Thinking One Move Ahead: How Chess Is Helping Youth Change Their Lives

By Nicholas Williams, Executive Director, Urban Aviators Society

In a time when youth violence, impulsivity, and split-second decision-making continue to affect youth within communities, it’s more important than ever to teach young people how to think, not just react. That’s precisely why we chose to use chess as a tool for change.

I’ve seen firsthand, through my years in law enforcement and my work with the Urban Aviators Society, that many young people make split-second decisions that can change their lives forever. I wanted to find a way to reach them before that moment, to help them slow down, think critically, and see the bigger picture. That’s when I realized the quiet power of chess with the help of a great friend.

The Power of Patience and Problem-Solving

When you sit down at a chessboard, you quickly see that patience and strategy matter. One of our young participants once told his mother, completely unprompted, that he had learned “how to think one move ahead and about patience.” That moment meant everything to me. It proved that what we were doing was working. We weren’t just teaching a game; we were shaping a mindset.

Chess teaches youth to remain calm under pressure, to analyze the board before making a move, and to take responsibility for their mistakes. In our sessions, we even include drills that require players to wait 60 seconds after their opponent moves before responding. It’s simple, but impactful. It promotes discipline, breathing, and mindfulness in ways that words alone can’t.

A Three-Phase Approach to Growth

Our chess diversion program runs for 10 to 12 weeks and is built around three core phases:

1. Chess & Critical Thinking:

   Youth start by learning or improving their chess skills. This stage develops patience, foresight, and situational awareness, the same skills they’ll need to navigate life.

1. Aviation & STEAM Exploration:

   Once those critical thinking skills take hold, we move into aviation and STEAM activities through the Urban Aviators Society. Chess becomes the foundation for innovation, showing youth that the same focus they use on the board can be applied to science, technology, and flight.

   
   

2. Community Dialogue & Accountability:

   Finally, participants meet with law enforcement officers and judicial officials to engage in open and honest conversations about their choices and the consequences. This stage closes the loop, reinforcing how thinking ahead can keep them on the right path.

   
   

We begin every session by checking in with participants, asking how their week has gone and if they have faced any challenges. Over time, we’ve observed small but meaningful changes: less fidgeting, improved focus in class, and more engagement with the lessons. Parents have also noticed these changes. We then end every session with a daily reflection.

Why Chess Works When Other Programs Don’t

There’s often a stigma around counseling, and not every young person connects with sports or tutoring. Chess breaks down that barrier. It doesn’t matter how athletic, talkative, or outgoing you are; everyone starts on equal ground.

Chess becomes a safe space for growth. It teaches that moving too fast and recklessly leads to checkmate, both in the game and in life. As I often tell our youth, if you rush through life, you might end up in jail or worse. But if you slow down, think ahead, and choose your moves carefully, you give yourself a real chance to win.

Building Dialogue, Not Division

One of the most significant aspects of this program is its ability to foster dialogue between youth and adults. When law enforcement officers, mentors, and community leaders sit face-to-face with young players, it helps break down barriers. The game becomes a bridge, a way to talk, laugh, compete, and connect on a human level.

Measuring Success and Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, we measure success through surveys, attendance, behavioral changes, and testimonials from parents and participants. Over time, we hope to see fewer disciplinary issues, improved focus, and a genuine interest in aviation and STEAM careers.

Our long-term goal is to expand this program into schools, the juvenile justice system, and eventually statewide. We are actively seeking community and financial partners who share our belief that prevention and opportunity are interconnected.

The Bigger Picture

At the Urban Aviators Society, we view STEAM as a series of innovations and foundational elements, with chess being one of those elements. Whether on a chessboard or in a cockpit simulator, the goal remains the same: to help youth think critically, plan ahead, and believe in their potential.

Chess matters because it develops essential life skills while fostering confidence and creativity. It encourages young people to think carefully before they act, both on the board and in real life.

So let’s keep building our youth up, one move at a time.

Nicholas Williams

Executive Director & Founder

Urban Aviators Society

www.UrbanAviatorsSociety.org