Puddletown Chess
Learning Leadership by Building Community
Puddletown Chess is where I learned leadership in real life.
Through Puddletown, I helped organize programs, support students, and grow a community centered around learning and mentorship. This wasn't theoretical leadership: it involved showing up, communicating clearly, and taking responsibility when things didn't go as planned.
Last year (2024) presenting trophies for one of the sections at our Puddletown tournament.
Elevate Your Chess
Puddletown Chess is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, that furthers the game of chess for young players. Through training programs, tournaments, seminars, and community events, we create opportunities for students to grow both as chess players and as leaders.
Many of the leadership lessons I write and speak about were learned through this experience.
Our Impact
Making chess accessible and building community
Total value delivered to make chess more accessible and build stronger communities
Donations Over Time (2026-2021)
Annual breakdown of our contributions
Impact by Category
Where our donations make the biggest difference
What Puddletown Offers
Comprehensive chess education and community programs
Training Programs
Structured training sessions throughout the year to help players improve their skills
Tournaments
Regular tournaments providing competitive opportunities for players of all levels
Seminars
Educational webinars and seminars featuring expert insights and game analysis
Casual Chess Nights
Relaxed community events for players to connect and play in a friendly environment
Scholarships
Financial support to make chess accessible to all students regardless of background
Community Building
Fostering mentorship, leadership, and connections among young chess players
What I Learned
Core leadership principles from building Puddletown
Leadership is service
Clarity matters more than authority
Systems matter as much as intention
Progress comes from consistency, not intensity
Insights from Puddletown
Lessons on leadership and learning
The Many Hats Our Students Wear
At Puddletown, we've learned that students wear different "hats" - the learner hat, the teacher hat, the leader hat. One Saturday, we watched a student walk in wearing the "learner hat," starting with curiosity and growing into confidence.
The Spontaneous Leader
Leadership doesn't grow out of perfect plans. It grows from embracing chaos and learning to adapt. At Puddletown, we've learned that the best leaders are often those who can navigate uncertainty with grace.
Join the Puddletown Community
Whether you're interested in training, tournaments, or building community, Puddletown Chess offers opportunities for young players to grow and lead.