our mailing list!

Sixers Chess Tournament

Prior to competing in the National Championships, Sixers’ De’Anthony Melton hosted 40 chess students to compete in the “Melton Make Your Move Chess Tournament.” Students played in a bracket style tournament and had the chance to play against De’Anthony and Daryl Morey.

Check out the Sixers Reel!

ASAP in the news:

ASAP Debate students featured in 6ABC Action News coverage following another successful scholastic season

See full press coverage!

More Ways to Support!

ASAP Alumni Harrison Sanford gives back to chess program

As ASAP enters its third decade, there’s a proud lineage of ASAP alumni, going full-circle and sharing their expertise with the next generation as ASAP club leaders and trainers.

Alumni like Harrison Sanford.

And what’s unique about Harrison Sanford? Not only is he an ASAP Chess alum, but he got his start in chess under the tutelage of ASAP’s new Chess Manager and longtime tournament director, Brad Crable. The two first connected when Harrison was just 4 years-old and at the start of his lifelong chess journey.

On his way to earning a US Chess Federation rating in the 1800s, Harrison credits Brad with going above and beyond to support his chess-skill development by always pushing him to set high ambitions and celebrating his many accomplishments.

Chess Alumni takes on new role

Now a freshman at Temple University, alumni Harrison continues to be mentored by Brad; however, he’s learning a new set of skills as he earns his tournament director certification and becomes an advanced chess trainer. Harrison brings to these new roles a deep understanding of how chess can spark a young mind:

Chess: Beyond the Board

For this alumni, these are skills that can translate off the chessboard as well:

In addition, the game had many social benefits for alumni, Harrison. He says that chess clubs felt like home for him, especially as a kid who changed schools several times. He always found new friends at his ASAP chess club – many of whom are still his close friends today. In fact, he met one of his best friends by beating him in a chess tournament at the Philadelphia Eagles’ stadium. No hard feelings though.

But perhaps most importantly, through all his experiences, Harrison believes that chess can help young people develop an affirming sense of identity:

Looking Ahead

What’s up next for this chess alum? He will continue to train new ASAP club leaders in advanced chess skills, mentor students at his former school, J.R. Masterman, all the while studying at Temple University to become a math teacher.

How you can help!

As ASAP looks toward the next 20 years, our rallying call is “After School: We Build Futures,” in recognition of the critical role after school programs and mentors, just like Harrison, Brad, and Amy play in helping young people reach their full potential. And this fall, Thanks to the generosity of the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, every donation made to ASAP before December 31^st will be matched up to $25,000! Help ASAP build more futures and create more opportunities for youth in Philadelphia by making a donation and doubling your impact!

Double your impact!

ASAP Chess veteran & alum helps “propel” new program in the Northeast

Northeast Community Propel Academy (NCPA), a newly built K-8 neighborhood public school kicked off the 2021-2022 school year with a brand-new ASAP Chess club lead by none other than veteran, Mr. Andrew Skopp. Andrew is a longstanding ASAP Chess coach who has taught the game to hundreds of students. He first started back in 2004 at Austin Meehan School. Recently, Coach Skopp has quickly made chess a major part of his new school’s extracurricular culture with nearly two dozen students joining the start-up club.

ASAP Chess Alum Ta’Dacia Pinkey

To help get his team in top shape, veteran Coach Skopp enlisted the help of another veteran, familiar face – ASAP Chess alum Ta’Dacia Pinkey. Ta’Dacia flew back from her new home in California to share some tactics and strategies with the NCPA students. She got her start playing chess at Meehan back in the late 2000s before moving on to Franklin Towne Charter; it’s there where she started her own ASAP Chess club as a sophomore. During this time, alum Ta’Dacia distinguished herself as a fierce competitor and great advocate for the game. In fact, she is known for famously beating Philadelphia Mayor Mike Nutter in an exhibition match at the ASAP-PECO Checkmate Violence Marathon back in 2013.

Where is veteran chess player Ta’Dacia now?

In addition to showing the NCPA students some pointers, veteran Ta’Dacia has much to share about how chess can help broaden young people’s horizons. For example, in 2013 she was selected as one of ASAP’s ambassadors for the Asomugha College Tours for Scholars. There, she toured different colleges and universities in California alongside former Philadelphia Eagle Nnamdi Asomugha. This experience the alum to enroll at the University of California-Irvine, using the lessons she learned through chess to propel her on her way to receiving a degree in computer science.

Did you know 89% of ASAP club leaders agreed or strongly agreed that ASAP clubs have helped them develop strong relationships with their students?

New team on the block

As for veteran Coach Skopp’s current team, they are just getting the feel of real tournament play. Most recently, his students expressed one of their favorite experiences this year was an in-person 1v1 match with Tacony Academy Charter School. Almost all the students were new to chess, competing against another team for the very first time. This event really generated a sense of enthusiasm among participating students. Consequently, they cannot wait for more opportunities next year to play chess under their favorite coach, Mr. Skopp!

How you can help!

ASAP is privileged to work with so many exceptional educators and alum like veteran Coach Skopp and Ta’Dacia, who are committed to fostering a community of students with an activity that helps them prepare both for school and beyond. Furthermore, we celebrate the Northeast Community Propel Academy team for giving it their all in their very first season. We cannot wait to see what they do next year!

If you’d like to help ASAP create more opportunities for youth in Philadelphia, we hope you will consider making a donation!

Click here to donate to ASAP!

More Ways to Give!

Dear Friend,

Over the last 18 months, the pandemic has robbed young people in our city of many of the experiences, such as after school programs and relationships that enrich their lives and shape their futures. With the support of individuals like you, ASAP is helping schools give their students after school activities that can reignite their love for learning, reconnect them to their school communities, and give them safe spaces when the school day ends.

Together, we are giving students the opportunities they deserve. Students like Yves.

After leaving his native Haiti in 2018, Yves enrolled at Franklin Learning Center (FLC) which offers a “newcomer” program for immigrant students. There, Yves’s Algebra teacher, Ms. Saganti, took an interest and invited him to join her ASAP Chess club. Yves was still learning English and didn’t know how to play chess, but he immediately felt at ease:

Inspired by his new friends, Yves was soon studying tactics on YouTube at night and competing in ASAP Chess tournaments on the weekend. By February 2020, this “newcomer” to both chess and America was recognized as the top 10th grader in ASAP’s citywide chess league! It was an affirming moment for Yves and for his coach.

“I have seen kids with the fear they can’t do it. But their skills and confidence increase. They find the courage to be there and to compete. It is a big achievement.” ― Yves

Teens need our help. In a recent study, 46% of parents said their teen has shown signs of new or worsening mental health conditions since the pandemic began.

Yet, it seemed Yves’s triumph would be short-lived. Just weeks later COVID-19 shut down schools across Philadelphia and abruptly ended the chess season. It was a crushing blow.

But Yves wasn’t about to give up on chess or his team. They mattered too much. Thankfully, Ms. Saganti was also determined to help her students remain connected. With ASAP’s support, she started a virtual chess club. It caught on quickly.

Under Ms. Saganti’s guidance, FLC’s chess club has flourished during the pandemic – providing a space for even more newcomers to find their place and hone their talents.

Yves, now a senior and team captain, is eager to win more awards when in-person tournaments return. But the past year has helped him gain perspective on what is truly valuable:

ASAP is proud to work with so many dedicated educators and mentors, like Ms. Saganti, to help students do what they love after school. With your gift, we can provide the platforms for more kids, just like Yves, to feel at home and pursue their full potential.

Click here to donate to ASAP!

More ways to Give!

As we work towards brighter futures for kids in Philly, we are most grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

ASAP

P.S. Relationships matter! 89% of teachers say ASAP clubs help them develop strong relationships with students. Join us in supporting the mentors making a difference in the lives of Philly kids!

Through January and March, ASAP Chess is running a series that contribute to the ASAP Chess Grand Prix! The ASAP Chess Grand Prix includes weekly grade based and open events as well as puzzle and lesson challenges using the Chesskid.com platform and is open to all students K-12. At the end of the winter season, winning students and teams will receive prizes. To join the ASAP Chess Grand Prix, please contact us at chess@phillyasap.org or call 215.545.2727 ext. 17.

While ASAP Chess may not be meeting in-person, chess clubs in Philadelphia are still teaming up to face-off virtually against opponents across the city. Using the online platform ChessKid.com, ASAP Chess has hosted a series of events that feature formal tournament play, interactive lessons and, most recently, workshops led by chess experts.

Pre-tournament Zoom workshops, in particular, have proven very popular among students and coaches eager to take a deeper dive into strategies and tactics. For example, in December students have been learning about the strengths and weaknesses of knights and bishops based on board positions – knowledge they can immediately turn into a winning strategy for their tournament matches.

“It was a good to learn on how bishops dominate knights and how knights dominate bishops. It was very cool.”

-Johnson He, Ziegler Elementary, 8th grade

Adding to the appeal of these workshops is that they’re led by ASAP Chess alum Angelo Dellamargio. A dedicated student and teacher of the game, in recent years you’d be likely find Angelo at ASAP’s Saturday tournaments surrounded by eager elementary school students of various ages from different schools trying to analyze their game play before the next match. Angelo’s natural rapport with the kids, who trust his knowledge and look forward to tuning into his virtual workshops, has helped sustain a sense of community among chess players who haven’t seen one another for months. For Angelo, that feeling is mutual.

These workshops are just one of the many ways ASAP has continued to connect kids in Philadelphia with caring adults and keep them engaged in learning when the school day ends. As we remain laser-focused on giving children in Philadelphia the enrichment opportunities they deserve, we are most grateful for your continued support and partnership.

If you would like to make an online donation please click here.

All donations made to ASAP throughout this season will be receipted with a card to pair with your loved ones’ gifts, sharing the impact your donation made this year: an opportunity for our city’s young people to discover new worlds, new talents and new friends, even when we are apart.

Here’s an example of one of our personalized cards!

How you can help

Make an online donation

Support while you shop!

Other ways to give

ASAP Fall Appeal — make after school part of the solution

Impact Reflection

2022-2023 School Year Milestones

Student Impact Testimonials

2022-2023 Program Highlights

Chess

Debate

Drama

Scrabble

Additional impact this year: 5 Scholarship Opportunities!

A Community of Lessons Learned

A Community of Decision-Makers

But we need your help!

Your contribution makes a difference in our after school scrabble community

ASAP Chess Students Light Up the National Stage

The Nationals Winner Circle

Northeast High School Nationals Winners

Masterman Nationals Winners

Congratulations to all of ASAP Chess National Competitors

This Spring at ASAP!

ASAP Spring Appeal

Sixers Chess Tournament

ASAP in the news:

ASAP Alumni Harrison Sanford gives back to chess program

Chess Alumni takes on new role

Chess: Beyond the Board

Looking Ahead

How you can help!

ASAP Chess veteran & alum helps “propel” new program in the Northeast

ASAP Chess Alum Ta’Dacia Pinkey

Where is veteran chess player Ta’Dacia now?

New team on the block

How you can help!

Teens need our help. In a recent study, 46% of parents said their teen has shown signs of new or worsening mental health conditions since the pandemic began.

P.S. Relationships matter! 89% of teachers say ASAP clubs help them develop strong relationships with students. Join us in supporting the mentors making a difference in the lives of Philly kids!

Here’s an example of one of our personalized cards!

How you can help

ASAP Board Names New Executive Director, Sara Morningstar!