♟ Straight Up Chess — A Story That Surprised Me More Than I Expected

Sometimes a seemingly small discovery sets off a chain of deeper reflections.

A few weeks ago, while browsing chess sites — something I do regularly as both a professional habit and a personal passion — I came across the surprising news that the well-known American brand Straight Up Chess had officially announced its closure. At first I thought it might be a temporary message or a shift in strategy. In today’s digital world, such announcements often blur the line between marketing and real change.

But the more I read, the clearer it became that this was final. The founder, Steve Schrier, closed production after nearly two decades of work. What struck me most was how little I knew about the full story of the brand — despite the fact that both of us were working on a very similar idea, on opposite sides of the globe.

✉️ One Email, Many Parallels

Before I reached out to Steve, I didn’t know much about the company or its background. Still, it felt right to write — not with an agenda, simply to acknowledge the impact of his work and to express respect.

To my surprise, Steve replied. From our brief but meaningful exchange I learned that Straight Up Chess began in 2007, sparked by a personal need: he had handcrafted an oversized chessboard and had nowhere to display it. That led to a simple idea — “What if I could hang it on the wall and still play?” — and the concept of a wall-mounted, vertical chessboard took root in his Colorado workshop.

His boards, unlike ours, followed a classic rectangular layout with traditional pieces — but the essence felt familiar: an original idea, handcrafted execution, and a clear love for chess.

🎯 Why Am I Sharing This?

Because stories like this deserve to be remembered.

In a world dominated by mass production, aggressive e-commerce, and throwaway trends, brands like Straight Up Chess are rare. Whether or not they end up in museums or design publications, they leave a mark on the lives of players, families, and collectors.

I don’t know whether Steve’s brand will ever return — and it’s not my place to assume. I’m simply glad I wrote that email, and grateful I can share this note here — on the site where I tell my own story.

🛠 About ChessboArt

ChessboArt started as a deeply personal idea — my own take on chess and design. From the beginning I hoped it would grow into something more: a brand and a space for creators.

This isn’t a platform for mass sellers. It’s a carefully curated space where designers, artists, and craftspeople can bring their aesthetic into the world of chess. For example, Barbara Razowska collaborated with us to create a resin-based ChessboArt piece. Different styles, materials, and ideas — under a shared value system.

🔁 If You Found Us Through Straight Up Chess

Welcome. We’re not the same, but we share something essential: a belief in craft, thoughtful design, and in chess as more than a game.

Different hands, different geography — perhaps the same heart.

“People thought I was a Grand Master just because I made chess boards.” — Steve Schrier

Sometimes all it takes is doing what you love — and doing it well.