Icon Chess Foundation
613 Oneida PL NW
Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 202-441-5210

Icon Chess Foundation is a non-profit educational organization working to better academic performance of disadvantaged and at-risk youth through innovative chess programs brought to inner city schools in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

Icon Chess Foundation uses chess to enhance students' academic performance by relating chess concepts to academic subjects. In school and after school programs teach chess moves and strategies that are related to academic subjects.

Chess programs offer mentoring opportunities, educational field trips, motivational speakers, and many other activities. Icon Chess Foundation's creative programs have improved students test scores, concentration skills, and thought process. Icon Chess Foundation hosts chess tournaments that award financial scholastic scholarships to top male and female finishers. Chess tournaments give youth opportunities to develop friendships and test their skills in a competitive, non-violent environment.



In 1997, nineteen-year-old Malik Johnson wanted to help disadvantaged youth in Washington DC. Malik felt disadvantaged inner city youth did not receive resources and opportunities needed to succeed in life. Attending an inner city school himself, Malik discovered and excelled in chess. He saw how chess could improve academic performance and self-esteem and wanted to bring these opportunities to inner city youth. Malik began by teaching chess as a volunteer at Children's National Medical Center, Ross Yaggy Elementary, DC Department of Recreation and Parks, Chess University, and many other locations.
Inspired by his own success and the success of the young people he taught, Malik established Icon Chess Foundation to accomplish the following goals:

1.) Improve race relationships within Washington DC Metropolitan chess community.

2.) Provide equal opportunities to youth from all backgrounds-regardless of race, creed, color, religion, or gender.

3.) Destroy stereotypes that female chess players are inferior chess players and encourage girls and young women to participate in chess activities.

4.) Ensure resources are directed to disadvantaged youth.

5.) Help young people improve academic test scores through chess.

6.) Engage teenage students in mentoring relationships with elementary students.

7.) Provide financial scholarships to disadvantaged youth participating in Icon Chess Foundation programs and tournaments.

8.) Help young people believe their goals and dreams are possible.