About LACC
Get to know the players behind the Lima Area Chess Club and the mission that drives us.
The Mission
"We fight social isolation by cultivating a chess community in Allen County that fosters meaningful, face-to-face connections"
What Drives Us
Community First
In a world behind screens, chess brings us back across the board. We unite people across Allen County regardless of age or background in a warm, non-intimidating space where genuine, face-to-face friendships grow over every game.
Growth & Learning
Chess is a conversation, not just a competition. Win or lose, our post-game analysis and friendly advice turn every match into a shared learning experience, building community bonds and problem-solving skills together.
Total Accessibility
Social connection should be open to everyone. We fight isolation by keeping our regular meetups 100% free to attend and providing all the boards, clocks, and gear so anyone in Allen County can pull up a chair and play.
Our Members
The Lima Area Chess Club is open to players from all walks of life across Allen County. Our members range from total beginners learning the basic rules to seasoned over-the-board players looking for solid practice partners.
We don't care about your rating or how long you've been playing, if you have an interest in chess, you belong here.
Meet the Team
Aaron: President & Founder
Welcome! I started the Lima Area Chess Club after realizing the nearest places to play over-the-board chess were 30 to 40 minutes away. I wanted to build a welcoming, close-to-home space where people could step away from their screens, sit down across a real chessboard, and build genuine, face-to-face connections. Whether you’re learning your first moves or analyzing complex positions, LACC exists to bring neighbors together and prove that a simple game can bridge any gap in our community. My ultimate vision is to make Lima a thriving chess hub in Ohio, a vibrant community where local players can continuously connect, learn, and grow together.
Joe: Marketing
Hi, I’m Joe!
As a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve and a full-time professional with the State of Ohio, service and community connection are at the heart of everything I do. At the Lima Area Chess Club, I lead our marketing and community outreach efforts to ensure everyone across Allen County knows there’s a seat open for them at our tables.
Whether we’re organizing local events, partnering with downtown organizations, or welcoming new faces to our weekly meetups, I’m passionate about using chess as a bridge to build meaningful, face-to-face relationships across our community.
Brendon: Treasurer
Hey! I’m Brendon, and I serve as the Treasurer for LACC. I bring years of treasury experience and a strong background in charity work through Extra-Life, where I’ve leveraged gaming to support great causes. My goal is to keep our club financially strong, transparent, and sustainable so we can keep our meetups 100% free and accessible to everyone in our community. I love seeing people from all walks of life come together in any way possible, so I look forward to bringing you opportunities to create new friends and connections as well as spending time with those you already know over a chessboard. I'm proud to help power that mission behind the scenes and look forward to watching this community grow.
Want to Get Involved?
We're always looking for new players, and volunteers to help set up boards, tear down after meetings, or help explain tactics and openings