Girls Chess Club squeezes in socializing with summer practices

MADISON – During summer breaks, girls in Madison City Chess League are taking advantage of free time to socialize with their peers and continue their commitment to learn more about the game of chess.

“When I ask our girls what they enjoy most about playing chess, they tell me, ‘Hanging out with my friends.’ So, we are creating opportunities for the girls to do just that this summer — and sometimes these events involve playing chess,” Ranae Bartlett said jokingly.

Bartlett serves as Executive Director of Madison City Chess League.

During the week of June 5 with Summer Chess Camp underway, the league launched Girls Chess Club Summer Events. The girls met for putt-putt golf at Insanity Complex in Madison.

“We have a lot of fun activities for our Girls Chess Club members this summer. Some events are free and some have associated fees,” Bartlett said. For a reservation to a summer event, girls must hold a current MCCL membership.

For their next event, the girls’ group hiked on Rainbow Mountain on June 18. MCCL Coach Sarah May led the girls on the Rainbow Loop Trail.

On June 26 at 2 p.m., the players will assemble for the All Girls Monthly Chess.Kid Tournament. “We host a monthly online tournament for Girls Chess Club on the last Sunday of each month on ChessKid.com. That is another way for the girls to improve their chess skills after summer chess camp,” Bartlett said.

Their schedule includes a Trash Pandas baseball game on July 6 at 6:35 p.m. The Girls Chess Club will start the game with the honor of “First Pitch,” Bartlett said. Their next activity will be Movie Night at Cineplanet 15 on July 13 at 6:30 p.m. The girls will choose between “Minions” and “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

For more information, visit madisonchess.com.