We've passed the halfway point of summer and despite the 100 degree heat, we're in the home stretch of everyone's favorite season.
DeKalb Chess Club has been active in the community, supporting several summer camps with chess programs. Dozens of new potential chess players have been exposed to the game, learning the piece names and movements, the board set up, the basics of checkmate and its dreaded arch-rival, stalemate. We've covered the many ways a game can end in a draw and explored the basic opening principles and a smattering of tactics.
Ranging in age from 5 to 14, a lot of these newcomers have hopefully established a foundation of a pastime that they will enjoy for many years to come.
In order to foster that chess appreciation and enhance the full range of competitive experience, the club will host a few tournaments in early August.
On Saturday, August 6 at the
First Congregational Church in DeKalb, junior players will face off in a four round event, the
DeKalb Area Junior Open. We're hoping there are enough combatants for four sections:
- Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade through 5th Grade
- 6th Grade through 8th Grade
- 9th Grade through 12th Grade.
In the event we don't have sufficient turnout in a section, there may be some consolidation. The goal is to provide everyone a pleasant few hours of chess games against a variety of opponents. Most likely everyone will win some and lose some, but hopefully everyone will come away with an appreciation for what chess competition is like.
The younger age groups will play 20 minute games (time allowed for one player to make all moves). The high school group will play 30 minute games. It is hoped that the high schoolers will keep notation but it is not required. Equipment will be provided by the DeKalb Chess Club, but you are welcome to bring your own as well (chess clocks particularly!).
There is a $5 entry fee and all entrants and all entrants will receive a free chess book. First three places in each section will receive medals.
Advance registration is available by emailing name and grade level to
registration@dekalbchess.com. Please identify if any special needs are required and we'll try to accommodate.
On Sunday, August 7, the DeKalb club will host a US Chess Federation rated event for all ages. This is being called the Lincoln Penny Cash Challenge. Regardless of registration, a $100 cash prize has been guaranteed to the overall winner. This event is being held at
American National Bank, 1985 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore.
Although 50 entries is considered capacity, based on 40 entries, the prize breakdown would be as follows:
- Winner $150, 2nd overall $100, 3rd overall $50
- Class B, Class C, Class D top score - $50
- Class E or Unrated top score - $50.
A complete chart of projected entrants / payouts will be provided in a separate posting.There will be a $15 entry fee to enter. This event features three rounds of G/65 plus 5 second delay.
At this same site
(American National Bank) and time, a USCF-rated scholastic event will be held (assuming five registrations). This event will be four rounds of Game/30 -- 30 minutes per player to make all moves in a game. Cost is $6 and entrants will be eligible for medal and book prizes. USCF membership is required and everyone will be on their way to obtaining an official USCF-rating.
On-site registration will run from 10:00am to 10:15am for the main event, until 10:20am for the scholastic event. Tournament play will begin at 10:30am with the scholastic event starting moments later.
