Two qualify for state chess tourney

For the last two years, it has been impossible to play chess in person with social distancing restrictions. Arms are just not long enough. Many have been practicing online, but miss the connection and competition. At last, organizers were able to restart the Sisters Chess Club, meeting at Sisters High School on Friday afternoons for grades K-12.

The chess program is run by volunteers with the support of the schools and has had great success over the years. Since 2018 it has been run by Jennifer King, with her son Ashton teaching and mentoring the younger kids, building connection, community, and confidence.

The club is based on the Chess for Success model, a nonprofit organization out of Portland.

On March 5 this year, they were able to run the regional Chess for Success tournament for Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties. The tournament has three divisions, kindergarten through fifth grade, sixth through eight grade, and high school. Players compete individually, and as a team of five or more players. Sisters had four players at the elementary level: Jakob Eigner, second grade, Caleb Eigner, third grade; Jackson Vogt, fourth grade; and Isla Rhyne, fifth grade.

Players in the sixth- through eighth-grade division were: Tristan Henry, sixth grade; Siena King, sixth grade; Carter Roach, seventh grade; Chris Roach, eighth grade; and Dominick Pulver, eighth grade.

Ashton King, 12th grade, represented Sisters High School.

Two players from the Sisters Chess Club qualified for the Chess for Success State Tournament, to be held at the Portland Expo Center on April 9: Chris Roach and Ashton King will compete as individuals.

The club encourages kids K-12 to join them on Fridays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Sisters High School. Chess builds skills needed for school and life. It teaches high-level thinking and social skills. Contact the Sisters School District at 541-549-8521 for more information.