When you come out to Valade Park in Detroit, you’re probably expecting fresh air and riverfront views, but did you know you can even learn the game of chess at the park? It’s all thanks to the Wise Guys Chess Club.
The chess club was founded by Arthur L. Johnson who wanted to share the impact that chess had on him with others. Johnson was paralyzed from the waist down after being shot and it took him 3-and-a-half years to learn to walk again.
“On my journey of recovery, I was introduced to the game of chess by my uncle when he told me that if I learned to master my board, I could master my world,” Johnson said.
Johnson and the rest of the Wise Guys Chess Club share their love for the game of chess during Wisdom Wednesdays events where they invite people of all ages to come out to play the game on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Valade Park. Coaches are on hand at the events to teach people how to play chess.
Watch the video above to learn more about Wise Guys Chess Club.
