By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin’s Chess Kids and Teens team took first place at the 3rd Annual Detective Cookie’s Chess Classic Tournament, held Sunday at the Rainier Beach Community Center. The event, organized by the Washington Chess Federation’s Josh Santana, drew more than 200 students from across Washington and Oregon, making it one of the most well-attended tournaments hosted by Bouldin to date.
“The tournament was a big success with over 200 students from various elementary, middle, and high schools,” said Bouldin. “Youth came from all over Washington State and Oregon. Chess Coach Peter Zou brought 31 students from his Chess Club in Sammamish, Washington. I was very pleased with the big turnout from our local schools such as Aki Kurose, Dearborn International, Maple, John Muir, Thurgood Marshall, Cleveland, Franklin, Rainier Beach, and Southlake.”
For Detective Bouldin—widely known in the community as “Detective Cookie”—the tournament represents more than just a competition. For nearly 20 years, she has used chess to connect with youth, bridge divides between police and residents, and equip young minds with skills like critical thinking, concentration, and self-confidence.
“Chess gives youth a chance to feel successful, especially in a non-physical sport that doesn’t require being the biggest, fastest, tallest, or strongest,” said Bouldin.
Since founding Detective Cookie’s Chess Club in 2006, Bouldin has hosted games and coaching sessions at the Rainier Beach Community Center, nearby schools, and the Rainier Beach Public Library. In 2022, her lasting impact was commemorated with the opening of Detective Cookie Chess Park at Rainier Avenue South and 51st Street—a public park dedicated in her honor.
“The game of chess has the power to enhance natural abilities and problem-solving skills,” Bouldin said. “This chess tournament gives youth and their family members the opportunity to see police officers in a different point of view. They see officers can be approachable and friendly.”
The Seattle Police Department provided food and beverages for families throughout the event, fostering a welcoming space that encouraged connection and conversation. The tournament also offered a positive model of how community engagement and law enforcement can work together when shared values and collaboration are at the forefront.
“This tournament brings people together who wouldn’t normally be in each other’s company,” said Bouldin. “African American, Asian, African, Indian, Native American—families from across the Puget Sound gathered to enjoy and compete in this ancient board game.”
One of the day’s most joyful moments came when a young girl raced down the hallway yelling, “I won! I won!” proudly showing her score sheet to her father and siblings. “This was her very first chess tournament,” said Bouldin, smiling.
Throughout the tournament, friendships and new connections formed across chessboards, affirming Bouldin’s belief that the game teaches not only strategy but shared humanity. “Many new friends were made over the chessboard this weekend,” she said. “It was such a positive sight to see.”
Chess has a long and global history—originating in 6th century India under the name Chaturanga and evolving into its modern form through Moorish Spain and Renaissance Italy. Yet for many youth in Seattle’s inner-city neighborhoods, access to tournaments has been limited.
“Unfortunately, most chess tournaments are in places like Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Tacoma, or Queen Anne. We just don’t have the funds for transportation,” said Bouldin. “There’s been an increase in various schools requesting that I do presentations on chess, as well as Officer Friendly and anti-violence workshops.”
To meet that growing demand, Bouldin hopes to expand her tournament series. “I would like to see several Detective Cookie Chess Tournaments throughout the year,” she said. “We can see there is both a need and a want for them in our community.”
She made it clear the event wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s collective support.
“I want to give a shout out and a big thank you to all the parents, grandparents, friends, and other relatives who supported the youth by getting them to the community center,” Bouldin said. “It really takes a village, and I’m thankful for the partnership and support the Chess Club has gotten from Seattle Parks and Recreation, Josh Santana of the Washington Chess Federation, the Seattle Police Department, and my dedicated volunteers.”
“We are all a team, and I am truly grateful for this team effort,” she added.
Looking ahead, Detective Cookie’s Chess Club is preparing to compete in the upcoming Washington State Chess Tournament at the Tacoma Convention Center—a new opportunity for young players to grow and represent their community through strategy, focus, and teamwork.
