What We Do
Building community & helping youth develop a Royal Oak Chess (ROC) solid foundation.
R.O.C. ACADEMY
Improve chess abilities and leadership skills through activities focused on community building, goal-setting, collective action, decision making, self-discipline, resilience, and resource management. |
R.O.C. CLUBS
Receive supplies, training and ongoing support from ROI to launch and maintain weekly site-based chess clubs and leadership activities at your local school, library, faith-based organizations, or community center. |
R.O.C. LEAGUE
Participate in our culture and community-focused tournaments at businesses and institutions of higher learning. Tournaments will include workshops, resource fairs and interactive keynotes. |
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Our Foundation
Ernest Levert Jr, the Founding Director of The Royal Oak Initiative (ROI), has been playing chess since the 4th grade. Chess has provided him with a platform to connect with mentors, make new friends, explore different cultures, and empower his self-actualization. He hopes to share his experiences, expertise, and enthusiasm for the game of chess with youth from all walks of life. ROI was launched in 2014 to sustainably equip under-served populations with the education and the resources needed to eliminate personal and economic challenges as obstacles to kineticizing their greatest potential. Beyond the benefit of developing critical and strategic thinking, ROI seeks to use chess as a fun and challenging foundation for stimulating growth in the areas of citizenship, stewardship, and leadership.
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Exploring the Royal Game of Chess + Developing Mighty Oaks of Righteousness + Taking the Initiative to Create Change
Cooperative Chess Cultural Center
A Home to the Chess Explorer
80 Parsons Ave • Columbus, OH 43215
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The Cooperative Chess Cultural Center (The 4C - "The Fork") serves as the home of The Royal Oak Initiative (ROI) and a gathering space for community. From the art that adorns the wall, to the community leaders that convene to connect through the wisdom of chess, everything about The 4C is focused on increasing wisdom and wellness in the minds and lives of chess explorers. Join the 4C with a monthly membership for coworking, event rentals, meeting space, and of course chess! Be the Peace.
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Co-work |
Events |
Chess |
Art |
Events
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International Chess Day with Grandmaster Maurice Ashley
On Saturday, July 23, ROI hosted Grandmaster Maurice Ashely for the first ROI International Chess Day Celebration! Grandmaster Ashley inspired and engaged the Columbus Chess Community the entire day. He started the morning with "Chess & Coffee" at The 4C ("The Fork") followed by leading a chess workshop, delivering a keynote speech about his story, chatting with world-renowned negotiation expert Kwame Christian, culminating in the grand finale with Grandmaster Ashley simultaneously playing 20 people at once! We ended the day with "Chess, Art & Poetry" and a speed chess tournament at the OSU African American Extension Center. Be sure to check out the video re-cap of International Chess Day! |
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Upper Cup Chess Community Open Play
2nd & 4th Sundays from 4:00 - 8:00 pm Come play chess at the Cooperative Chess Cultural Center (4C - "The Fork") every 2nd and 4th Sunday. All skill levels are desired and everyone takes home an "L". Whether that is a lesson or loss, come connect with community. Good vibes only.
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theroichess
ROI uses the wisdom of chess to protect, heal, and build community
by cultivating collective wellness, mindfulness, and critical thinking. #BeThePeace
ROI uses the wisdom of chess to protect, heal, and build community
by cultivating collective wellness, mindfulness, and critical thinking. #BeThePeace
