Check for chess

Jackson Tovian, Journalism Student

Chess is a game of strategy and perfect information. Billions of different games and moves are played in the game of chess; a true test of wits. If this sounds interesting to you, the Glenbard South chess team has meetings in the LRC or commons every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
          According to studies done at the University of Memphis, playing chess significantly improves one’s visual memory, attention span and spatial-reasoning ability. On HealthFitnessRevolution.com, it is said that playing chess helps unleash your originality, because it activates the right side of the brain, which is responsible for creativity.

Chess team coach Mr. McWilliams says, “Chess can be played by all generations, and is a fun high school activity. It’s a great teaching experience, and an excellent game to stretch your mind. On average, students who play chess score 10% higher on their ACT’s compared to other students taking the same courses.”
Senior Nicholas Kotalic has been on the team for two years now. He stated, “It’s fun to exercise my mind and play with my friends. It’s not necessarily about the competition, or winning, which I usually end up doing, but rather the experience I get from playing that will help me in future games. It’s a learning experience.”

Chess is for everyone, and while nobody has to commit, it does not hurt to try. Anyone is welcome to join and newcomers are encouraged. Some future competition dates will be on December 9 at Bloom Trail High School, January 11 at Plano and January 13 at Naperville Central.

If you have any questions, contact Mr. McWilliams via First Class.