Spotlight: Chess Club Offers Stress-Free Events
Chess Club President Julia Gardocki described MegaChess, shown, as an activity where volunteers from the club bring out chess boards ten times the regular size to the Dionne Green and invite any passing students/faculty to challenge another individual to a match.To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or ryan.sophabmixay@scranton.edu
By Ryan Sophabmixay, Student Correspondent
GET INVOLVED
Club: Chess Club
Meet: Julia Gardocki ’24, shown, is an English and philosophy major from Lindenhurst, New York and President of the Chess Club.
Connect: @uofschess on Instagram
Q: You mentioned the Chess Club plans to host a tournament this semester. Can anyone participate?
A: "The tournament is a fun way for individuals to try to earn prizes as they continue in the winning bracket. All skill levels are welcome, and there will be refreshments and music to entertain those who plan to watch. All students, faculty and staff are welcome, but it is not open to the general public. Moreover, we have a meeting set with the officers from the Royal Historic Society to potentially collaborate on this concept and include professors/faculty members in the tournament. My fellow officers and I will upload an event page on RoyalSync for the tournament with registration and information on location and date/time."
Q: Does the club compete with other schools?
A: "Matches are primarily played within the weekly club meeting as a fun way to become better players without the stress of the environment of a competition. I have talked to the Chess Club at Marywood University about future matches, but we would need more active members to participate. There are also certain players who are highly-ranked internationally and partake in chess tournaments that grant them street cred and grand prizes."
Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?
A: "According to my fellow officers and myself, the most exciting events we have recently invented are: MegaChess and Destress with Chess. MegaChess is an amusing activity where volunteers from the club bring out chess boards ten times the regular size to the Dionne Green and allow any passing students/faculty to challenge another individual to a match. Destress with Chess is a relaxing activity that brings together anyone and everyone to play chess and enjoy sweet treats with peaceful music as per request. This event is usually done during highly stressful times, such as midterms/finals!"
Q: Why would you recommend someone join?
A: "People who join Chess Club find themselves less stressed for the remainder of the week. Likewise, chess stimulates brains and strengthens the minds of anyone playing, even newcomers."
Q: Why did you join the club?
A: "I joined in my freshman year to rekindle my love for the game. I stayed in Chess Club all these years because I made long-lasting friendships that were founded on the principle of acceptance, not judgements."
Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting.
A: "Chess Club begins with informal greetings and introductions of new members. ... The goal of every meeting is to make Chess Club a comfortable environment without any pressure for members to be extroverts, yet still feel heard. Then, everyone pairs up, grabs a chess board and commences the fun for about an hour and a half until the last game is finished.
Q: Any upcoming plans for the spring semester?
A: "Many plans to come: A faculty/student chess tournament, Destress with Chess during midterms and MegaChess outdoors when the weather gets warmer."
