Chess. Community. Competition.
The Owings Mills Chess Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting chess as a tool for learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. We meet Mondays between 6:30 and 9:30 pm in the Reading Room of Stevenson University, offering casual play, rated tournament events, and instruction for new players. Our activities are open and welcoming to players of all ages and skill levels, and we strive to build a vibrant local chess community that supports both personal growth and competitive development.
Want to get started? No invitation or preparation is necessary: just stop by on Mondays between 6:30-9:30 pm! There are no membership fees, and casual play is always free. We’d love to meet you and learn about your interest in the Royal Game!
About Us
Owings Mills Chess Club (OMCC) serves players in the greater Baltimore area as a community-centered, tournament-focused chess organization. We host weekly Monday events and periodic weekend tournaments, as well as participate in regional club league matches. In early 2026, the organization formalized its structure by obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, reinforcing its mission to promote the game as a tool for learning, critical thinking, sportsmanship, and community engagement through organized play, instruction, and tournaments. We hope to build a premier environment that offers serious competition, consistent playing opportunities, and a strong local chess community.
Our Backstory
Owings Mills Chess Club traces its roots back to approximately 1980, when David Taylor, in partnership with the Owings Mills Recreation Council, established it, holding regular weekly play and eventually weekend tournaments at Owings Mills Elementary School. OMCC quickly developed a structured competitive program, working alongside the Maryland Chess Association and organizing quad and four-round Swiss-system events.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the club maintained an active competitive presence, with members participating in regional and national events and fielding successful teams in local leagues. Under the leadership of Steve Miller, OMCC published Skittles, a club newsletter featuring annotated games and original chess content. John Dotson served as both Tournament Director and Recreation Council liaison.
Following a period of dormancy in the early 2000s, Jeffrey Otto re-established OMCC in late 2023, organizing weekly meetups. Among the early participants was John Dotson, a key leader from the original club era, creating a direct link between the historic OMCC and its modern revival. To formalize that continuity, John donated the original OMCC club sign, now preserved as part of the club’s identity and serving as the basis for its current logo. OMCC’s revival represents a continuation of an established local chess tradition rather than the creation of a new club.
In 2024, OMCC secured a permanent venue at Stevenson University, enabling the club to host regular US Chess-rated events and expand its programming. With strong institutional support and a growing membership base, the club has continued to scale up in both participation and competitive offerings.
Members of the Owings Mills Chess Club, circa spring 1997. Standing from left: John Dotson, Chris Gobrecht, Mike Gilbert, Dr. Vincent Pearson. Seated: Noel Flater. Not Pictured: Marshall Roane.
Members of OMCC, April 13, 2026. Legend: OG – original members of OMCC, IA – Inaugural members of the OMCC reboot, BD – OMCC Board member.
First row, left to right: Tom Sevik (IA), Mike Gilbert (OG), Joe Summers (OG), Noel Flater (OG), John Dotson (OG,IA). Back row, left to right: David Pelletier (BD), Benjamin Kinard, Jeffrey Otto (IA, BD), Tim Bottorff (BD), Ben Wolf (IA), Franco Alejandrino (BD), Daniel Rohn (Webmaster), Erik Shumaker, Christopher Ish, Taylor Blackwell, Audrey Lim (BD). Hiding in the background: Ryan Bentley (IA). Not pictured: Len Skorko (IA), Steve Borbash, Mark Paquit, and Marshall Roane (OG).