Pittsburgh Magazine: Pittsburgh Chess Phenom Wants More Women to Play
Photo by Dominique Murray.
We are thrilled to share that Pittsburgh Magazine recently highlighted Queenside Ventures and our founder, Ashley Lynn Priore, for the incredible work we’re doing to empower women through chess. The feature not only celebrates Ashley’s inspiring journey but also sheds light on our latest initiative, Project d4, and our commitment to creating a space for women to thrive in the game of chess and beyond.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Chess
Did you know that only 1% of the top 100 chess players in the world are women? This glaring gender gap is something Ashley has witnessed firsthand since she began playing chess at the age of four. Attending chess events as a young girl often felt isolating, surrounded by male-dominated spaces. It was this experience that sparked her mission to ensure chess is accessible and welcoming to people of all genders and backgrounds.
Ashley founded the Queen’s Gambit Chess Institute at just 14 years old, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching chess and using the game as a tool for empowerment and inclusion. Over the years, Ashley has continued to use chess as a platform for change—whether it’s delivering a TEDxPittsburgh talk, writing a youth engagement playbook for the Biden-Harris administration, or ranking among the top 1,500 chess players in PA.
Project d4: Unleashing the Queen
At the heart of Queenside Ventures’ mission is Project d4, an ambitious initiative to teach 1 million women to play chess. Named after the queen’s pawn move that symbolizes opening up opportunities, Project d4 is about more than learning the game—it’s about helping women unlock their potential, set strategic goals, and embrace leadership.
Ashley describes it best: “When the pawn comes out in front of the queen, it is really going to open up a whole new space. It is going to empower people to unleash their queen.”
Women’s Chess Meet-Up: A Game-Changing Opportunity
One of the most exciting parts of our recent efforts is the Women’s Chess Meet-Up, hosted in partnership with The Salon Pittsburgh. This five-week series, launching January 27 at Field Day in Lawrenceville, offers an inclusive and supportive environment where women of all skill levels can learn and grow together.
These meet-ups are more than just chess lessons—they’re opportunities to build real-world skills, such as mindfulness, confidence, and leadership, while connecting with other women. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is your chance to be part of a transformative experience.
The meet-ups run every Monday evening from 6–7 p.m. through February 17. The program is open to women 18+ and costs $20 for non-Salon members or $15 for Salon members.
Join the Movement
We’re incredibly proud of the recognition from Pittsburgh Magazine and the momentum building around our initiatives. Through chess, we’re breaking barriers, fostering community, and creating opportunities for women to lead with confidence.
To learn more about Queenside Ventures, Project d4, and our Women’s Chess Meet-Up, read the full Pittsburgh Magazine article here.
