ORRIN’S BOOK: ONE MOVE AT A TIME.
Learn the fun, easy way to play chess along with strategies to help you win at life, too, in this book that includes 7 strategies to turn beginning players into fast winners, the “smart start” for a quick advantage, and Orrin’s 20 Life Lessons you can learn from the game of chess. When you purchase a copy of this book, which will be mailed directly to you, you are helping at-risk kids as all profits benefit.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up in life, One Move at a Time gives you the tools to think ahead, make smart choices, and become a winner on and off the chessboard.
OUR MISSION
Build character, hope, and inspiration so that kids can set and achieve lifetime goals, realize their potential, and ‘Be Someone.’
OUR VISION
To do noble things that help other people and improve society. Focusing our efforts on youth will see an exponential return on our investments.
ORRIN'S BLOG
PRESS
Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson has been named a 2025 Men of Influence Honoree by the Atlanta Business League.
In recognition of his impact, Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson has been named a 2025 Men of Influence Honoree by the Atlanta Business League. This prestigious award honors accomplished Black men in metro Atlanta who have achieved senior-level positions, historic accomplishments, and the power to shape public discourse through leadership and service. Hudson now joins the ABL’s distinguished list of Atlanta’s Influential Black Men, a testament to his tireless commitment to community transformation.
EVENTS
Strategic Leadership Chess Workshop Presented by Marietta PAL. Live & In-Person with Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson. Thursday, April 16 & 23
Two Powerful Thursdays That Can Change a Child’s LifeThis April, we are taking action in the community—using chess as a tool to build leaders, thinkers, and decision-makers.
Join us for two impactful Strategic Leadership Chess Workshops on:
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Marietta Police Athletic League (PAL)
These are not just chess classes… This is about teaching young people how to think before they act.
What Your Child Will Learn:
Through interactive instruction and real-life application, students will develop:
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Better Decision-Making
- Leadership & Discipline
- Conflict Resolution (without violence)
Our Mission:
We are on a mission to stop violence before it starts.
“Think It Out — Don’t Shoot It Out.”
We are introducing a new weapon of choice:
A King, a Queen, and a Pawn… NOT a gun.
About Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson
Orrin Hudson is a world-renowned chess champion, former state trooper, and U.S. Air Force veteran who has trained over 100,000 students nationwide.
He uses chess to teach life—helping young people make their next move their best move.
Why This Matters
When young people are given the right tools and guidance, they can rise above their circumstances.
These workshops are designed to:
- Keep youth engaged and off the streets
- Build confidence and discipline
- Create future leaders in our communities
Summer Break Strategic Leadership Chess Camp June 22 – June 28, 2026.
“Make Your Next Move Your Best Move!”
Dates: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Be Someone, Inc. 949 Stephenson RoadStone Mountain, GA 30087
Investment: $300.00 (Live & In-Person)
What’s Included:- Expert Chess Instruction
- Camp T-Shirt
- Lunch Provided
- Chessboard & Pieces
What Students Will Learn:- Strategic Thinking
- Decision-Making Skills
- Leadership Development
- Emotional Control
- Conflict Resolution
- We teach one powerful message:
- “Think It Out — Don’t Shoot It Out.”
- Prizes, Awards & Competitions
WSB-TV Channel 2 Action Features Our Be Someone Program
Stone Mountain man inspires children be someone by teaching them chess one move at a time. WSB visits the Be Someone classroom and meets founder Orrin Hudson.
Orrin to speak at 2025 Boys To Men & Girls To Pearls Summer Camp, Friday, June 13.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the DeKalb Sheriff’s Foundation is kicking off its 5™ annual Boys To Men & Girls To Pearls summer camp in June. The camp will be held June 2-27, 2025, and will accommodate 20 male youths and 20 female youth’s ages 9-16 of DeKalb County. Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson will present on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 9:30am to 11:30am.
WSB-TV Channel 2 Action Features Our Be Someone Program
Stone Mountain man inspires children be someone by teaching them chess one move at a time. WSB visits the Be Someone classroom and meets founder Orrin Hudson.
Hardly a day goes by that we aren’t subjected to headlines about youngsters getting in trouble, deep trouble. We here at ‘Be Someone’ mourn the loss of each and every child and share in the pain caused so many families. We truly believe if we had had these children in our classroom the outcomes would have been success instead of failure. Here is a list of kids in trouble. There was a better way.
Juvenile courts in the U.S. handle nearly 1.4 million delinquency cases per year.
The U.S. government spends more money on incarcerated people than on each child in the public school system.
The U.S. locks up a larger share of its youth population than any other developed country.
After-school activities for children are decreasing as schools deteriorate and city parks and recreational facilities suffer funding cutbacks.
OUR SUCCESS STORIES
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“Be Someone” has taught the game of chess to and counseled more than 88,000 at-risk youth with a goal of reaching a million. Chess demands creative thinking and that critical thinking ability can become the difference between a life on the streets and a life of success.
World Renowned Les Brown on Board supporting ‘Be Someone’.
Invite Orrin
to Speak
Orrin speaks at events and schools throughout the U.S., speaking to kids, parents, teachers, corporate management and staff about his mission of empowering kids to Be Someone.
'Be Someone' provides goal setting instruction and teaches young Kids how to use the right tools to attain those goals. Help us do that by becoming a 'Be Someone' volunteer.
Invite Orrin
to Speak
Orrin speaks at events and schools throughout the U.S., speaking to kids, parents, teachers, corporate management and staff about his mission of empowering kids to Be Someone.
World Renowned Les Brown on Board Supporting "Be Someone"
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