Back to the Board: Queenside Returns to Cleveland to Empower Browns Rookies Through Strategy

For the third year in a row, Queenside Ventures was proud to return to Cleveland to lead a chess-based leadership session for the Browns' rookie class - continuing a powerful tradition of using the game of queens (and kings!) to build stronger, smarter athletes.

This time, the focus was crystal clear: Strategy 101. Not just playing chess - but understanding it. Not just reacting - but thinking.

In this session, we took the rookies beyond the basics and into the mindset of strategic thinkers. Together, we explored:

The Foundations of Strategy: Why do strong positions matter? When do you attack or defend? Rookies learned how to translate core chess principles into real-time football decisions.

Mental Discipline: Chess forces you to slow down, assess the field, and act intentionally - just like great leadership on and off the gridiron.

Strengthening the Chess Game: Many Browns rookies had played before - but this year, we leveled them up. From opening theory to endgame tactics, the class left sharper than ever.

By the end of the session, Cleveland’s newest players weren’t just moving pieces - they were commanding the board. And in the process, they deepened their understanding of what it takes to lead, adapt, and win.

Returning to Cleveland always reminds us of the long-term impact of this work. Year after year, the Browns continue to invest in the minds of their players—and we’re honored to be part of that journey.

Want to build strategic athletes year after year? Let’s make it a tradition.