Three ways chess fights back.
From community fundraising to senior outreach to university research — here's how we're turning chess into a weapon against Alzheimer's.
Chess Tournaments for a Cause
We partner with chess clubs across Upstate and Midlands South Carolina to host fundraising tournaments for the Alzheimer's Association's #TheLongestDay campaign.
Every tournament is open to all skill levels — from complete beginners to experienced competitors. The entry fee goes directly to Alzheimer's research and awareness. You play the game you love. The cause gets funded. Everyone wins.
- All skill levels welcome — beginners to expert
- Multiple cities across Upstate and Midlands SC
- Entry fees go to the Alzheimer's Association
- Hosted in partnership with community chess clubs
- "Do What You Love to End Alz" fundraiser series
All skill levels welcome. You don't need to be a strong player — just bring your love of the game and a desire to make a difference.
Sign up for tournament alerts. We announce new events via our newsletter — join below to be the first to know.
Chess Classes at Retirement Communities
We visit local retirement communities to teach chess directly to seniors — bringing cognitive stimulation, social connection, and real joy to the people most at risk for Alzheimer's.
Research shows that challenging the mind through games like chess may help build cognitive reserve — a kind of mental resilience against decline. Our classes are free, welcoming, and designed for absolute beginners.
- Free chess instruction for seniors
- Visits to local retirement communities
- No prior chess experience needed
- Focus on cognitive engagement and social connection
- Taught directly by our student volunteers
Cognitive benefits are real. Chess activates memory, planning, and visualization — the exact functions most threatened by Alzheimer's disease.
More than a game. Our visits reduce social isolation — a leading risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults.
Clemson University Research Study
Caton Tsao and Aman Sreshta proposed a formal research study to Dr. Kaileigh Byrne at Clemson University — investigating whether chess gameplay can help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia.
Dr. Byrne notes that "there is almost no work specifically on chess," despite its engagement of multiple cognitive functions simultaneously. Our community is helping change that through real scientific study.
- Cross-sectional study comparing chess players vs. non-players (60+)
- Examining hippocampus, prefrontal cortex & occipital lobe activation
- Led by Dr. Kaileigh Byrne, cognitive psychology professor at Clemson
- Actively recruiting participants aged 65 and older
Looking for participants. If you are 65 or older — whether you've played chess for years or never at all — you may be eligible to participate.
Want to participate?
Contact the Clemson Decision Lab at decisionlab@clemson.edu to learn more about joining the study.