MAKE AWe turn the strategy of chess into real-life opportunity—equipping young people to think critically, lead with compassion, and shape their own futures.
Our mission is to build a just society by developing tenacious learners, compassionate leaders, and ethically driven critical thinkers.
Rooted in Northeast Denver, MACM helps young people practice the decisions, relationships, and leadership skills that shape life beyond the chessboard.
GET TO KNOW MACM ↗Learn to think before you move.
↗02 / COMPASSION✳Connection, accountability, possibility.
↗03 / FUTURES↗Skills and pathways for what's next.
↗04 / CREATIVITY✦Express yourself. Build something bigger.
↗05 / COMMUNITY♜Community service. Civic leadership. Meaningful change.
↗MACM grew from lived experience, loss, resilience, and the belief that young people deserve more than being defined by the obstacles they face. What started with a chessboard became a commitment to creating real options for the next generation.
READ OUR STORY ↗Chess is the entry point. The impact shows up in choices, confidence, and trusted relationships.
Young people served
Across MACM programming in 2025.
Improved decision-making
As reported in MACM's 2025 youth impact outcomes.
Positive adult role model
Young people said MACM provided one.
A summer of paid youth leadership, partner-site workshops, open chess, and neighborhood connection.
Hired through Denver Youth Employment Program
41 at 10Four and 19 at Driven by Our Ambition
Reported across the summer at MACM community space
Two pop-up events and six tabling events
Source: MACM Summer Impact Report, Summer 2026. Figures reflect different activities and should not be added together as unique people.
Additional original MACM photos help the home page carry a stronger story across chess, coaching, community-building, and youth participation.
MACM HELPED ME STOP REACTING AND START THINKING. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY SEE ME AND WANT ME TO WIN.
Be part of the next chapter. Partner with us, volunteer your time, or invest in the next generation of leaders.