The National Scholastic Chess Foundation has partnered with the City of Sunrise, Florida since 2014. In 2017, they created The Sunrise Center for Excellence in Chess to provide a sustained and institutional commitment to chess with a focus on providing community-based chess programs and initiatives in the City of Sunrise.
The Center has significantly expanded its community impact from 2023-2025. The program serves hundreds of participants annually through weekly Open Play sessions (904 participants in 2023-24), free scholastic tournaments, and the signature Mayors’ Chess Challenge that has inspired 25 South Florida cities to launch their own chess programs. Other significant achievements include establishing Family Chess Night at IKEA Sunrise, the Chess Queens Initiative for girls, and consistent instruction at multiple local schools. Notable success stories include Jacorey Bynum, who earned his National Master title at age 16, became Florida State Co-Champion, and received a prestigious Maurice Ashley Fellowship.
The Center has woven chess into Sunrise’s social fabric through community festivals, professional development for instructors, and accessible programming that brings together families, students, and all ages, transforming chess into a powerful tool for education, critical thinking, and community connection.
