Checkmate in Chicago: Campus Rec Holds Chess Tournament

Knights, bishops and queens fought to take down the king in a brain battle at Campus Recreation’s Friendly Chess Tournament in Ireland’s Pub Feb. 26. 

Though there’s debate whether chess is actually a sport, it qualifies in the eyes of the International Olympic Committee.

Campus Recreation hosts game nights once a week in the Halas Recreation Center, which anyone can attend and play. Once a semester, a tournament is held for each of the games. 

The tournament was designed as a bracket system with five rounds — allowing a near round-robin pool with only eight players. Four games occurred at a time, with each player able to play in every round. The winner of each game received one point. 

Beyond game clocks limiting players to five minutes per turn, there were no other set rules, instead players were allowed to decide on guidelines and procedures among themselves. 

The atmosphere was extremely cordial, with players engaging in both light conversation and silent concentration while every game ended with a pleasant handshake. Play was also quick, as most players had moved onto the third round within the first half hour. 

Games featured a variety of openings, including the Ruy Lopez, Sicilian Defense and Queen’s Gambit. The games also ended uniquely, as some players dominated with quick checkmates, while others slowly chased down pieces until only the board’s queens and kings remained. 

The winner of the tournament was fourth-year Noah Muller, a computer engineering major who was awarded a high-quality chess set. Muller, the vice president of Loyola’s chess club, has a long history of competing in intramural chess tournaments, but this was his first-ever win. 

The club started in the spring semester of 2022, but Muller said he joined the fall semester of 2022 during his second year and found it to be a fun way to connect with people. 

Beginning in middle school, Muller traveled to national tournaments and learned from teammates who were nationally-ranked masters. 

Beyond Loyola, Muller currently plays with the U.S. Chess Federation and often competes in Chicago tournaments. 

But no matter what year, level or competition, Muller said chess is his go-to hobby. He grew up around chess and hopes to keep it up for his whole life. 

“It’s probably my favorite thing in life right now,” Muller said. “It’s my main hobby and focus.” 

Muller just reached a U.S. Chess Federation rating of 1800 and is attempting to get his national master title. Muller also holds a rating of 2100 on Chess.com. Ratings represent a player’s skill level — the higher, the better. A player needs a rating of 2500 to become a grandmaster, the highest level a player can reach. 

Only Muller and two other players were members of the chess club, showcasing the sport’s inclusivity. 

Fourth-year computer science major Nate Calderon said chess is a life-long influence. He started playing when he was 11 years old and was instantly hooked, though he only started playing consistently a few years ago. Calderon said it’s probably one of the most important parts of his life. 

He isn’t officially part of the chess club, but attends meetings every so often and thought the chess tournament would be a great time to practice his chess skills. 

AJ Vargas, a third-year advertising creative major, said he enjoys playing chess regardless of his skill level. He attended the chess tournament to explore and practice chess with more people. 

“I really love chess but I never have anyone to play with,” Vargas said. “I still just love playing with people.” 

He also said how growing up with chess improved his decision-making skills and how to think ahead. 

Vargas also isn’t officially on the chess team but hopes to join soon. 

These players also shed light on how chess isn’t just pieces on a board — it’s a relationship. Both Vargas and Muller were taught how to play by their grandfathers when they were about six and four years old, respectively. 

Calderon said he’s never beat his father but always tries — he’s the only person he’s played multiple times who Calderon hasn’t beat in his lifetime. 

“That was the foundation of our relationship,” Calderon said. “Him consistently playing and beating me was what really roped me in.” 

These tournaments allow for players to meet more people and practice their chess, making it obvious how chess is a game for all. Chess unites people across communities and generations through learning and teaching.