Chess is an abstract strategy game that requires two players. Each player controls 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns. The objective of the game is to “checkmate” the opponent’s king by leaving them with no options to move. However, there are also several ways that a game can end in a draw.

Plant Manager, Mr. Paul Speers and Assistant Principal for Academics Mr. Colin O’Connor ’04 are the moderators of the Chess Club at Jesuit High School Sacramento. Jesuit’s Chess Club is a great place for students who play chess, or for those who want to learn to hang out and play. 

Mr. Speers’s favorite part about the Chess Club is how different students react while playing chess.

“My favorite part is watching the students transform from quiet, shy freshmen to confident, and often loud, trash-talking seniors,” Mr. Speers said.

Like Mr. Speers, Mr. O’Connor’s favorite part of chess isn’t about winning; it’s about taking a break and playing with students that keeps a smile on his face.

“For me personally, it’s enjoyable to take a break from being in my office and to be around students. I almost always lose my games, but I have fun every time regardless,” Mr. O’Connor said. “I find chess a challenging but rewarding game that is relatively easy to learn, but certainly difficult to master.”    

Although chess is a serious game, Chess Club is fun and offers students the opportunity to explore many game modes and just hang out.

“We play whatever type of chess we want!” said Chess Club member Collin Graham ’24. “This year, I have played 3-way, blitz, bullet, and untimed chess. I also watch other games while I eat lunch.” 

Whether you play chess or not, Chess Club is still a nice place to hang out and play with fellow chess players, so make sure to stop by GR202 at Lunch on Tuesdays.