The Cornerstone Chess Team was formed in 2007 with twenty-four students. It has since grown to include more than seventy students and has won an astonishing number of awards at both state and national levels. It is the largest chess team in the state.  Coach Kevin Fite, founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Detroit City Chess Club, is credited with changing the students’ initial perceptions of chess (previously regarded as a “nerd” activity) and thus the entire “culture” of the school by making the Chess Team not only socially acceptable, but one of the most popular programs at Cornerstone.

Besides being a popular social activity, the Chess Club has numerous academic benefits. Students learn and develop scholastic abilities, including analytical and thinking skills, concentration, and memory. Generally, students’ grades improve (particularly in mathematics) and they discipline themselves mentally and in a classroom setting. 

The Chess Team students value consistent hard work and perseverance. The students are extremely dedicated, even putting in extra practice time on the weekends.  Their efforts yield results. Notably, the team placed first and third in consecutive victories in the 2008 and 2009 National Junior High Championships.  The Chess Team also has individual players ranked nationally in the Unites States Chess Federation.

While the life-lessons of dedication and perseverance are invaluable, the students’ biggest achievement is learning self confidence. Developing social skills and improving academic performance gives the children confidence and belief they can accomplish anything.