By Eliza Partika
Glendale News-Press
The All American Association Chess Club will hold its 2023 Summer Scholastic Chess Championship on July 9 at Glendale High School.
Trophies will be awarded to the top 10 players of more than 100 children from Glendale, Burbank and other regional cities entering the tournament.
Each player will play five games against another player with a similar number of wins and losses. Rounds will begin at 10 a.m. until awards are given at 4:15 p.m.
Coach Nshan Keshishian, founder of AAA Chess Club, said the formation of the club was driven by a desire to introduce young people to the game of chess and promote its numerous educational benefits.
“Forming the chess club was driven by a desire to provide young people with a positive and enriching experience, both intellectually and personally, through the game of chess,” Keshishian said.
Founded in 1991, the club encouraged cognitive development, character building, inclusivity, community engagement and continuous growth in children. According to Keshishian, chess teaches valuable life skills such as patience, perseverance, sportsmanship and resilience. It is also widely recognized as a game that enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, strategic planning and decision-making abilities that youth can internalize.
Children as young as pre-kindergarten can participate in the club, all the way through high school. By introducing the game at a young age, he hopes to instill in them a hunger for continuous learning, growth, and a lifelong passion for the game.
“By forming the chess club, we aimed to provide a platform for young minds to develop and sharpen these cognitive skills, which can have a positive impact on their academic performance and future endeavors,” Keshishian said.
Ultimately, the coach aims to foster a sense of community among youngsters who share a passion for chess. Through regular meetings, tournaments and events, the AAA Chess Club provides a space for young chess enthusiasts to connect, learn from each other and form lasting friendships.
“Chess is a game that transcends social and economic barriers, providing an equal playing field for all participants. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop their skills and unlock their potential,” he said.
To register, visit kingregistration.com/event/TOURNAMENT. Only players with a U.S. Chess Federation ID number will be admitted to participate. New players and those with expired IDs can obtain an identification and membership at uschess.org/become-member.
Children can sign up for classes at First Lutheran Church, located 1300 E. Colorado St. The classes are open to all scholastic ages, Pre-K through 12th-grade. Private lessons are also available, taught by various instructors, including international masters and grandmasters.
For more information, visit the AAA Chess Club’s Instagram page: @aaachessclub, or call (323) 708-7676.
First published in the July 1 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
