Written By: Rachel Schechter
Graphics: Megan Chen


 

 

Unflinching and undaunted, these future kings and queens were among the first—if not the first—Illinois chess warriors returning to over-the-board chess after enduring months of lock down and virtual learning.  

 

   Yes, appropriate hygienic measures were taken.  Yes, parents approved.  After 6 weeks we can safely say these youngsters have checkmated Coronavirus fears, demonstrating that OTB Chess can make a safe, secure comeback.

 

   Was this modest action significant?  The chess players, their parents and grandparents said yes.  When schools nationwide closed their doors and opened online learning portals, it was the smart move, the right move at the time.  An adequate substitute.  However, it was a substitute. Many educators reported that by the end of term, students were lackluster, unfocussed, restless and/or depressed.   They craved normal social and intellectual interaction.  

 

   As such, we invited a handful of current and former Montessori students to play chess in Meadowbrook Park in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.  It’s a safe, clean, healthy environment. We took the necessary hygienic precautions.  And it worked.  Games were played.  No one got sick.  

 

   Given our current uncertainty, we hope all schools safely reopen their doors and our talented chess communities innovate safe new venues for over-the-board play.  

 

   What did the Meadowbrook Park students say?  “Where’s the pizza?”  Even 90+ degree heat couldn’t deter their dedication to the royal game.  More than pizza was more than fair for these fearless chess warriors.  Thank you to:  Garrett Cook, Max Dallas, Charlotte Potter-Cross, Lydia Potter-Cross, Lenny Zharnitsky.  We’ll be starting up again this fall and hope to attract more players.

Rachel A Schechter

June 18, 2020