"I saw the joy, inspiration, and connection it gave people in all walks of life as they enjoyed chess in their own way.
Disabled people and those in hospital beds had a way to pass the time or surprise a visiting friend by with their chess game.
Veterans told me their stories. One dear friend, a 90 year old lieutenant carried his miniature pocket set with him everywhere. It helped him and his buddies stay sane in the worst of times.
I feel honored to be a part of so many hurting, healing, and hearty lives.
I'm especially thankful for the opportunity touch families and relationships in meaningful ways as they try to strengthen or regain the family bond and pass on their values to children and grandchildren.
We help success-minded parents, professionals develop relationships and keep their mind strong through the years.
We build smart minds and great memories and
-Inspire young and old to develop new interests, skills, and confidence
-Challenge and equip young minds for true success - to think and learn
-Bring the game home to those who love the entertainment and challenge
Today, YOU can enjoy and trust ChessHouse as you find educational products or suit chess to your lifestyle."
Raphael Neff
Along with his brothers, Raphael has played chess since the age of 8, has
won national awards at the US Open, the Washington Junior Open, and actually finds time to play occasionally.
Raphael and Joanna enjoy living in Washington state, now with baby Evan.
They are excited
about the future, making a difference in people's lives, and sharing the knowledge of God's love.
Raphael is also a pilot with special interest in inspiring youth with aviation, enhancing safety, and helping preserve general aviation and it's important
role.
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1994-2003
In the late 80's, the young Neff brothers learned chess from dad at home, participated in scholastic
events, and traveled the country to national chess events during vacations.
The
entrepreneurial teenagers found a need for chess learning supplies
locally and began buying from Chess House, then in Kansas City,
reselling for a small profit back home.
After then owner Don
Oswald passed away in 1994, the Neff brothers acquired the small company
and its few assets, bringing it home to Washington state.
In 2003, the company was still an experiment, barely surviving, and without
leadership
That's when Raphael Neff obtained Chess House to make it a thriving service oriented company.
1972-1994
1972-79
Jack Winters
 Jack
B. Winters opened the Chess House in 1972, just in time for the
world championship Fisher-Spassky match. Jack owned and operated
the Chess House at 39th & Main and 74th & Broadway for seven years.
He was once the highest rated player (USCF) in Missouri, and on
one occasion played world chess champion, Bobby Fisher, to a draw.
He sold the business to Don Oswald in 1979.
1979-94
Don Oswald
Donald Lynn Oswald was born January 12, 1934, in Ottawa, Kansas, graduated
from Princeton High School in 1952, and served in the U.S. Army from 1953
to 1957.
In January of 1979, Don Oswald bought The Chess House from Jack Winters.
Don increased the company's subscriber list from 1000 to 8000 in his 15
years of operation while keeping in personal contact with many of his customers
who became good friends. In Don's hands, The Chess House began to be recognized
as a growing mailorder chess company. He operated Chess House in Kansas
until his death in 1994. Don also graduated from the Manhattan Bible College
in Kansas, pastored several Christian churches in Eastern Kansas for several
years, and held multiple teaching positions. Don was widely recognized for
his directing of numerous chess tournaments in the area for years, and was
responsible for teaching and instructing chess to countless numbers of people
through the years. He was a member of the US Chess Federation and served
as a Senior Affiliate Tournament Director for many years.
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