Checkmate! Introducing Chess Club
Jake Navarro | December 11, 2024
If you love chess or want to learn the game, the newly formed Chess Club at Warren Wilson College (WWC) might be for you. Just before Thanksgiving break, two students, Shuree Ochirbat and Mario Martinez, collected signatures of interest for a chess club. Fast forward a few conversations and the WWC Chess Club is officially launched.
Ochirbat and Martinez are the club’s founding members and cited Hurricane Helene as an inspiration for the formation of the club.
“When there's no power and nothing else to do, you bring out your chess boards and play,” Ochirbat said.
Hurricane Helene may have disrupted routines, but it also sparked a wave of creativity. For many international students, chess became more than a distraction, it was a way to connect and pass the time.
“People were inspired, they were practicing and even learning chess,” Martinez said.
The impromptu games quickly evolved into an idea: Why not create a chess club for all WWC students?
“The club’s mission is simple: to bring people together through chess,” Martinez said. “We want to expand the culture of chess at WWC, helping people learn and improve their skills”
When asked about the club’s plans, Ochirbat explained that the short-term plan is to host a tournament before this semester ends. As for regular meetings, Martinez mentioned that once-a-week sessions are currently under discussion.
“We want to hear from the students interested in the club about how often they’d like to meet,” Martinez said.
Looking ahead to next semester, Ochirbat hopes to host monthly tournaments. Also, for the time being, Sage Café will serve as the club’s gathering spot.
The club has already accrued significant interest.
“We were actually super surprised at how positive the feedback was,” Martinez said.
Ochirbat echoed his enthusiasm, expressing confidence that even more students will join as the club grows.
“I'm very optimistic that many people are going to join,” Ochirbat said.
There are no requirements to join the club —the Chess Club is open to everyone. Anyone can join by either contacting Ochirbat and Martinez or going to the clubs’ meetings.
When asked if a minimum level of skill is required, Martinez explained how there is space for beginners to learn and for seasoned players to grow. Club members are eager to help teach the basics to anyone interested, whilst also cultivating a supportive environment where everyone can learn by playing.
“You have people to grow and learn with,” Martinez said.
In addition to being WWC’s first official chess club, Martinez recalled the lack of any formal board game club on campus.
“This is something entirely new — a different kind of club for students to enjoy,” Martinez said.
The first official candle-lit night of chess will be at Sage Cafe, this Thursday evening, December 12, at 7 p.m.. With its inclusive atmosphere and ambitious plans, the Chess Club is poised to make its mark at WWC. This is your chance to join!
