The Pawn Project 1st Annual Scholastic Chess Tournament 

Our First Annual Scholastic Chess Tournament is officially complete. And here's what makes it remarkable...

Leaders: 

Staying true to our youth-led model, two of our youth leaders spent the day learning tournament pairings under the guidance of our volunteer Tournament Directors. The TDs did such a great job mentoring them that the youth leadership team was able to run the second half of the day under their approval. Coach Truett and Coach Carter ran pairings while Coach Evan and Coach Hasan assisted players in the room.

We trusted our youth with the tournament, and they delivered, doing an amazing job and having a blast while doing it. This is what a youth-led program looks like!

Players: 

85% of the players were competing in their very first chess tournament including every player in the 11U section!

Each player showed up, faced the board  and their opponents, followed US Chess Federation rules, managed their clocks, played four rounds of competitive chess, and demonstrated focus, resilience, patience, and sportsmanship beyond their years. They challenged themselves. They grew. They succeeded – every single one of them.

And between rounds?

The skittles area came alive—laughter, encouragement, friendships new and old, and simply enjoying the time and shared interest of chess.

We're inspired by what we witnessed and excited for what's next and ready to make it bigger and better. Because if this first tournament taught us anything... The future of chess is bright with these kids behind the board.