Author: Dennis Mays
RESULTS OF THE K-8 SECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL CHESS WEEK SCHOLASTIC TOURNAMENT
The national chess week scholastic tournament was held on Saturday, October 5 at the Northrop Community Education Center. The event was a partnership with Rochester Chess and Community Education (Josh Halverson was the CE event coordinator. Thanks Josh!).
Seventy students participated in one of 3 sections based on chess playing experience.
Isaac Gommels won clear first place with a perfect score of 4-0 in the advanced USCF-rated section. He was followed by several players with scores of 3-1 who were tied for places 2 – 6.
Silas Hendrickson and Joseph Frost tied for first place in the Novice, grades 3-5 section. Both finished undefeated with scores of 4-0. Five players tied for 3rd place with scores of 3-1.
Isaac Hengel won clear first place with a score of 4-0 in the Novice grades 6-8 section. Tom Frost and several other players tied for 2nd place.
All players were winners as they played chess with other individuals who enjoy playing chess! And they grew their brains in the process. Thanks to the numerous volunteers who helped make this chess tournament possible: Justin Ricker, Kevin Gaustad, Master Thompson, Master Matt Jensen, Robert Richardson, Joshua Wang, Johan Myburg, Anthony Szarka, Cole Hafner, Jeanette Rustin, Chuck Handlon, Joshua Halverson, Roy Truelson, and Nawal Yahya. Thank you good chess citizens!!
Registration is still open for the Rochester Scholastic Chess Tournament (Gr. K-8), Saturday, October 5 at Northrop Community Education Center.
Let’s Play Chess!
Celebrate National Chess Week (October 5 – 12) by participating in the largest youth chess tournament in Rochester. Students can expect a supportive environment with instruction from experienced chess players and high school role models. Students will be paired with others of similar skill level, and they do not need previous experience participating in a chess event. This opportunity is presented in partnership by Rochester Chess and Rochester Community Education.
All Experience Levels Welcome
Any student in grades K-8 may participate. Participants will play in one of three divisions.
- Beginner (Grades K-2): Afternoon only. If you understand how to move the pieces, you are ready to have fun and play chess with other kids.
- Novice (Grades 3-8): Students will be paired with students of a similar skill level. This division may be a good fit for students who have not previously competed in a chess event.
- Advanced (Grades K-8): Tournament results will be rated by the United States Chess Federation (USCF). A USCF membership is required and can be purchased on their website for $20. Players in the Advanced section will be required to record their moves.
For more details and registration information go to: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/23421/2024-fall-youth/rochester-scholastic-chess-tournament-gr-k-8 Chess sets and clocks will be provided.
Learning and Prizes
Prize support – Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top finishers.
Excellent instructors – Chess Masters Matt Jensen and Thompson, experienced chess coaches and high school chess players will provide game analysis for players who record the moves of their game.
Questions? Contact Dennis Mays at dennismays101@gmail.com.