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Nestled within the Ramstein Air Base Library, a unique gathering takes place twice a week where strategy, concentration and friendship come together over the timeless game of chess. Led by Senior Airman Joseph Williams from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, the chess club offers a welcoming environment for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
Williams, a systems technician assigned to the 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron, joined the chess club shortly after his arrival at Ramstein.
“When I first got here, the previous director had a chess club going, but he was very busy. Since chess is one of my passions, I volunteered to help out and it grew from there,” Williams said. “Chess has been around for hundreds of years, but we still find new ways to improve and new strategies to explore. I love that aspect of it.”
The chess club meets every Monday and Thursday, with sessions tailored to different age groups. Lunchtime sessions cater to adults working on base, while the afternoon sessions from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. are designed for children. “The kids’ sessions are particularly rewarding,” Williams said. “It’s incredible to see them develop their skills, even though they might not always express it vocally. Teaching them has been a learning experience for me as well, as I’ve had to pay close attention to their cues and adjust my approach.”
One of the club’s members, eight-year-old Kepler, has been a regular attendee for three months.
“My favorite part is saying ‘checkmate,’” Kepler said.
Kepler’s father, Lewis Pesek, sees the chess club as a fantastic opportunity for his son to grow both intellectually and socially.
“He absolutely loves it. He’s got a thirst for knowledge, and playing chess here quenches that thirst,” Pesek said. “Learning from kids his age and from Airmen like Mr. Williams has been an awesome experience for him.”
Williams emphasized that chess is not just a game, but a tool for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“Chess is a game for everyone. It’s never too late to start playing, and it offers countless benefits, especially in enhancing logical and critical thinking abilities,” Williams said. “It’s also a great way to bring people together, whether they’re learning or teaching, because each person’s understanding of chess brings something unique to the table.”
The Ramstein Air Base Library Chess Club is open to all ages and skill levels, offering a welcoming community where members can learn, grow, and share in the fun of chess.
For those interested in joining the chess club or learning more about the events at the Ramstein Library, stop by the library or check out the latest updates on the 86th Force Support Squadron’s Facebook page.
