Impact Chess Ewing Chess Club Inaugural Quads

June 21, 2022—Ewing Township Senior & Community Center

My dad and I went to the Ewing Chess Club together for the first time since the dawn of the pandemic. When I started playing chess, Ewing was one of my favorite spots; every week that I could I would attend the free and popular club meetings. There, I would have fun with players my age, and also gain pearls of wisdom from the senior chess players. Mike, the club president, was a very friendly and dedicated man. He showed up during every single weekly meeting and tournament, never missing a day, even though he did not earn any money through it.

When we visited Ewing, we learned that Mike retired a few months ago and moved to Florida. We met the new president, Mr. Bong Ortiz, a friendly, wise man and very strong chess player. The room we were in wasn’t the large activity room that the club used to use. Instead, it was a normal club room with some storage shelves. Since Mr. Ortiz was around the same skill level as me, we played a couple blitz matches and introduced each other. It was a great time, and he was very good competition, but one thing was missing: spectators. My dad, Mr. Ortiz, and I were the only people in attendance at the club; the pandemic was simply terrible for the attendance and membership of the club. We continued to play games, and we talked even more.

Then it was time for me to leave. It was a very fun time, but it simply wasn’t what it used to be. Something clicked and I realized that Impact Chess and Ewing Chess Club could collaborate and revitalize this once glorious community staple. We talked and arranged to host a quads tournament in three weeks. This would be the first ever tournament for Ewing Chess Club during the pandemic, and Mr. Ortiz’s first tournament as president.

For the next two weeks, my dad and I would come to the club meetings and plan the event with Mr. Ortiz.

July 12, 2022—Ewing Township Senior & Community Center

It’s the day. After weeks of advertising and logistical planning, the quads are here. My dad and I arrive at the space before the registration would open. We greet Mr. Ortiz, and there are already two kids playing a game—good sign. Before long, over a dozen people arrive and register for the quads. All different types of people from Clive, an old member and anchor of the club, to a young student at their first tournament were in attendance. 13 Players, two sections of four and one section of five.

The quads played out very smoothly. Kids were chatting and giggling, players were intensely zoned in, and viewers spectated some remaining games. There was a sense of community, of harmony between the kids and the seniors.

After the tournament, we all packed up the pieces and cleaned the room. Clive stuck around just a little longer than everyone else. On his way out, he said, “This was like the old times.”

After three years, a global pandemic, and a leadership change, Ewing Chess Club is back—and I am proud to say I played a small part in it.