We are the STEMIA Chess Club! In our chess club, we embrace a culture of hard work and dedication. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our club offers a supportive yet competitive environment where you can learn, practice, and compete with fellow chess enthusiasts. While we are not practicing, we are going to school chess competitions, playing in club tournaments, and overall, having a great time. In this blog post we will explore the first few competitions the STEMIA Chess Club has been a part of.

The Calgary Junior Chess Club Tournament
by Danush R.

On May 13, 2023, at the University of Calgary, the Calgary Junior Chess Club held a Swiss-System style tournament, which allowed participants to engage in 5 intense matches over the chessboard. Players were paired against opponents with similar win/loss records, ensuring a fair and challenging competition for everyone involved.

There were 33 talented individuals who participated, but let’s take a look at the 4 STEMIA students who participated:

Jacob J. secured an impressive 9th place finish with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. With a performance rating of 1356, Jacob demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.

Austen C., a formidable opponent, claimed the 10th place. His record of 3 wins and 2 losses, coupled with a performance rating of 1288, showcased his tactical prowess and strategic thinking on the chessboard.

Daniel R., despite facing tough challenges, showcased resilience and finished 21st. With 2 wins and 3 losses, his performance rating of 953 reflects his dedication and determination to improve his game.

Danush R. displayed great sportsmanship to secure the 27th place. With 1 win, 2 losses, 1 draw, and a performance rating of 834, Danush’s competitive spirit shone brightly in the tournament.

Overall, our school came in 4th place, out of 10 different schools/teams that participated in this exhilarating tournament, showcasing the exceptional dedication of our STEMIA students. The Calgary Junior Chess Club tournament was a resounding success, providing a platform for young chess enthusiasts to test their skills, learn from challenging matches, and foster a sense of friendship and rivalry within the chess community. The chess club will take this experience and train even harder, pushing for the number one spot.

Edison Tournament Experience 
By Shuchir P. 

Our group entered the Edison building; all the players had begun to arrive. These players appeared professional and motivated to win. Our team entered a tiny library and were greeted by the host, who then presented the competition rules. We played with traditional analogue clocks and touch rules. Each participant was given ten minutes every game. The competition featured a round-robin style team game with four players per team. We played the same individual twice from each school. 

We are already planning for the 2023-24 school year and have a student leadership committee already in place and planning for a great year starting in the fall. If you are a student interested in learning more about the chess club, or would like join, you can find us in the science lab at lunch, or speak with Mr Hoffman. Watch for posters on the bulletin boards and listen for announcements in the new school year for updates and meeting times.

Photos by Amira O. gr. 8