Chess league announces changes, schedule for early 2021
MADISON – Adaptability and love of the game led families in Madison City Chess League or MCCL to continue play and tournaments in 2020 and advance to innovations for 2021 and beyond.
“2020 offered many challenges, but MCCL was able to adjust and convert many tournaments to an online format. We supported weekly chess team practices that occur virtually at every school in Madison and were even able to hold a first Halloween Chess Tournament at Madison City Schools Stadium,” MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said.
“We look forward to 2021 and watching chess grow in our community,” Bartlett said. “MCCL has some big announcements to make for 2021 as we continue to see chess evolve with more online activities in light of COVID-19.”
For the first time, the MCCL Board approved to expand eligibility for MCCL membership to families outside Madison. To participate in online events on ChessKid.com and Chess.com, families need to contact Bartlett with the child’s Username. Bartlett will add details to the MCCL Club category on ChessKid so the child can participate in Monday and Saturday practice tournaments; Madison Girls Chess Club to enter All Girls Tournaments on Sundays; and MCCL on Chess.com.
This change “recognizes how much we are playing and meeting online, helps promote chess education and grows participation,” Bartlett said.
To join or renew MCCL membership, visit madisonchess.com/join.
The MCCL Annual Meeting on Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. will be held on Zoom. Current MCCL members will receive the meeting link in email and can participate and vote for the board slate, posted in the latest MCCL newsletter.
MCCL Monday night chess activities resumed Jan. 4 with a K-6 Fun Tournament and Monday Night Blitz for grades K-12. MCCL hosted a Sunday All-Girls online tournament on Jan. 3 and will conduct another All-Girls contest on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. Participants must be a current member of MCCL.
Saturday practice tournaments for MCCL will resume on Jan. 9 with a K-3 competition at 9 a.m. and a K-12 session at 2 p.m. MCCL membership is required.
This year, the 2021 Winter Knights Scholastic Chess Tournament is moving to an online format on Jan. 16.
For more information, visit madisonchess.com.
