Chess at the Chicago Ridge Mall

Chicago Ridge Mall “Chess at the Mall V” Chess Simultaneous Exhibition Results

Scott Escalera “bounced” from each player, 7 in total, in a “u” shaped table formation. His opponents can think about their move until he comes back to them. Scott then takes approximately 3 seconds per his chess move after theirs, then he moves on. He wins 5. Draws 1 and has 1 loss. This would be amazing for almost anybody, but he is just a kindergartener!

Ok, he isn’t just a kindergartener. He is the Illinois State K1 Champion and the 3^rd place kindergartener at the scholastic chess national tournament this year. This was Scott’s first chess simultaneous exhibition or “simul” for short and both Illinois Chess Vets and Chicago Ridge Mall are proud Scott made is simul exhibition debut at this month’s chess event.  Scott will be invited back this summer to conduct another event.

Scott’s dad, Ren Escalera, is a US Chess Club Tournament Director and Scott’s primary chess coach. He followed his son around to make sure that the game rules were followed by all. His dad limited his opponents to 7 for the simul because he didn’t want his son to “run out of steam”. Scott wasn’t even close to being tired at the end.

Everyone had a great time and mall guests looked on in amazement at this exhibition. “Chess at the Mall” is held every 2nd and 4th Sunday. It is a family event. It is Free to attend. Offers free instruction and even has free raffles for participants! Chess games may be sponsored to help out local 1^st responders, veterans and their families. For more information you can visit www.shoppingchicagoridgemall.com and www.ilchessvets.org.