I teach underprivileged students but Chicago school bosses won’t let them play chess

I created an after-school chess club to keep my students safe during dangerous hours after class. They won trophies in Canada, but school bosses won't let them compete in Atlanta.

From its inception, my mission transcended merely teaching chess as a game of strategy; it became a mission to save lives.  Joseph Ocol has taught math in Chicago Public Schools for 20 years and has led his after-school-club chess champions for 18 years. His chess scholars have won national championships, and recognition from the White House, a U.S. president and the U.S. Congress. 

In January, despite grappling with my own health challenges and financial hardships, I took it upon myself to purchase plane tickets for 10 of my students.