Maurice Ashley: Chess Grandmaster

  • First African-American Chess Grandmaster, Analyst, Commentator and Emcee
  • Made history in 1999 when he became the first African-American chess grandmaster
  • Provides dynamic live tournament coverage of world-class chess competitions and matches
  • Shares how chess principles and strategies can be applied to improve business practices and assist with personal growth

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Brooklyn, Brooklyn
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

Chess is often known as a thinking game. In order to beat your opponent, you must step into their shoes and think about how they would think.

In Maurice’s session, he will show you how to transfer the chess move thought process and adapt that same way of thinking into your own business and life.

This fascinating session will help get your brain thinking in ways you never expected to use.

Though most people are satisfied with aspiring to mastery, chess players aim beyond the merely excellent and seek the level of the highly exceptional.

In this session, allow a world-renowned chess Grandmaster to show you the powerful keys to taking your business and your life into the rarified air that many desire but few ever achieve.

The decision-making process is central to the design and execution of anything. Chess as a guide to the decision making process.

Chess-based guidelines on improving your position that will increase the possibility of success by:

  • Weighing the possibilities and possible outcomes
  • Prioritizing
  • Looking for opportunities and knowing when to stop
  • Using the power of intuition
  • Making the most of your strengths

Maurice Ashley made history in 1999 when he became the first African-American chess grandmaster. He is a three-time national championship coach, author of Chess for Success: Using an Old Game to Build New Strengths in Children and Teens, ESPN commentator, iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker. Maurice is well known for providing dynamic live […]

Maurice Ashley made history in 1999 when he became the first African-American chess grandmaster. He is a three-time national championship coach, author of Chess for Success: Using an Old Game to Build New Strengths in Children and Teens, ESPN commentator, iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker.

Maurice is well known for providing dynamic live tournament coverage of world-class chess competitions and matches. His high-energy, unapologetic, and irreverent commentary combines Brooklyn street smarts with professional ESPN-style sports analysis. He has covered every class of elite event, including the World Chess Championships, the US Chess Championships, the Grand Chess Tour, and the legendary “man vs. machine” matches between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue.

Maurice Ashley | Motivational Speaker

Traveling the world as an ardent spokesperson for the many character-building effects of chess, Maurice shares how chess principles and strategies can be applied to improve business practices and assist with personal growth. Maurice also acts as a master of ceremonies and inspirational speaker at business conferences and high-class chess events.

Maurice Ashley has received multiple community service awards from city governments, universities, and community groups for his work. In recognition of his immense contribution to the game, he was inducted into the US Chess Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Brooklyn Technical High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (43)
DJ Casey Connor

DJ Casey Connor is an internationally recognized celebrity DJ/Entertainer, highly sought after by an impressive collection of A-list clientele. Her dynamic approach to the turntables has given her a coveted celebrity following. Casey brings a fresh, feminine perspective to the events she DJ’s for. Casey Connor Entertainment is an entertainment/events company run by female DJ […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Mobile DJ
  • (31)

Rachel DeAlto is a Relationship and Communications Expert, Media personality, and Speaker. She is the Author of Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You) released on September 2021 via Simon & Schuster. She maintains a law degree, master’s in psychology, as well as an undergraduate degree in communications. Rachel DeAlto is […]

  • Travels from: Spring Lake, NJ
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (23)
  • (3)
Mercedes Ramirez Johnson

In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. As one of only four survivors of this tragedy, she vowed that she would make her second chance at life count…and that she has – not only for herself, but also for the tens of thousands of […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (35)
Brett King

Brett King is a world-renowned futurist and speaker, recognized for his profound insights into the future of business, technology, and society. As an International Bestselling Author and media personality, King has captivated audiences worldwide with his compelling narratives on the digital revolution and its implications. His groundbreaking book, Augmented, which delves into the transformative impact […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (24)
Ghida Fakhry

Ghida Fakhry is an internationally recognized broadcast journalist, moderator, and corporate event host with over 25 years of experience in the global media landscape. Having worked for prominent news organizations such as Al Jazeera, Ghida has established herself as a trusted voice on international affairs, global politics, and media. As a dynamic moderator and opinion […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Business Emcees
  • (49)
  • (1)
Lisa Orrell

Lisa Orrell is a renowned generational leadership expert and keynote speaker, recognized for her dynamic presentations and valuable insights into Millennial and Gen Z workforce trends. With over two decades of experience, Lisa has become a go-to speaker for companies and organizations looking to improve workplace cultures, foster leadership growth, and bridge generational divides. Her […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (45)
Angelica Malin Emcee - Angelica Malin Speaker

Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Event Emcee
  • (27)
Jim Knight

Jim Knight is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and training and development expert known for his expertise in helping organizations of all sizes achieve excellence and what he often refers to as “rock star” status. With a background in education and a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, Jim Knight has […]

  • Travels from: Winter Garden, FL
  • Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel