Chess players are interesting beginners because they know you read in a game, and you have to read at least as well as your opponent. They can be quickly tough opponents (especially if his level is not that far from yours).
Many chess players enjoyed the freedom given by the game (call it intuition maybe, well at least to jump out of the chess opening books) and even more the warm friendly ambiance between players.
Now not all is proned to be a successful conversion.
Mostly because chess were their first love, sometimes started very young, in family and they are not always inclined to give it up. I can understand that.