Established 1995
About the Nashville Chess Center
Building Nashville's chess community through education, competition, and a lifelong love of the game.
Our Mission
The Nashville Chess Center (NCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation whose primary purpose is to educate the public about the game, art, science, sport, and discipline of chess, with a particular focus on elementary and secondary school students.
The study of chess and participation in chess-related activities can provide numerous educational benefits for school-age children, including the development of logical reasoning, patience, concentration, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.
To accomplish this mission, the NCC provides school chess programs, private and group instruction, classes, coaching seminars, tournaments, camps, and other chess-related activities throughout Middle Tennessee.
Our History
Founded in 1995, the Nashville Chess Center is a supporting organization of the Tennessee Chess Association and an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation.
From its longtime home in Nashville's historic Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood, the NCC has grown into one of Tennessee's most established chess organizations.
1998–2000
U.S. Cadet Championship Host
2003
Chess City of the Year
30+ Years
Serving Tennessee Chess
Among its many achievements, the NCC hosted the U.S. Cadet Championship in 1998, 1999, and 2000; established the Nashville Scholastic Chess Championships in 2003; and co-sponsored the 2003 National Elementary Chess Championship with the Tennessee Chess Association and US Chess.
Nashville was recognized as “Chess City of the Year” in 2003, and NCC members have earned championships at the local, state, and national levels.
Our Founder
Dr. Martin “Dick” Katahn
Founder and Patron of the Nashville Chess Center
“You see things; and you say: ‘Why?’
But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” — George Bernard Shaw
Dr. Martin Katahn was an author, Juilliard-trained session violinist, Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for chess education.
His interest in chess grew later in life. During trips to New York, he studied with Grandmaster Lev Alburt and became increasingly fascinated by chess as both an intellectual pursuit and an educational tool.
As a psychologist and educator, Dr. Katahn recognized chess as a powerful way to help young people develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. That conviction ultimately became the foundation of the Nashville Chess Center.
A Vision Becomes Reality
In the early 1990s, Dr. Katahn became connected with the Tennessee chess community after receiving a copy of Tennessee Chess News. During visits to New York, he was inspired by the historic Marshall Chess Club and its role as a gathering place for the city's chess community.
His question was simple: if such a chess center could thrive in New York, why not Nashville?
During the spring and summer of 1995, Dr. Katahn and a group of chess enthusiasts began turning that idea into reality. Their vision was a permanent, welcoming location where children and adults could learn, compete, study, and enjoy chess together.
September 8, 1995
The Nashville Chess Center officially opened its doors to the public.
At considerable personal expense, Dr. Katahn purchased and renovated the Belmont Boulevard property to serve as the Center's permanent home. He also brought Ukrainian Grandmaster Semion Palatnik to Tennessee as the Nashville Chess Center's Grandmaster in Residence.
A Lasting Legacy
By 2001, the Nashville Chess Center had developed a large and active membership, a dedicated group of instructors and volunteers, expanding school and community partnerships, and a full calendar of tournaments and educational activities.
In July 2001, Dr. Katahn paid the remaining mortgage on the Nashville Chess Center and donated the building and property to the Foundation for Tennessee Chess. The property was valued at approximately $490,000 at the time.
He then established an endowment with an initial contribution valued at $200,000 to help provide continuing support for the Chess Center.
Combined with his support of programs and activities throughout the Center's early years, Dr. Katahn contributed well over $1 million to Tennessee chess. His vision continues through every student taught, tournament played, and player welcomed through the Nashville Chess Center.
Help Continue the Mission
Dr. Katahn provided an extraordinary foundation, but maintaining the Chess Center and expanding its educational programs requires continued community support.
Donations help support scholastic chess programs, instruction, tournaments, camps, community outreach, and the continued operation of the Nashville Chess Center. Every contribution helps carry forward the mission established in 1995.
Governance & Leadership
Board of Directors
| Johnny Byrd | President |
| David Golann | Secretary |
| Jeremy Hutzel | Treasurer |
| Mariano Sana | Board Member |
| Dave Wasiolek | Board Member |
| Scott Thomson | Board Member |
| Kurt Ozan | Board Member |
NCC Administration