Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of Be Someone, Inc., is being recognized for a lifetime of fatherhood and mentorship that inspires young people to think, lead, and become the best versions of themselves.
Nationwide — Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson has seven biological children, but his influence as a father figure extends far beyond his own family. As the founder of Be Someone, Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, he has spent more than 25 years mentoring and empowering young people through chess, leadership training, and life-changing lessons. Having reached more than 120,000 young people nationwide, he has become a community father to generations of children, many of whom have lacked positive male role models in their lives. Now, his extraordinary commitment to community service has helped him advance to the quarterfinals of the national Super Dad competition. (But he still needs more votes to win!)
The competition celebrates dads who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and a positive influence on their families and communities. For Hudson, however, being a great father means much more than raising his own children. It means showing up for young people who need encouragement, guidance, discipline, and someone who believes in their potential. Through his nonprofit, he has worked with students in schools, churches, community centers, underserved neighborhoods, and juvenile detention facilities, teaching them that their circumstances do not have to determine their futures.
His journey is especially meaningful because he understands firsthand how one caring adult can change a child’s life. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, he faced poverty, instability, and the pressures of negative influences. His life took a dramatic turn when a teacher named James Edge introduced him to chess and taught him how to think independently, make better decisions, and take responsibility for his actions. Those lessons helped Hudson transform his own future, eventually becoming a U.S. Air Force veteran, Alabama State Trooper, and two-time World Open Speed Chess Champion.
Determined to give other children the same opportunity he received, Hudson founded Be Someone, Inc. in 2001. His organization uses chess as a teaching tool to help young people develop critical thinking, patience, confidence, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills. His signature message, “Think It Out—Don’t Shoot It Out,” encourages children to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than resorting to violence. He teaches students that every move has consequences, whether on a chessboard or in real life, and that success begins with making thoughtful decisions.
What makes Hudson’s story particularly compelling is the extraordinary number of young lives he has touched. His mentorship is built on a simple but powerful belief: Every child deserves someone who sees their potential, challenges them to aim higher, and teaches them how to win at the game of life. Now, as a quarterfinalist in the Super Dad competition, he has an opportunity to bring national attention to the importance of fatherhood, mentorship, and positive male leadership. The competition offers a grand prize of $25,000 and an appearance in a national television commercial provided by Ace Hardware. Supporters can cast free daily votes to help him advance, with quarterfinal voting scheduled to conclude on October 29, 2026.
For Hudson, the recognition represents something much bigger than a title or cash prize. His life’s work demonstrates that fatherhood is not defined solely by biology, but also by the willingness to invest time, wisdom, compassion, and encouragement in the next generation. Whether he is guiding one of his seven children or teaching a room full of students how to make their next move, his mission remains the same: to help young people think for themselves, become leaders, and recognize that they have the power to create a better future.
How to help him win:
To support Orrin Hudson in the Super Dad competition, supporters are encouraged to cast their free daily vote through his official competition profile by visiting https://yoursuperdad.org/orrin-hudson-Xh0d
Also, to learn more about his nonprofit organization and its youth mentorship programs, visit his official website at BeSomeone.org
About Orrin
Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is a nationally recognized youth mentor, motivational speaker, chess champion, author, and founder of Be Someone, Inc., a Metro Atlanta, Georgia-based nonprofit established in 2001. A former Alabama State Trooper and U.S. Air Force veteran, he has dedicated more than 25 years to empowering underserved youth through chess, character development, violence prevention, and leadership education. His mission is to inspire young people to make better decisions, take responsibility for their futures, and become productive leaders in their communities.
About the Competition
The national Super Dad Competition, organized by Colossal Management, LLC, is a nationwide initiative celebrating extraordinary fathers and father figures who make a lasting difference in the lives of their children, families, and communities. The competition was founded by Mary Hagen and features actor and comedian Adam Devine as its celebrity ambassador. Through multiple rounds of public voting, fathers compete for the prestigious Super Dad title, a $25,000 grand prize, and the opportunity to appear in a national television commercial provided by Ace Hardware.
For press inquiries and/or to book Orrin to mentor young people in your community, your school district, or your organization, contact him at orrin@besomeone.org or (770) 465-6445