Bloomington chess expands

Downtown’s ‘chess ambassador’ settles into much larger space

By Michele Steinbacher

BLOOMINGTON — To Colley Kitson, chess is more than a hobby. The State Farm Insurance Cos. employee has spent his free time during the last decade as a chess teacher and tournament organizer, and creating chess outreach at festivals.

“I’m kind of a chess ambassador — a chess prophet, spreading the good news of chess,” he said.

But Kitson wanted more.

The Bloomington entrepreneur has a vision that puts chess front and center, with a business that is part of downtown Bloomington’s social fabric.

He started in March by opening Colley’s Chess Club in the 400 block of Main Street. There he offered group lessons and provided space for adult groups.

But this month, Kitson’s business moved, for a broader role.

Less than a block south of the old site, and renamed Colley’s Chess Cafe, 320 N. Main St., the new location offers Kitson triple the space.

“The other shop was 12 feet by 35 feet. This one is 20 feet by 40 feet, plus a kitchenette, and a finished basement,” he said.

Building owner Fred Wollrab renovated the space, which previously housed a beauty salon.Now, the black-and-white tile floor of the cafe is filled with tables set for six separate games of chess, on expensive collector chess boards, signed by chess greats such as Gary Kasparov. Nearby there is a living room arrangement with cushy leather couches and chairs, and a 50-inch flatscreen TV.

“This is going to be a classy place,” said Kitson, looking over the main floor, as students played assistant teacher Bob Parker.

Downstairs, a classroom features two wooden benches for students to take part in interactive computer lessons projected on a 100-inch screen.

On a recent Wednesday, Bei Huber of Bloomington sat on a couch, reading a novel while her daughter, Jessica Huber, 9, took part in her weekly lesson. The mom gave Colley’s Chess Cafe a thumbs-up.

“Anything that promotes chess for the community is a good thing,” she said. Huber likes to bring her children to lessons because it keeps them involved in the chess community.

Kitson envisions a full-day’s lineup, with Wi-Fi connections for daytime telecommuters looking for a nice space to work and grab a coffee, a site for group lessons in the afternoon, and later evening hours targeting the crowd looking for non-alcoholic social options.

“It’s a place you could grab a smoothie, play chess or some other board game, and just hang out,” he said.

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