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Schools

Egan Junior High Chess Club a Hit

The chess club at Egan Junior High is a big hit for the students and teachers alike.

A few kings and queens, a room full of enthusiastic students, and an excited teacher-adviser make for the well-known and acknowledged chess club at .

The chess club at Egan meets twice a week, but Curtis Schneider, the club’s adviser and a science teacher at Egan, welcomes students into his classroom five days a week to play chess for fun and hang out. The club has won several state championships the past few years and also play against other local schools.

“I think the heart of anything is the values someone brings to it and Curtis brings excitement and energy. He loves the game. He gets excited for the kids and welcomes them into his room at lunch,” said principal Brenda Dyckman at Monday’s board meeting. “Kids are able to come in and just be involved in chess. Curtis creates a great culture at Egan.”

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The club welcomes beginners while nourishing those who have years of experience and need a challenge. Students help teach other students. All the while, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, students gain points for games played to raise their ranking and to add a challenge to those who want it.

“We’re addicted to chess. It’s kind of like you’re solving a math problem,” said eighth grader Katherine Xia.

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Another student, eighth grader Colin Small, said he did not play in the ranked games last year and just recently started that. Small said that the club gives him a chance to socialize with other groups of friends, as well as improve his chess skills.

"Chess is empowerment," Schneider said. "It is cerebral.  It challenges.  It teaches sportsmanship, fairness, logic, and the power of surprise.”

One of the students, club co-president David Brodkey, stepped up to take over many club responsibilities this year. He prepares the matches, assigning players based on the current rankings. He also tallies up the rankings, supports the club and team, as well as other responsibilities.

“I love it. It’s probably my favorite thing at Egan,” Brodkey said.

Students are welcome to eat their lunch while playing other students, or even playing their advisor.

Several students said chess gives them a chance to work their minds and relax all at the same time.

“It helps keep my mind alert otherwise I’ll want to fall asleep at lunch,” said eighth grader Zoe Smith. “You’re stimulating your brain for the later periods.”

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