Chess players anticipate upcoming season

MADISON – During summer break, members of Madison City Chess League or MCCL did not have tournament play, but that scenario will change soon. With the fall season approaching, players will engage in several chess competitions.

“These events have already been scheduled for the fall semester,” MCCL Executive Director Todd Guthrie said:

* 2024 Summer Knights Chess Tournament – Aug. 24 at Rainbow Elementary School. CB&S Bank is sponsoring this event.

* 2024 Fall Scholars Chess Tournament – Sept. 21 at Madison Elementary School.

* 2024 Bughouse Tournament – Sept. 22 at Madison Public Library.

* 2024 Halloween Tournament – Oct. 26 at Madison City Schools Stadium. Sullins Eye Care is sponsoring this tournament.

* 2024 Queen’s Quest Chess Tournament – Nov. 16 at Midtown Elementary School. State Sen. Tom Butler is sponsor for the tournament.

“These events have already been confirmed for the upcoming school year,” Guthrie said. “Please put these dates on your calendar.”

Earlier this summer, Carlalee McKee received the Madison City Chess League’s “Educator of the Year” award. “We’re so proud of Ms. McKee and grateful for the hard work she puts in with our students,” Guthrie said.

McKee works as a STEM teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School. “Ms. McKee gives everything she can to her students and has been a fantastic chess sponsor for Mill Creek,” Guthrie said.

“She teaches students to play in the early grades and supports and encourages them as they become strong players. She has been a tireless and enthusiastic supporter of the Mill Creek Chess Team. Thank you, Ms. McKee,” Guthrie said.

In addition, several MCCL chess players and parents traveled to the Middle School Nationals Tournament in Atlanta, Ga. “Those of you who have (attended the event) know that competing in a national chess tournament is grueling,” Guthrie said.

Abigail Barbre, Annabelle Hsu Noah Hsu, Lucas Osipychev and Christina Yang entered the national tournament. “We didn’t have a large enough team from any school to compete for a team award, but our chess players gave it their best and gained valuable experience,” Guthrie said. “Thank you so much to the parents who made this learning experience possible.”

A non-profit organization, MCCL is dedicated to promoting chess education to youth in kindergarten through twelfth grade. For more information, email mccl.director@gmail.com or visit madsonchess.com.