By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
On Friday nights in South Bossier, the quiet concentration of chess boards replaces the usual buzz of after-school routines as local children gather for friendly competition, sweet treats and meaningful connection.
A local business in South Bossier, Peaches N Kreem With A Twist, has launched a weekly youth chess tournament aimed at giving kids a safe, positive place to spend time while sharpening their minds. The event invites young players of all skill levels to test their strategies in a welcoming environment.
Held each Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the shop’s location on Barksdale Boulevard, the single-elimination tournament offers a $50 cash prize for the winner. But for many families, the real reward is far greater than the prize money.
For the Fauber family, the tournaments have become a weekly tradition.
Morgan Matthews Fauber said her oldest son, Henry, discovered chess at age seven when his father taught him using a Super Mario-themed chess set.
“It wasn’t until he was nine that he really began studying the game seriously,” she said. “He read chess books and watched instructional videos online. He wore out multiple boards from constant use.”
Today, a regulation tournament board sits permanently on their kitchen table.
Henry, now 10, competes in scholastic tournaments across the region and holds an online rating of 1750. His younger brother, Gideon, learned the game simply by watching his father and brother play. At just six years old, he already holds an online rating of 1150.
The family first learned about the Friday tournaments through Henry’s school chess club sponsor.
“It’s casual, welcoming and fun,” Fauber said. “Kids can compete, talk with other players, enjoy ice cream and just be together.”
While many extracurricular activities focus on physical skills, Fauber believes chess offers something uniquely valuable.
“Chess teaches kids how to think, not just what to know,” she said. “It develops strategy, patience and emotional control. Every move has consequences, and players must think ahead.”
She added that experienced players frequently mentor beginners during the events, creating a supportive learning environment.
Even after elimination rounds end, many participants stay to continue playing friendly matches.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids of all ages and experience levels,” Fauber said. “Parents also get to connect while spending quality time with their children.”
For Henry and Gideon, the combination of competition and fun keeps them coming back each week.
“My kids come for the chess,” Fauber said with a laugh, “but I think they stay for the ice cream with all the toppings.” Henry agrees.
“There is no better way to spend a Friday night than playing chess while eating peach-flavored ice cream topped with sprinkles and candy corn,” he said.
Beyond the game itself, Fauber says opportunities like this are essential for young people.
“It’s extremely important for kids to have safe, positive spaces to gather,” she said. “This gives them something structured, social and mentally engaging.”
She praised the business for stepping up to serve local families.
“I love seeing a local business give back in a way that fills a community need,” Fauber said. “This was much-needed.”
As chess experiences renewed popularity across the country, Fauber hopes the culture continues growing in Northwest Louisiana.
“The game has been around for over 1,500 years,” she said. “I’d love to see more businesses create opportunities like this.”
Each Friday, the shop transforms into more than just a dessert stop. It becomes a place where young minds are challenged, friendships are formed and families find a wholesome way to spend time together — one move at a time.