It is that time of year again–the South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) is preparing to go to the National K-12 Grade Championship! This tournament, commonly referred to as “Nationals” by the SJIC chess players, is set to take place in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida, from December 15 through 17 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. As preparation begins, the anticipation and enthusiasm at the SJIC are palpable.
Players from grades kindergarten to twelfth grade will be participating in this massive tournament. Last year, of the 2, 463 players, 27 of them were the SJIC’s own chess students!
In the weeks leading up to Nationals, players are analyzing past games, playing training games, primping their openings, and receiving mentorship from the SJIC’s experienced chess instructors.
For the SJIC, Nationals is more than just a chess tournament; it is a culmination of dedication, skill, and the spirit of competition. It is also an opportunity for all of the SJIC’s young chess students to gather together as a community and do what they love together.
Over the next few weeks, I will be posting player profiles to highlight four chess students attending as well as a blog recapping Nationals. Keep checking back for the next post!
A leading center for STEAM instruction (including math, creative design, and robotics), the SJIC offers superb instructional chess programs for both children and adults. The SJIC hosts official rated chess tournaments every other Sunday, rated rapid tournaments every Wednesday night, and chess club every Friday night.
