Chess league plans back-to-school events
Madison City Chess League has planned a full slate of back-to-school activities. In this photo from summer chess camp, players use the new outdoor chess classroom at Rainbow Elementary School, site of Girls Chess Night in August. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – With the start of classes on Aug. 3, Madison City Chess League (MCCL) is revving up back-to-school game opportunities for players in this popular game of strategy.
Numerous activities can “get you back into the swing of playing chess right before school starts,” MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said. “We hope you’re working on your chesskid levels using your chesskid.com accounts.”
Players who have achieved a King Level 19 or higher will be added online to Madison City Schools Kings Club.
On July 25, the last summer meeting will be MCCL Bughouse Night for members only from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rainbow Elementary School, 50 Nance Road. “We’ve been practicing Bughouse chess all month to get ready for the ultimate Bughouse tournament on July 25,” Bartlett said.
Players who have registered can arrive at Rainbow as early as 5:30 p.m. to warm up. In addition, MCCL members can register onsite at 5:30 p.m.
Girls Chess Night resumed its summer meetings at Taziki’s and “continues to be a favorite gathering,” Bartlett said. “Bring your chess sets and play chess with other girls in the area.”
The chess league will not meet on Aug. 1, because all elementary schools in the Madison City Schools district will hold open house. “Be sure to join your school chess club at open house,” Bartlett said.
The night before school starts on Aug. 2, MCCL will host Back-to-School Spirit Night at Taziki’s from 5 to 8 p.m. “Who wants to cook the night before school starts? Nobody!” Bartlett said. “So come to Taziki’s at 105 Brookridge Drive in Madison. Taziki’s will donate 10 percent of their sales to MCCL.”
Aug. 2 also is ChessKid night, so players should bring their iPads or tablets and log on to play chess while you eat. “Wear your MCCL shirts,” Bartlett said.
On Aug. 8, MCCL will resume their regular weekly meetings on Mondays at Hogan Family YMCA from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The league does not meet on holidays and special occasions.
For more information about back-to-school events, visit madisonchess.com/blog/back-to-school-chess-events-2016. For general information, email mccl.director@gmail.com or visit madisonchess.com.
