The Chess Jawa returns to Dragon Con September 3-7, 2026 – his 14th year playing chess in the Marriott Lobby to raise money for the Dragon Con charity. This year: Hope Atlanta. All challengers welcome, and everyone who plays gets a sticker!
Each year the Jawa travels from the Dune Sea to Dragon Con, where he establishes his outpost in the Marriott Lobby near Starbucks. All challengers are welcome. Find the glowing eyes. Sit down. Play.
The Jawa does not play for credits, but instead to raise donations for Dragon Con's official charity, which changes each year — and Dragon Con matches all contributions. This year the cause is Hope Atlanta, helping thousands of Atlanta families move from homelessness to stability.
Over the years, the Jawa and his generous opponents have raised over $25,000 for charity — one friendly game at a time. Everyone is welcome, win or lose. Stop by and say Utinni!
A founding member of the Double Sun Chess Club and the most highly rated player on Tatooine, the Chess Jawa periodically leaves his clan to travel the galaxy, promoting chess wherever he goes.
In real life, the Chess Jawa is a chess player from Atlanta who started playing in costume at Dragon Con as an 11-year-old. He is now a graduate of the University of Chicago working at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, and a member of the Georgia Garrison of the 501st Legion, where he also portrays Darth Nihilus. The Chess Jawa has appeared at every Dragon Con since 2011 — including a virtual appearance streaming chess on the Dragon Con Discord during the pandemic year of 2020.
Every dollar goes directly to Dragon Con's official charity. This year: Hope Atlanta, fighting homelessness for 125 years. Donate and help make a difference.
A proud member of the Tatooine Planetary Chess Federation and the Great Jawa Horde. If you've seen the Jawa's Sandcrawler around town, find out more at GreatJawaHorde.com
