Chess as a Means to Connect

In a landscape where many creative communities rely on crowded events and surface-level exchanges, The Boardroom is redefining connection through an intentional and timeless medium: chess. At first glance, chess is a game of patience and logic. Within The Boardroom, it becomes a framework for collaboration, a symbol of equal ground, and a shared experience that bridges artistic and entrepreneurial minds.

Founded in Berkeley by a collective of creatives and cultural builders, The Boardroom uses chess as more than a pastime. It becomes the foundation of their gatherings, where members engage in thoughtful competition that mirrors their own creative journeys. The first event, fittingly titled “Gambit,” introduced this concept by positioning chess as the opening move toward deeper connection and aligned creativity.

The mission of The Boardroom is to cultivate meaningful relationships among multidisciplinary creators such as founders, musicians, designers, and storytellers. Chess supports this mission perfectly by encouraging focus and deliberate engagement. Instead of loud conversations or quick introductions, a board and two chairs invite people to slow down, think together, and communicate through shared strategy and quiet presence.

Chess also removes hierarchy. Whether someone is a Grammy performer, a tech founder, or a visual artist, the game places everyone on equal footing. With sixteen pieces against sixteen pieces, the only currency is clarity of thought and the willingness to take risks. This balance allows individuals to connect without the pressures of status or title, setting the tone for real collaboration.

Every element of The Boardroom experience reflects this commitment. Handcrafted chess sets, the iconic two-headed horse crest, and carefully curated experiences all support the belief that creativity flourishes in spaces where trust and curiosity meet. By bringing chess to the center, The Boardroom offers a unique alternative to traditional networking: one that captures both the artistry and strategy at the heart of creative ambition.

At The Boardroom, chess is not just a game. It is a ritual of connection. And with each move across the board, it is helping build a creative culture rooted in depth, respect, and inspired collaboration.