Chess Club? Check.

A new Chess Club has started up, sponsored by Spanish teacher Mr. Dan Kelty, a recent chess fan.

“I’ve become a big fan of chess via an online chess site,” Kelty said.

The fresh club brings lots to the table for students. Junior Dan Rasmussen is one student excited about the formation of the club.

“I decided to join Chess Club because I was involved with chess when I was in elementary school, and it’s something that’s fun to do with friends after school,” Rasmussen said.

In these meetings, many games of chess are played in a fun atmosphere of joking and enjoyment.

“We all go to Mr. Kelty’s room after school on Mondays and just play chess,” junior and club president Kevin Cao said. “It’s intense; people get really into their game.”

While intense games are allowed and enjoyed, any skill level of chess player is welcome at Chess Club.

“If you’re a beginner and don’t know how the pieces move, it’s not hard to learn,” Cao said. “If you have no athletic ability, you can still play a sport through chess.”

Chess Club tends to be relaxed, which is appreciated by members.

“The club helps me to take time in the week before practice to relax, play a game of chess and hang out,” Rasmussen said.

A majority of the members are from the soccer team, but students from all different activities or no activities partake in the many games of chess.

“Chess is fun, but playing with cool people in the club is the real reason it’s fun,” junior Mitch Weinstein said. “The true experience is one of great enjoyment.”

The mix between intense games and relaxation provides for a great environment for all who care to participate in the club.

“Chess is a great game that is fun and challenging,” junior Ben South said. “It’s fun to play against friends and strangers. It’s different from other activities because it challenges your mind instead of your body. It’s a good break for people.”

Chess is a passion shared by many members of the club and might even help students out in the classroom.

“It’s a wonderful game, just for the pure fun of playing or even learning to play,” Kelty said. “I’m sure that there are studies that show that chess helps you improve in other areas of learning.”

Yet, with several possible benefits to be taken from Chess Club, it is not at all time consuming.

“We only meet after school on Mondays, and anyone can leave early if they have practices for sports,” Cao said.

One last bonus is the chance to challenge the Chess Club sponsor.

“People should join and see if they can beat Kelty,” Cao said.

Along with Kelty organizing the club, the Chess Club has recently appointed new board members and positions to better run the group.

“Chess is a fantastic game to learn and play,” South said. “I have fun playing it and would recommend it to anyone.”