Ana Ravelo taught herself chess when her son started playing so she could help him practice. Now, almost two decades later, Ravelo will once again help others learn the basics of the game. Lulu's Frozen Yogurt and Coffee Shop will host free beginner-level chess classes starting next Wednesday, Sept. 3 through Friday, Sept. 5.
Ravelo said she would like to see Fulton grow as a chess area.
"It's a dream," Ravelo said. "I don't know what we can start, but at least we can start with a small group."
She said if a lot of people attend and seem interested in the game, Lulu's will hold more classes later and possibly host a tournament. Ravelo does not consider herself a chess expert. But, she knows the basics.
She also hopes to change the perception she thinks some have about the game.
"Sometimes people think it is difficult or boring to play chess," Ravelo said.
She wants to make chess fun for those who attend the class. Ravelo said the skills one learns in chess can be used in other areas of their life. Knowing how to strategize and look ahead is important when playing the game, she said.
"It doesn't matter if you win or lose. It's about learning to look at the future," Ravelo said.
While Ravelo likes the game of chess, what excites her most about the classes is getting to teach others. She has been retired from teaching for a little more than a year.
Class for children six years old and older will be from 4:30-6 p.m. and class for teens and adults will be from 6:30-8 p.m. Lulu's will provide chess sets but asks that those participating bring their own chess sets, too, if they have them. Lulu's is at the corner of West 5th Street and Nichols in the Brick District.
Megan Favignano can be reached at (573) 826-2417 or [email protected].