Steven Kwan Hosts Chess Tournament to Promote Mental Health Awareness

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan hosted the second annual 'Check on Your Mate' chess tournament at Progressive Field to promote mental health awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month. Partnering with Progress With Chess, the event brought together students from kindergarten to high school and professional athletes, including teammates Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Travis Bazzana, and Cavaliers guard Max Strus. The initiative aims to lower the stigma surrounding mental health struggles by creating a relaxed environment where players and youth can bond over chess. Kwan, who has openly discussed his own experiences with imposter syndrome and uses journaling for mental clarity, emphasized the importance of seeking help early. He highlighted parallels between chess and baseball, noting that both require resilience and the ability to reset after mistakes. By engaging in friendly competition, participants built rapport and normalized conversations about mental well-being. Kwan stated that fostering these relationships provides young people with essential tools for life success, reinforcing the message that admitting difficulty is a strength rather than a weakness.