Royal Oak Initiative

Royal Oak Initiative (ROI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt social change and mentoring organization that uses the wisdom of chess to protect, heal, and build community by cultivating collective wellness, mindfulness, and critical thinking. We pride ourselves on providing a unique "flavor" of culturally-magnetic chess programming centering new and non-traditional chess explorers of all ages. ​

ChessMakers is a cooperative chess-based maker and cultural arts organization that aims to strengthen the solidarity economy in Central Ohio by empowering community members to design and create their own chess equipment, sets, pieces, furniture, and art. With a specific focus on youth, we aspire to provide training and guidance in the areas of financial wellness, entrepreneurship, industrial design, and the skilled trades while increasing holistic wellness and mindfulness in the community.

Let's make moves!

Founder: Ernest Levert Jr.
theroichess.org