Dewain Barber
Dewain Barber is the founder of the Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions which began in 2011. He has continued to support and assist in the development of this event by inviting the best players in Grades 8 and below to participate. He provides a $5,000 College/University scholarship to school of choice. In addition, he provides the prize fund for 1st and 2nd Place, Best Game, Upset Prizes, and financial support for the National State Team Championship.
He is a retired history teacher and former owner of American Chess Equipment. He is currently a chess coach and chess organizer.
American Chess Equipment, Inc.
American Chess Equipment, Inc. has been a provider of chess sets, chess boards, chess pieces, and chess clocks, as well as travel and magnetic chess sets since 1982. Dewain Barber started the business when he needed chess equipment for his school chess club. The best quantity discount he could get on chess equipment was 10% off. This inspired him to buy a large quantity of chess sets and sell them to other chess coaches at his cost. His business grew and developed from there. The company has been sold to Shelby Lohrman, a long time chess equipment vendor in March 2012. Shelby has maintained a quality customer service policy. American Chess Equipment sponsors two free chess tournaments every year: the Staser Fall Scholastic at the Great Park in Irvine, CA and the Morrison Scholastic in the springtime. The company also provides a gold medallion for the participants of the GM Arnold Denker Tournament of High School Champions, as well as the Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions.US Chess Trust
The U.S. Chess Trust is an independent 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.
Created in 1967, the Trust was organized to promote, stimulate and encourage the study and play of the game of chess as a means of intellectual development. The Trust uses its resources for charitable purposes, including social, educational, scientific, historical endeavors. The Trustees act without compensation, and are dedicated to the U.S. Chess Trust’s mission.
The U.S. Chess Trust’s focus is an outgrowth of similar activities formerly carried out by the U.S. Chess Federation . They promote and support chess in the community through their programs, and by providing resources that help support their mission.
In addition, we also actively support charities conducted by the US Chess and other chess organizations.
US Chess Federation
The United States Chess Federation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3, membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society.
US Chess promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American schools.
To these ends, US Chess offers a monthly magazine, Chess Life, as well as Chess Life Kids magazine to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. Chess Championship, an open tournament that is held every summer, National Scholastic Championships and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members.
US Chess serves as the governing body for chess in the United States. In addition, it participates in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accordance with its bylaws and the laws of the state of Illinois.
INTERNET CHESS CLUB-“Serious Chess, Serious Fun”/”Where the Grandmasters Play” and we are pleased to have their sponsorship. Stop by and check out their site. Each of our participants will receive a two year free membership and if a current participant is already a member then they will receive an extension of two years on their current membership. This two year membership will become available upon completion of the six rounds of this year’s Dewain Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions.
Dwight Barber
George Dwight Barber, Jr. is a retired educator who has always been active in the enhancement of children’s intelligence and aptitude. Possessing a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education, he has supported the furtherance of a child’s own insights into their goals for themselves and their future. He believes that young minds should be enhanced beyond what is taught in the school. While teaching, he founded a Game Club, with chess as one of its major components. Chess fits this educational model.
After retiring, Dwight worked in a special field in Optometry. He also helped his own daughter recover from a Traumatic Brain Injury suffered when her car was hit by a drunk driver.
He believes that the new Barber Tournament of K-8 Champions is long overdue; for the young who will replace us all and be the future leaders of this great diverse country. If chess is the cornerstone of their lives, then they truly have a solid foundation from which to build on. He has said, “Chess is a game of life skills which enhances learning for yourself and others.”