Academic achievement and chess

Do you think there is a correlation between academic success and chess or academic inclined people are more likely to play chess instead of a jock.    

Chess will certainly keep your brain sharp, so you are faster at solving academics. You'll still have to study and learn, but you'll be 2 steps ahead of those who just watch TV in their off time.

People who swim every day will likely run their first mile faster than those who sit on a couch all day.

I've written a (college)paper on the subject, and it is true that chess develops cognitive skills that can be applied academically. But that's as far as it goes. It's just like how reading regularly maintains certain cognitive skills.