Hi, I've answered this question in detail before. In short, chess was a form of national pride before the revolution, but a few key players (pardon the double entendre) such as Lenin and Krylenko acted to redefine chess as a game for the proletariat, formalized state support for tournaments and players, and created government institutions to ensconce chess in popular culture. I'd point to the linked answer for further information, and the excellent book I cite there.