Chess Team

The Jefferson High School Chess Team gives participants the opportunity to compete in competitive Chess Tournaments both individually and as a team representing Jefferson. The Chess Team, while associated with the Chess Club, are still separate groups. The big difference between the Team and the Club is the level of competitiveness. The Club is much more chill, with everyone and anyone being invited, while the team is for those who want to commit to improving their Chess. If the team doesn’t interest you, the Club is always still open. But if the team does interest you, please carefully read the below requirements.

• Skill Requirement: Anyone of any skill level can join the team.

• In School Practices: We will be doing 2 practices a month on Wednesdays after school in the red/blue flex space. Check the "Events" tab for more information. As a team member, you are expected to make most, if not all practices.

• Out of School Studying: As a team member, you are expected to do at least a few hours of Chess studying a week. A fair amount of this will be specifically assigned, and types of studying should include opening prep, tactics solving, endgame study, actual games, and maybe others (blitz and bullet games aren't considered studying).

• Payment: Since the Chess Team is student run, it’s very difficult/impossible for us to just collect fees. With that being said, money as a group will need to be pooled at certain times to buy chess books, clocks, and to get a chess coach (chess sets will be provided to those who need it). It will also need to be spent individually for payment into Tournaments, and possibly other individual purposes. While I can’t give an exact amount of how much will need to be spent, I can make a rough estimate of everything listed above amounting to $200-400 per person. These payments would come in small chunks throughout the rest of the school year. It’s also important to note that the amount listed above may decrease depending on how many people we end up getting to join the team. As a team member, you will be expected to make a payment like the one above.

Individual Tournaments

Tournaments unassociated with the school team will be available, but not required by any means. These tournaments would be an opportunity for practice and for more individual Chess pursuits. If this interests you, talk more with the team captain, but once again, not required for the team.

Keep in mind that this school year's Chess Team begins in January of 2022, and ends when this school year ends. If you have any questions, you can talk to me (Jack Bellinger) in person, or by emailing me at bellj240@isd271.org. If you meet all requirements above, and you want to be a part of the JHS Chess Team, please fill out the information on the page below and get it to Jack Bellinger or Lofgren (A111).