Back in the early 90s, John Porter came up with an idea. It is like many revolutionary ideas… an urging for others to come together for a common goal. This idea was to establish a "fraternity" centering on a common love for chess. Thus, the Brotherhood Fraternity of Chess Players, or "BFOC"  was born.

The initiative comes from the idea of fostering competition from players in the Chicago area, but extends an outreach to a variety of people. Players of the Filipino community such as IM Enrico Sevilliano, IM Angelo Young, Arnulfo Benesa and Florintos Inumerable have participated in BFOC events.

On the 15th of November 2003, Kent Williams decided to host a BFOC party featuring the players who have participated in events over the years. Although there was not much chess at the reunion, 25 BFOC members (past and present) gathered to exchange good fellowship and old stories. Unfortunately parking was hard to find as both Marvin Dandridge and Sedrick Prude were unable able to make it.  Williams vows that BFOC members will be in full force at the Chicago Open!

Brotherhood Fraternity of Chessplayers

From left to right:

(standing) Allen Stewart, Kevin Lawson, Jay Porter, Sam Ford, Patrick Magee, Roland Jordan, Tyrone Lee, Carlos Lee, John Porter, Charles Walker.

(kneeling) Bill Crawford, Sidney Davis, Eric Johnson, George Coleman, Aderemi Adekola, and Kent Williams.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 12 April 2004