Since he was 5 yrs old, Jose's abuelita taught him to play chess like his grandfather who was a champion in Mexico. Now as part of the Brownsville school team, Jose has the chance to use his skills and for once in his life, finds himself in the spotlight, as he tries to help his team make it to the Texas state finals. As their coach, Mr. Alvarado, teaches his students the meaning of perseverance and team effort in the face of adversity, Jose discovers his own strengths and uses them to bring his broken family together.
Jose

Mr. Alvarado

Abuelita

Karla

Principal Thomas

Coach Stevens

Dani
Miguel
Sandy
Peter
Suzie
Brownsville Brainiacs
Brownsville Brainiacs
Brownsville Brainiacs
Brownsville Brainiacs
Brownsville Brainiac
Brownsville Brainiac
Jim Tharpe - Tournament Director
Jacob
Last Year's Champ

Paul
Checkmate Coach
District Chess Match Supervisor
District Chess Match Supervisor
District Chess Match Supervisor
Match Supervisor
Teammate 1
Teammate 2
Security Officer
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent
I.C.E. Agent
Funeral Priest
Relative
Detention Teacher

Janitor
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent