All the right moves

In just second grade, University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) Middle School student Charisse Woods discovered her love for the game of chess - the competition, the strategy, and especially her team. Now twelve years old, she has earned a place at the highly competitive 2018 World Youth Chess Championship tournament in Greece.

Scoring a record 1800 rating points to qualify her for the tournament, Charisse is one of the best chess players in the country. She even had the opportunity to play Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in 2014, and while the initial result was a draw, a rematch may be on the horizon given her increase in skill.  

Charisse Woods ranks as one of the best players in the country, and will compete in the Youth International Chess Championship in Greece next fall. 

Situated directly next to the Michigan Science Center in downtown Detroit, UPSM Middle School’s hallways and classrooms are colorful, dynamic and reflective of the school’s culture of high performance - and the chess team is no different. Finishing this year with yet another state title, they are dedicated, talented, and passionate across the board. Even more impressive is that they lost the majority of their experienced students at the end of last year’s season.

Chess team coach Dominic Johnson recognizes both the talent of his team, and the value that the game of chess gives back to the students. “Chess helps kids think logically and plan ahead, and helps them connect the things they learn in school to a real-life application.” Charisse echoed this sentiment, noting that the game has given her unique analysis skills that help in school. 

Charisse Woods is a remarkable student who is incredibly consistent at going to tournaments, playing strong players, and emerging victorious. - Dominic Johnson (UPSM chess coach)

Johnson, who began his own chess career at Detroit’s Arthur Logan Holmes Elementary, is grateful for the talent of his team - but even more so for the coaching opportunity. “This job gives me the chance to help kids develop the tools that will make them successful in their futures - and I get to see them doing something they love.”

While we can only speculate how Charisse will do in the championship tournament this fall, it’s clear that she will continue to be a role model and leader for the rest of the UPSM chess team, and that we can expect big things as they continue to grow as a group.