Miami Jackson Senior High
Chess Team
Home of the Generals · 1992–2003 · Founded and coached by Mario Martinez
In 1998 the “Dream Team” became national champions, a story that reached CNN and, two decades later, the big screen in Critical Thinking (2020), directed by and starring John Leguizamo as Coach Mario Martinez. This site is the team's archive: read the story, then explore the photos, videos, and press coverage below.
The Story of the Generals
The school, the neighborhood, and how a 1992 startup became national champions: Marcel, Rodelay, and the Dream Team.
Read the story →The Movie: Critical Thinking
John Leguizamo's 2020 film about the 1998 Dream Team and the real people behind it.
About the film →Explore & Tag
Every photo and video in one searchable place. Tag the people and events in them.
Search the archive →Photo Galleries
Hundreds of photos: Nationals, States, Hawaii, Disney, and more.
Browse the galleries →Videos
CNN coverage, player profiles, and the “Your Move” team trailer.
Watch the videos →In the News
Press coverage from the Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, El Nuevo Herald, and others.
Read the articles →Team Documents
The team's own accomplishment records, 1992–2002.
Open the documents →M-DSCA & Arden Dilley
The Miami-Dade Scholastic Chess Association ran the county tournaments where the Generals were made.
Remember the M-DSCA →The Original Website
The team's 2002 site, preserved exactly as it was.
Step back in time →