By Isabella Dino
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
On the morning of Nov. 16, the first pawns began marching their way across the checkered battlefield, and the sun was already shining bright over the San Bernardino Mountains.
This chess tournament, hosted jointly by the Rim of the World High School Chess Club and the Riverside Youth Chess Association, brought together 33 players of all skill levels, ranging from elementary to high school students. Held in the school cafeteria, the tournament ran from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., never breaking its atmosphere of quiet concentration and competition.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Chess Club this school year, which has been steadily gaining momentum under the leadership of its president, senior Oscar Ramirez. Ramirez, who is passionate about the game, sees the club as a way to offer students a unique avenue for recreation and personal growth.
“Chess is not just a board game,” Ramirez said. “It’s a fulfilling activity that never fails to bring something new to the table. It helps with cognition and critical thinking.”
Ramirez also emphasized that expanding the school’s recreational activities is a primary focus of the Chess Club. “We want to create opportunities for students to connect, have fun and grow intellectually. This tournament is just the beginning of what we hope will be many more events we’ll bring centered around chess.”
The winners of the elementary school division proudly display their trophies.
The open tournament was structured to accommodate players regardless of their skill levels, rating or experience. While participants eagerly squared off in games that showcased their strategic efficiency, parents and peers gathered to watch and support the players. A sense of camaraderie filled the cafeteria, with even the youngest competitors holding their own against seasoned high school players.
The winners of the high school division. Chess Club President Oscar Ramiez is in the denim jacket. (Photos by Isabella Dino)
The Chess Club and RYCA worked together to make the tournament a success, setting up the cafeteria with rows of boards and clocks. Volunteers from both organizations and additional help from the school’s National Honor Society ensured that players had everything they needed, from snacks to score sheets, fostering a positive experience for all involved.
By 2:00 p.m., the tournament had run its course and the participants and their families began filing into their cars with trophies and medals. The turnout reflected a growing interest in chess across the county, especially among elementary students.
For Ramirez, the day was not just about competition but about fostering a love for the game and what it represents. “I think everyone who played today walked away with something valuable,” he said. “Chess teaches patience, strategy and the ability to adapt. These are skills that extend far beyond the board.”
The Chess Club plans to build on the tournament’s success with more initiatives aimed at promoting recreational activities in the school and district. Ramirez hopes the event will inspire others to explore chess and recognize its many benefits.
As the cafeteria emptied, folding tables cleared and clocks reset, it was clear that Rim of the World High School’s chess tournament wasn’t just about who won or lost – it was about creating a space for learning, connection and shared passion.
Isabella Dino, a senior at Rim of the World High School, is currently the president of the school’s Literature Club. She will be writing about events and programs at the school throughout this school year.
0 Comments