by JR Valrey, Editor in Chief
One of the most memorable days I had this summer came by accident, when I stumbled upon a Black Men’s Chess League event in Jack London Square a few months ago in Oakland. It was hosted at a restaurant and bar on a hot, sunny afternoon, with a vibrant crowd filling the space. I planned to have a glass of wine, play a quick game, and head out. One hour turned into two, then three, and before I knew it, I had made new connections just as organizers began packing up.
Chris Morgan, Alton Kennedy and JaColbrian Benard, also known as “Profhit,” are the visionaries behind the Black Men’s Chess League. I sat down with them for a Q&A so they could share more about the movement they are building in the Bay Area.
JR Valrey: Who started the Black Men’s Chess League? When? Why?
Chris Morgan: The original founder, JaColbrian Benard “Profhit,” started The Black Men’s Chess League out of a love for chess and a desire to create a space for brothers to play in person instead of online. The first meetup was Aug. 24, 2025, in his little brother DJ Big-O’s backyard. About 12 people attended. Soon after, Alton Kennedy and I — both deeply invested in the growth and evolution of the league — helped turn it into a social event and later a nonprofit organization.
JR Valrey: How often do you organize events, and at what kinds of places?
Chris Morgan: We started with one primary event each month. After forming our nonprofit, we began teaching kids of all ages — boys and girls — for free. Our monthly events now serve as fundraisers for our youth program. We host one monthly event and one youth class each month. We started with minority-owned businesses and later expanded to larger community spaces, welcoming families and broadening the message and spirit of B.M.C.L.
JR Valrey: When did you learn how to play chess? How has it helped you?
Profhit: I learned to play chess as a child growing up in San Francisco in the 1990s. There were chess boards lined up on Market Street every weekend, and that was my first exposure to the game. I stopped playing for a long time, then reignited my love for chess during the pandemic.
Chris Morgan: I learned as a child as well, but didn’t play much due to a lack of people around me who played. I rediscovered my passion during the pandemic after watching “The Queen’s Gambit.” I also met a colleague named John Wise while working at the COVID command center at the Moscone Center, which helped bring me back into the game.
Alton Kennedy: I learned chess around age 10 and have continued playing casually throughout my life. Chess has taught me patience, discipline, critical thinking and strategic planning.
JR Valrey: Why do you think chess is a positive thing for the Black community to bond over and organize around?
Profhit: Chess is a game that teaches a way of life. It can consume you, it can heal you, and we’ve proven it can build community and spark a movement.
Chris Morgan: Chess fuels competitive energy and enhances creativity, memory, and cognitive skills by exercising the brain.
Alton Kennedy: For the Black community, chess creates a space for fellowship, mentorship, education and leadership development, while reinforcing the importance of thinking several moves ahead in life.
JR Valrey: What has the response been like so far at your events?
Chris Morgan: The response has been love, support and amazement. People of all ages and backgrounds have come out and experienced real joy and community. We’ve created a safe space where people can enjoy music, entertainment, food and chess, even during difficult times in this country. Because of that, we dedicate our time, energy, and resources to growing this movement.
JR Valrey: Are women allowed?
Chris Morgan: Yes. While The Black Men’s Chess League began as a space for Black men to connect — similar to a barbershop environment — our events are family-friendly. We play edited music and intentionally create safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can come together and bond over chess.
JR Valrey: What events do you have scheduled for August?
Chris Morgan: We have an adult-only event in Vallejo at H-Lounge (472 Benicia Rd) on Aug. 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
We’ll attend the 11th Annual All My USOs Family Day BBQ on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilman Park (903 Gilman Ave., San Francisco).
Our monthly fundraiser and one-year anniversary will be held at Prescott Market (1620 18th St) in West Oakland on Aug. 16 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
We’ll also be at the “Hip Hop Fairyland” Health Fair on Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Children’s Fairyland (699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland).
JR Valrey: Where can people go to stay up to date with the Black Men’s Chess League?
Chris Morgan: We’re currently on Instagram at @BlackMensChessLeague. Our website is in development, but for now, people can email info@blackmenschessleague.com to stay updated or learn more about our youth program and other activities.
SF Bay View Editor-in-Chief JR Valrey is a veteran journalist. His work can also be heard on www.blockreportradioworld.com. He can be reached at jr@sfbayview.com.